2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV Electrical System Problems

I am reporting a safety issue involving the high-voltage battery system of my vehicle. Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 87,125 miles The vehicle has generated a P302F diagnostic trouble code, which indicates high-voltage battery cell imbalance. This condition may pose a safety risk related to battery performance and thermal stability. The authorized Chevrolet dealership has refused to diagnose the issue under warranty unless I pre-authorize a $600 diagnostic fee. The vehicle is covered under an active GM buyback warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty due to a recall battery replacement. Due to the safety implications of a high-voltage battery fault, I believe refusal to diagnose the issue under warranty may pose a risk and warrants review. I am submitting this complaint to document the issue and request investigation. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

My car stopped in the middle of a busy intersection and my battery relay melted and caused damage to the transmission and the transmission needed a sphincter. The whole battery system needs to be recalled for melting and almost setting my car on fire.

While at a remote location, I unlocked and entered the vehicle normally. When I tried to start the vehicle, numerous unrelated error messages appeared on-screen. The instrument panel was energized, but the vehicle could only shift into neutral and park. Power steering was lost, as was window functionality. The vehicle could not be fully started, nor could not it be fully shut off either. It was stuck in a peculiar, unsafe, and unresolvable state of energized limbo. AAA towed the car to Watson Chevrolet who determined that the 12v system (vs propulsion) battery malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. There is no information in the owner’s manual about this issue. The tow truck mechanic had no clue what was wrong. Fortunately, we were in a safe location. But under different circumstances, such as being roadside, this could have been a very unsafe situation. This is the original battery. The car...

On May 24, 2022, I brought my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV into Vic Canever dealership to have the high voltage battery replaced per the recall instructions (see invoice). Ever since the “new” battery was installed, I can no long fast charge my vehicle to specification. I have tried several DC fast chargers including the DC fast charger at the dealership. The dealership fast charger would only charge at a rate of 18Kw (see picture). I was able to charge a little faster at a DC fast charger in Perry, Michigan at 29.7Kw (see picture). Both are a long way away for the original charge rate of 55Kw. The other problem that occurred after the battery exchange is that the range significantly declined. With the original battery the vehicle range was around 250 miles. Now, with the new battery, I can’t even get to 200 miles range (see picture). With all...

In Sept 2020, GM issued Service Bulletin 20-NA-170 regarding rapid popping or clicking noises coming from the I-Booster hardware under the hood in the braking system. Earlier fixes for this issue involved replacing the I-Booster hardware, but that didn't solve the problem. The new fix called for a software update to the Brake Booster Control Module. The Bulletin states: "Correction -- DO NOT replace the I-booster assembly. Update the Brake Booster Control Module with the latest software." I reported this brake/electrical system issue to NHTSA on April 24, 2022 (# 11461966) and January 25, 2023 (# 11503678), and have had no response or investigation by NHTSA regarding the hazard of this software defect. When the hardware eventually fails--and it will due to 1000's of unnecessary use cycles--what happens to the braking system?

The car was parked and when we went out to it, the stereo was crackling very loud static and popping. This continued when the stereo is off. When we reset the stereo, it stopped momentarily and then resumed. Eventually the speakers stopped and just crackled intermittently. After finding a slew of similar incidents online, I opened the rear to find it totally filled with water (see picture, where it is parked on a hill). This filled the subwoofer and drowned the amp, causing global failure of the stereo system. No liquid has been in the rear of my car, and you can tell it is dirty like rainwater. I believe this to be a design flaw due to the other cases reported here [XXX] This doesn't sound like a safety issue, except everything runs through the stereo. Not just music, but the turn signals audio functions, blind spot indicator and...

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the infotainment screen fractured, and the contact was unable to identify the controls while activating the screen. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who stated that the infotainment screen needed to be replaced; however, the part needed to repair the infotainment screen had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Seal leaking in rear causing puddle in floor of storage area where the sub woofer and radio amplifier is mounted. Water has shorted out amp and needs replaced

My vehicle, an a whole host of others according to other owners online, have an issue with defective sealing in the rear bumper and underbody of the vehicle which allows water to enter, flooding the trunk which fries the electrical harness and audio system. As a result, all warning systems including the Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, turn signals, emergency lights, door ajar warning, and vehicle status warning systems are inaudible. This is not just a nuisance of not having an audio system but posses great danger to the driver, their passengers and others on the road as warning systems cannot be heard. In addition, the wiring harness affects other critical components on the car and considering this is an all electric vehicle, this is of great concern. Chevrolet is well aware of the issue but either instructs dealerships to not cover...

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V560000 (Electrical System) and 22V930000 (Structure, Seat Belts) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as he no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that they were on a waitlist with the dealership but then suddenly taken off. The contact has been suggested to pay the shipping cost to send the vehicle outside of Alaska for repairs. The contact stated that they are still waiting for the recall repairs to be made and they have not heard back from GMC.

This car worked reliably until the battery recall battery was exchanged then this started happening about a month later. First the vehicle died upon slowing down, driver was exiting a highway ramp stopped the car and turned off the car and turned on again and drove home without further trouble. Happened again, same thing this was at night. Then myself as driver, Took car to dealership, stayed in right lane on highway then car failed to accelerate but maintained about 40mph then died as slowing down on exit. After much time turning off and on again, the car finally allowed it to be put in drive and I made it to the dealership. After a week the dealership couldn’t find anything wrong with the car and said no charge but they can’t diagnose. Driving the car again, it drove fine until it didn’t. This time died and wouldn’t allow it...

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with One Pedal Driving mode that allowed the brakes to apply independently when releasing the accelerator pedal; however, while driving at various speeds with One Pedal Driving mode engaged, the accelerator pedal was released but the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle responded. Additionally, the contact stated that the electronic parking brake failed to respond when engaged. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Chevrolet is still refusing to do anything. They stated consumer is not eligible for a buyback because a replacement battery is available. They also stated they don't know when it can be replaced or what the battery status is because no battery is available.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

GM CALLED ME 60 days ago and said new replacement battery is ordered to fulfill recall. Dealership has 2 batteries in stock but cannot replace vehicle battery because they do not have a forklift to move the battery and have no projected date when then will get a forklift or rent one. Car was recalled for battery fires and Chevy doesn’t own or know where to rent a forklift.

The vehicle is under recall for battery fire. Brought vehicle in for service at Priority Chevrolet to have software updated. Car was dropped off evening before 8 am appointment. Priority Chevrolet failed to update the vehicle software. Battery fire risk still exists. Priority Chevrolet in Chesapeake, VA.

I want to complain about GM's handling of recall N212343881 affecting my vehicle listed above. I have received now 3 written notifications of this recall, the last one directing me to call my local dealership to have the recall work done. When I contacted the dealership they were in no position to tell me: 1.) When they would receive the required parts to complete the recall work 2.) what the notification process would be once they receive the required parts 3.) Ascertain me that they would contact me immediately once they receive the required parts In short, I continue to feel left in limbo well over half a year after the recall first was made public.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I've been using my BOLT for 4 years without incident and have been charging my car at my home at my home level 2 charger for 18 months without incident. I began the process with GM to either buyback my 2017 BOLT or exchange the batteries as per the recall. However, on Tuesday, my found my car smoking with a strong burning plastic smell as it was charging at my house. I disconnected and now have damage to both my charger and my charging port of my car. I do not feel safe trying to charge this car again and do not even know if its possible in its current state. i contacted Chevy and they referred me to another branch of their company to investigate this incident. They are now asking me to hire and electrician and have the plug inspected, at my expense. I am currently using the...

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall and limited the charge level of the battery, but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

The vehicle is under recall for main traction battery defects. There is no planned or expectable date for correction of the defect; parts are not available and cannot be made available in a reasonable amount of time. A GM spokesperson on 9/15/2021 stated to Bloomberg (afterward picked up by most news organizations) that Bolts should be parked at least 50' from other vehicles, and only on the top deck of parking structures, apparently to minimize collateral damage when the Bolt burns. This statement will lead to Bolt drivers being banned from parking facilities, and subjecting the owners to abuse by people who don't want them parked anywhere nearby. GM must expand the recall to simply buy back all Bolts immediately, paying approximately the original amount paid by owners with perhaps some allowance for miles actually driven, and and recover vehicles from all lessees. Based on the spokesperson's statement, the vehicles...

GM has been jerking myself, and all Bolt owners all of this year and For myself and other owners of 2017-early 2019 models. They have overlaid Recalls on the 2017-2019 to reset apparent recall start dates. We have been dealing with being under the umbrella of a one battery fire recall or another since November of 2020, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. My Bolt was in a chevy shop for TWO MONTHS June/July 2021 time frame for the first recall because it took them that long to get a single battery module. Now they have issued yet another recall. I am one of over 100,000 owners that are tired of being told, "baby your batteries to 'reduce' the risk of fire". Being told to limit the effective battery range to over 60% of what it is supposed to are capable of is not acceptable. GM is playing 'lawyer' and making it nearly...

With the existing manufacture recall, I have filed a case with Chevolet regarding the Bolt EV's battery. however, nothing has been done; And as a medical professional with children in the home, it is extremely worrisome to actively monitor the charging phase. I now charge the Bolt during the day time and have to remind myself to move the Bolt out when the charge is complete. And I am incurring a higher electricity rate during this charge cycles. Does your agency have the facility to tell the manufacturer to speed up their repair resolution.

I stopped for a DC fast charge at an Electrify America station to ensure that my vehicle's battery level would stay over "70 miles of charge" to reduce fire risk (per GM recommendation). The vehicle has been programmed to remain at or below a 90% charge limit. After charging for 25 minutes, I unplugged the CCS1 connector from the Bolt by pressing the connector release button and pulling gently. To my surprise, the connector unlatched and disconnected immediately while charging at roughly 35,000 watts (>80 amps, 400 volts) and both the connector and my car's charging port began emitting a strong sulfur odor. The connector is supposed to have a high-voltage safety interlock that prevents either side from being moved while current is flowing. I have seen this interlock technology on many different chargers (CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla) and have never seen it fail. After the incident, I inspected and photographed...

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacture had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also contacted a dealer and it was confirmed that part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

2017 CHEVROLET BOLT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-560. THE CONSUMER WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE AMOUNT OF REPAIRS TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The 1st recall for this problem was Nov 2020. We waited for 7 months for the "permanent fix," during which time we were forced to lose some of our range. During MN winters, this is an especially big problem, since range is already significantly reduced due to cold weather. In late July we learned that 2 more vehicles burst into flames despite having received the permanent fix, so now there is yet another recall with no remedy available. This time we are forced to reduce our range by nearly half, must charge after every use, and must leave our car parked outside. This is a huge problem due to a surge in stolen vehicles in our community. When winter arrives, this huge reduction in range will prevent them from meeting our needs. We invested a lot of money in these 2 Bolt EVs and are angry that GM put our...

The 1st recall for this problem was Nov 2020. We waited for 7 months for the "permanent fix," during which time we were forced to lose some of our range. During MN winters, this is an especially big problem, since range is already significantly reduced due to cold weather. In late July we learned that 2 more vehicles burst into flames despite having received the permanent fix, so now there is yet another recall with no remedy available. This time we are forced to reduce our range by nearly half, must charge after every use, and must leave our car parked outside. This is a huge problem due to a surge in stolen vehicles in our community. When winter arrives, this huge reduction in range will prevent them from meeting our needs. We invested a lot of money in these 2 Bolt EVs and are angry that GM put our...

A recall by GM indicates that my 2017 Bolt is no longer safe for me to use as it may catch on fire. As I have to park the car in the garage for charging, this is an unacceptable situation. Also, the software fixes are known as not to be totally effective. I am logging this issue, which I am sure you already know, as a means of documenting this situation is happening to me.

My 2017 Chevy Bolt has been recalled for the second time due to a defect in the battery. GM attempted to solve the hardware problem with a software fix, with the predictable result that cars are still exploding and burning down people's homes. The lack of transparency from GM is disturbing, considering that the defect puts my life at risk and makes the car unusable for its intended purpose, which is to drive long range during the day and charge overnight. I have called my local chevy dealer who I bought the car from multiple times and left messages, but their service department does not pick up the phone when I call them and do not respond to my messages.

I have a 2017 Bolt that is affected by the Bolt battery fire recall. I have patiently awaited for a real fix for this issue since November of 2017. I have lived in fear of this car burning up or my house burning up from this vehicle for 8 months. I need this vehicle it is my daily transportation. I paid more than $46,000 for this vehicle (including tax and registration). Now, Chevy has said I can't charge at night, I can't charge in my garage, and I can't use more than 60% (143 miles), they don't know the root cause of the fires, they don't have a fix, and they have not committed to changing our batteries. After all this, this car is unusable to me and I can't trust Chevy to detect the defect and apply a meaningful fix. I have applied for a buyback and was denied...

The battery may be faulty and burst on fire. This was recall last year and this year and the remedie didn’t work. 2 more fires where confirm after the final remedy

Car is at risk for fire due to faulty battery and GM's proposal is to park the car outside and not charge it fully. This is an unacceptable safety risk (car break ins outside in city, fire hazard indoor and out) and the usable range is significantly lower than the advertised range. GM should replace the batteries entirely or issue full refunds for the purchase price.

I don't think the procedures currently considered by Chevy for the Bolt Batteries are appropriate and that they need to replace the batteries - not apply another stop gap measure that will cost every one time and costs. Obviously if testing the batteries was a solution, the previous fix should have been sufficient, and it have proven to not be.

Battery recalled, but parts not yet available. I am concerned for the safety of my family and others that may be nearby my vehicle in the event a fire erupts. My understanding is that at least 16 fires have been confirmed due to this issue. Other than the pending recall, my vehicle is up-to-date on all other maintenance/recalls.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V560000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

I purchased this car (Chevy Bolt EV) under the assumption that I could simply charge overnight and have the car ready for the next day. Chevy has come out with multiple supposed fixes yet still has fires. I have a newborn at home and can basically no longer charge the car at home since I feel I would be putting my family at risk. Chevy now says we can only use the fraction of the battery charge safely. This is simply unacceptable and I am doubtful Chevy actually knows the root cause of the issue.

The issue with the current recall is that it is impossible for those with long commutes to adhere to the not charging overnight and not going below 70 miles of range. While I do not expect any battery failure I would like to be sure that the vehicle will be replaced by GM if the vehicle were to be damaged by the battery even though I am not following the recommended actions due to needing to use more of the range than is recommended at this time.

There is a recall on our 2017 Bolt due to battery fires.. we are very concerned that our car will catch fire… we just purchased this used car

My high voltage battery is likely to catch fire some time after charging the vehicle. Chevy has told me not to use my full battery as they advertised and I cannot park my vehicle in my garage. This is unacceptable and I am not able to use the car as originally advertised.

I am extremely concerned about the battery fire recall for my 2017 Chevy bolt. I live in a townhome, with the garage on the first floor. The only place I can charge the car and park is in the garage on the first floor. And the only way to escape the building is by walking past the garage. So, the risk of a major car fire in the garage is very life threatening to me and my family! I am disappointed about how Chevy has handled this defect. I realize mistakes happen, but I think chevy could have taken more steps to ensure the safety of their customers, and not leave them with a broken car that has lost value due to the perception that it is unsafe. Chevy originally identified this defect Nov. of 2020. They shipped a temporary fix, limiting the range to 90%, decreasing the utility of...

The battery has the potential to catch fire while it is charged or parked. The given precautions provided by GM makes the car unreliable and unusable. The battery and the vehicle is on usable due to its limitations based on charging. GM has no remedy for this vehicle.