Recall 20V701 covers 50,932 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles for battery-fire risk. Park outside or limit charge to 90% until the free software update.
A battery fire increases the risk of injury. Park the Bolt EV outside and away from structures until the software update is complete, and limit charge to 90% through the vehicle charge setting. Smoke, heat, melted parts, or battery damage are warning signs to stop using the vehicle and call a Chevrolet dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once Chevrolet opens it.
Chevrolet is recalling 50,932 2017-2019 Bolt EV vehicles because the high-voltage battery can catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity. Owners should park outside and away from structures until Chevrolet opens the final dealer repair, which will be free at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
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What's wrong?
The high voltage battery pack in the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV stores the energy that powers the electric drive system. It is made from battery cells grouped into modules, and those modules send power to the propulsion system when the vehicle is driven.
On affected Bolt EVs, battery cells produced at LG Chem's Ochang, Korea plant were built with rare latent manufacturing defects. When the pack is charged to full or nearly full capacity, those cell defects can let the battery overheat and catch fire. GM identified the issue through fire reports, vehicle inspections, and work with the battery-cell supplier.
Owners can notice smoke, unusual heat, melted battery parts, or damage to nearby vehicle components. Those are warning signs that the battery needs attention before the vehicle is charged or driven again.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Bolt EV model years; all list the same high-voltage traction battery component.
| 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 50,932 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 12 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A battery fire increases the risk of injury. Park the Bolt EV outside and away from structures until the software update is complete, and limit charge to 90% through the vehicle charge setting. Smoke, heat, melted parts, or battery damage are warning signs to stop using the vehicle and call a Chevrolet dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once Chevrolet opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is included in this recall.
- Use Chevrolet's instructions for superseding recall 21V-560, because recall 20V701 no longer carries the final repair path.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to confirm the free interim HPCM2 software update that limits full charge to 90%.
- Set Hill Top Reserve or Target Charge Level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is complete.
- Call the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389 with questions and reference recall number 20V701 when you call.
What happens at the repair
This recall was superseded by recall 21V-560. A 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV repaired under 20V701 still needs the new remedy under that later recall. For the interim step, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the hybrid propulsion control module 2 to limit full charge to 90%, free of charge. Until that software update is complete, use Hill Top Reserve on 2017 and 2018 models or Target Charge Level on 2019 models to hold charge at 90%, or park outside. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 13, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 13, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V701?
Recall 20V701 covers 50,932 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles with a high-voltage battery fire risk when charged to full or nearly full capacity. This recall was superseded by 21V-560, so vehicles previously repaired under 20V701 still need the newer remedy.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Bolt EV is included in recall 20V701. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall 20V701 and superseding recall 21V-560. Until the repair is complete, limit charging to 90% or park outside.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V701, Chevrolet dealers were instructed to reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module to limit full charge to 90% as an interim repair, free of charge.
Is it safe to park my Chevrolet Bolt EV in a garage?
Park outside until the software update or newer recall remedy is complete. Chevrolet's recall instructions told owners to use Hill Top Reserve on 2017 and 2018 models, or Target Charge Level on 2019 models, to limit charging to 90%, or park outside.
When were Chevrolet Bolt EV owners notified about recall 20V701?
Chevrolet began notifying owners about the interim repair on November 17, 2020. A second owner notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Because recall 20V701 was superseded by 21V-560, check your VIN before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V701000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-833-382-4389 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V701 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V701000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →