[Escapetheburn]

Hi all,

This is my first posting (actually my first ever message board post). I have a 2019 Chevy Bolt and am worried about it catching on fire. Both my driveway and my garage are right next to my kids' rooms, so I have nowhere safe to charge it.

I owe about 22k on my car, and after checking KBB, its not worth crap (thanks Chevy).

How do I go about looking into a buyback? Is Chevy just going to give me KBB? I would like a new bolt (if its safe). I live in Arizona, if that matters.

Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

 

[SteveCaz]

Call 1833 382 4389. They took my info and said would get a call in 3 business days.

 

[GMOTSL]

There's a lot of info in this thread, Completed buy back | Chevy Bolt EV Forum

 

[ChargeUp]

Call 1833 382 4389. They took my info and said would get a call in 3 business days.

Just called the number you shared at 5:48pm EDT and there is a 45-minute wait time, so I chose the option for a callback. A few minutes later they dialed me back but I'm on hold with a beep like the call is being recorded... "keep the line open and the next available advisor will be with you shortly"

 

[ArizonaJon]

Hang on. I got a great buyback deal on my 2019.

 

[ChargeUp]

Hang on. I got a great buyback deal on my 2019.

No one seems to be sharing numbers on the forum, do you have to sign a legal 'gag' and not share that info? KBB shows my '19 worth $20-$22 this morning.

 

[Martin D]

[QUOTE

Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

To start with, so we aren’t under false pretenses, have you received a recall for potential battery fire from Chevrolet?

Only some ‘19 Bolts have been recalled, others not.

 

[bro1999]

[QUOTE

To start with, so we aren’t under false pretenses, have you received a recall for potential battery fire from Chevrolet?

Only some ‘19 Bolts have been recalled, others not.

Yeah, no tag for a recall, forget about a buyback.

 

[IansBAJ]

Yeah, no tag for a recall, forget about a buyback.

Yes we have done the recall repair to our 2019.

 

[Cajun swamper]

Yes we have done the recall repair to our 2019.

Guess you're going to stick it out, who knows you might end up getting a brand new battery later on
All earlier 2019 bolt batteries were made in Korea the rest of 2019 were made in Michigan

 

[BillG49]

[QUOTE

To start with, so we aren’t under false pretenses, have you received a recall for potential battery fire from Chevrolet?

Only some ‘19 Bolts have been recalled, others not.

The OP hasn't returned after 2 days. Not sure if he/she doesn't care, or maybe he/she just doesn't know how to get back to his/her question. 🥴

 

[Escapetheburn]

The OP hasn't returned after 2 days. Not sure if he/she doesn't care, or maybe he/she just doesn't know how to get back to his/her question. 🥴

Actually neither, I just have two toddlers and am busy with them lol I do care, and here I am.

Yes we got the recall notice (IansBAJ is my husband). We did the repair about 6 months ago, but as I am reading it sounds like vehicles with the repair are still having this issue. Hence my concern. How do I determine if my battery is one that was made in Michigan or Korea, and which poses the fire damage?

 

[MichBolt]

Actually neither, I just have two toddlers and am busy with them lol I do care, and here I am.

Yes we got the recall notice (IansBAJ is my husband). We did the repair about 6 months ago, but as I am reading it sounds like vehicles with the repair are still having this issue. Hence my concern. How do I determine if my battery is one that was made in Michigan or Korea, and which poses the fire damage?

The "final fix" software update was only available about 3 months ago, so you may have received a different repair or the "interim fix" software update that just limits your maximum charge.

In terms of determining where your battery was made, the easiest way to tell is to determine whether you are part of the recall or not. Enter your VIN at GM Recall Information | Chevy Recall Center | Chevrolet Recalls

If you are part of the recall, and regardless of whether you get GM to buy back your Bolt, I do recommend that you get the "final fix" software update applied. It includes a basic inspection of the voltages in your battery pack, and updated monitoring that may detect a problem in the future.

 

[Escapetheburn]

The "final fix" software update was only available about 3 months ago, so you may have received a different repair or the "interim fix" software update that just limits your maximum charge.

In terms of determining where your battery was made, the easiest way to tell is to determine whether you are part of the recall or not. Enter your VIN at GM Recall Information | Chevy Recall Center | Chevrolet Recalls

If you are part of the recall, and regardless of whether you get GM to buy back your Bolt, I do recommend that you get the "final fix" software update applied. It includes a basic inspection of the voltages in your battery pack, and updated monitoring that may detect a problem in the future.

Yes I have checked and my vehicle and it lists

• GM Recall #:
• N202311731
• NHTSA #
• 20V701

Recall Title:
High Voltage Battery May Melt or Burn


So if I have the repair done, does that negate my ability to request a buy back? I dont exactly trust their newest "fix".

If I cannot charge my car to 100%, it is kind of pointless. I purchased it based on its MPC amount, so I am pretty frustrated (as I am sure we all are). But in the meantime I have an unusable vehicle just sitting in my garage.

 

[MichBolt]

Yes I have checked and my vehicle and it lists

• GM Recall #:
• N202311731
• NHTSA #
• 20V701

Recall Title:
High Voltage Battery May Melt or Burn

So if I have the repair done, does that negate my ability to request a buy back? I dont exactly trust their newest "fix".

If I cannot charge my car to 100%, it is kind of pointless. I purchased it based on its MPC amount, so I am pretty frustrated (as I am sure we all are). But in the meantime I have an unusable vehicle just sitting in my garage.

The "final fix" restores the ability to charge to 100%. However, it apparently does not guarantee that a fire will be prevented; there appear to have been 2 recent fires with Bolts who received the "final fix." However, it should at least increase the chance that a problem will be detected, and therefore decrease the chance that your car will catch fire. Therefore, I urge you to get the final fix for your own safety and that of your toddlers.

In terms of negating the ability to request a buy back, nothing negates your ability to make a request. However, rejecting the "final fix" may not help; other owners have reported that their buy back request was denied because of the existence of a "final fix," regardless of the owner's confidence in it or intent to have it installed.

Now that there have been 2 fires after the "final fix," another owner has reported that GM is currently declining their buy back request until a decision is made regarding "what to do with all owners" regarding this situation. Still others are reporting that their buy back requests appear to be making progress.

Still, if you are determined to pursue a buy back, it can't hurt to try. Most owners will start the process by contacting the Chevrolet EV concierge service at 833-EV-CHEVY.

Edit:

If you end up keeping the Bolt, you should know that the range of Electric Vehicles (including the Bolt) will naturally decrease in winter (colder temperatures). If you purchased the Bolt counting on its full range, you may not be able to get that full range in the winter. The same will be true for any EV.

 

[Escapetheburn]

The "final fix" restores the ability to charge to 100%. However, it apparently does not guarantee that a fire will be prevented; there appear to have been 2 recent fires with Bolts who received the "final fix." However, it should at least increase the chance that a problem will be detected, and therefore decrease the chance that your car will catch fire. Therefore, I urge you to get the final fix for your own safety and that of your toddlers.

In terms of negating the ability to request a buy back, nothing negates your ability to make a request. However, rejecting the "final fix" may not help; other owners have reported that their buy back request was denied because of the existence of a "final fix," regardless of the owner's confidence in it or intent to have it installed.

Now that there have been 2 fires after the "final fix," another owner has reported that GM is currently declining their buy back request until a decision is made regarding "what to do with all owners" regarding this situation. Still others are reporting that their buy back requests appear to be making progress.

Still, if you are determined to pursue a buy back, it can't hurt to try. Most owners will start the process by contacting the Chevrolet EV concierge service at 833-EV-CHEVY.

Edit:

If you end up keeping the Bolt, you should know that the range of Electric Vehicles (including the Bolt) will naturally decrease in winter (colder temperatures). If you purchased the Bolt counting on its full range, you may not be able to get that full range in the winter. The same will be true for any EV.

Thanks for that info! I actually live in Arizona, so winter does not really exist here lol

 

[Peter Balzli]

Hi all,

This is my first posting (actually my first ever message board post). I have a 2019 Chevy Bolt and am worried about it catching on fire. Both my driveway and my garage are right next to my kids' rooms, so I have nowhere safe to charge it.

I owe about 22k on my car, and after checking KBB, its not worth crap (thanks Chevy).

How do I go about looking into a buyback? Is Chevy just going to give me KBB? I would like a new bolt (if its safe). I live in Arizona, if that matters.

Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

I am having the same problem I would like to buy the EUV but I want to give my 2017 bolt to my daughter. GM won't help they just say to charge it outside. Both dealer and GM customer service won't do a thing I thought we had 8 yrs 100000 mile warranty on batteries but I guess not.
I am wondering how to join a class action suit against GM but don't know how.
Peter Balzli 3xx-xxx-xxx6

 

[MichBolt]

I am having the same problem I would like to buy the EUV but I want to give my 2017 bolt to my daughter. GM won't help they just say to charge it outside. Both dealer and GM customer service won't do a thing I thought we had 8 yrs 100000 mile warranty on batteries but I guess not.
I am wondering how to join a class action suit against GM but don't know how.
Peter Balzli 3xx-xxx-xxx6

Hi Peter, welcome to the forum!

GM just announced (today, 7/23) another recall on 2017 Bolts where they will replace battery modules or packs for "most owners." There aren't many details yet. A lot of people are trying to call the Chevy EV concierge service at 833-EV-CHEVY, but they are probably very busy after GM's announcement.

In terms of a buyback, you would have to surrender the car that GM buys back. I don't believe you'll be able to have GM buy back your 2017 Bolt and still keep it to give to your daughter.

If you want to keep your 2017 Bolt, your best bet is to follow GM's advice and get the upcoming recall / battery module / pack replacement. Until then, GM's advice is to enable hilltop reserve, don't drive to less than 70 miles remaining, park outside, charge at a time you can monitor if possible, and charge outside if possible.