A Chevy Bolt Class Action Lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Chevy Bolt EV owners
On May 21, 2021, Klein Lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors Company for alleged defects in its Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicle (Chevy Bolt EV), resulting in car fires.
The Chevy Bolt Class Action lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers who purchased or leased 2017 through 2022 Chevy Bolt EVs and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUVs. These vehicles suffer from battery defects that result in a risk of fire. Specifically, when the batteries are charged to full, close to full, or are drained below 30%, they pose a risk of unexpectedly catching on fire. Due to GM’s actions, the defect creates a significant safety risk and has caused damages for Canadian consumers.
In response, General Motors downgraded the battery capacity, thereby reducing the available mileage and decreasing the value of the vehicles. Canadians ended up with a product that was negligently designed, carelessly manufactured, and deceptively marketed to them.
If you purchased or leased a 2017 through 2022 Chevy Bolt EV or 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV in Canada, please complete our Do You Qualify form below.
Contact us today at info@callkleinlawyers.com or fill out our online questionnaire to receive updates about the case.
Chevy Bolt Class Action Lawsuit Updates
Below are the major updates in the Chevy Bolt Class Action Lawsuit:
- Filing of the Notice of Civil Claim (May 21, 2021): Klein Lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors Company on behalf of Chevy Bolt owners who purchased or leased 2017 to 2022 Bolt EVs and 2022 Bolt EUVs. The lawsuit alleges the vehicles’ defective batteries pose a serious fire risk, endanger consumers, and reduce their vehicles’ value.
- Amendment to Notice of Civil Claim (August 25, 2022): After further investigation, Klein Lawyers amended the original claim to include LG Electronics, the manufacturer of the defective batteries. This amendment was necessary to establish the collaboration between GM and LG “through joint planning and research to design, engineer, test, develop, and manufacture the Chevrolet Bolt, including the battery components.” The amended claim clarifies the shared responsibility for the battery defects that have caused vehicle fires.
- Proceeding Toward Certification: The Chevrolet Bolt lawsuit is currently moving through the certification process. Certification as a class action will help represent the collective interests of all the affected Chevy Bolt owners. There is strength in numbers, giving each class member a better chance of obtaining justice when they stand together as a united front.
- Chevy Bolt EV Class Action Settles in the U.S. (May 16th, 2024): The Chevy Bolt EV class action lawsuit in the United States settled for $150 million. The U.S. settlement may have implications for the Canadian lawsuit, potentially influencing the strategy and outcome of the ongoing proceedings here in Canada.
Each update is a milestone in the pursuit of justice for Chevrolet Bolt owners. If you purchased or leased a 2017 to 2022 Chevy Bolt EV or a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, we encourage you to fill out the form below for more information on joining the class action lawsuit.
How Many Chevy Bolts Have Caught Fire?
While GM has acknowledged at least 19 Chevy Bolt fires, the exact number is still under investigation. However, these incidents were serious enough to prompt worldwide recalls of affected models. The fires are linked to a battery defect, particularly when the battery is at a full or near-full charge or when the charge falls below 30%.
What makes these incidents even more alarming is the difficulty extinguishing battery fires. Electric vehicle battery fires can reignite multiple times, making them especially hazardous. These fires are a risk to car owners and the public and can cause massive property damage.
What Is the Chevy Bolt Recall Status?
The Chevy Bolt recall began in November 2020 and, at one point, covered every Bolt produced from 2017 to 2022. That is more than 141,000 vehicles across two continents.
Currently, the GM recall page urges owners of “select 2020–2022 model year Bolt EV and EUVs” to get Advanced Diagnostic Software to “continually monitor the high voltage battery in the vehicle.” This software will initially limit the battery charge to 80%, possibly restoring the battery to full capacity after reaching 10,000 km without incident. For vehicles ineligible for this software, GM will replace the battery modules entirely.
Bolt owners are instructed to adhere to the following safety guidelines if they have not visited their local dealer yet:
- Limit your vehicle to a 90% state of charge
- Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid slipping below a 110 km remaining range
- Park your Bolt outside; do not leave it indoors overnight
Please see the GM recall page for more detailed instructions.
How To Join the Chevy Bolt Class Action Lawsuit
If you owned or leased a Chevy Bolt EV from 2017 to 2022 or a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, you may be eligible to join the Chevy Bolt Class Action Lawsuit. It is important to note that eligibility could change depending on whether the case reaches certification or a settlement is achieved.
Do you believe you are a potential class member? We encourage you to fill out the form below to get more information about your eligibility and the case’s progress.
The Chevy Bolt Class Action holds GM and LG accountable for the serious safety risks and financial losses caused by the Bolts’ defective batteries. The battery defect poses a safety hazard, and the proposed fix of downgrading the battery capacity reduces the mileage and diminishes the car’s value.
Canadians are left with a negligently designed, poorly manufactured, and misleadingly marketed product. Together, let’s fight to right this wrong, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
“The negotiations were conducted by plaintiffs’ counsel with experience in class proceedings.”
“I am satisfied it is apparent from the material, which is complicated, and, I might say very well organized...”
“Plaintiff’s counsel are senior members of the bar who have extensive experience in personal injury litigation and class actions..”
“Mr. Klein is experienced and able in relation to class proceedings. Over time he has acquired expertise that permits him to make a valuable contribution...”
“The lead class counsel is experienced and has been recognized by the courts in approving settlements in other class actions.”
“Counsel for the plaintiffs in the various jurisdictions appear to be experienced in class proceedings, and to be recognized as skilled litigators.”
“…Plaintiff’s counsel retained the British Columbia law firm of Klein Lawyers to assist in the litigation. That firm has extensive experience...”
“Klein Lawyers is a litigation firm focusing on class actions. The firm is based in Vancouver but also has a Toronto office.”
“The proposed Class Counsel have excellent qualifications…”
“Mr. Klein of Klein Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in the field of class action litigation and has appeared as plaintiffs’ counsel in over 25 certified class actions...”
“Class counsel, Klein Lawyers LLP and Kim Orr Barristers P.C., are highly experienced in class action litigation. Both firms have practiced in the specialized area of class action litigation for over 20 years”
“British Columbia class counsel took on this case on a contingency basis, and faced a real risk of not being paid at all for their services.”
“Class counsel pursued this litigation to completion on their own rather than with a consortium of counsel from various provinces.”
“Klein Lawyers has continuously posted updates about the case on its website during the litigation, and has posted the court decisions...”
“There is little doubt that the lawyers of the firm expended a great deal of time in prosecuting the action, in negotiating a settlement...”
“…Class counsel undertook an extensive communication plan to advise potential class members of the proposed settlement and to advise them of the...”
