Chevrolet Bolt Recalled for Seat Belt Fire Risk
The recall is not related to larger fire-related recalls from 2020 and 2021
Chevrolet is recalling more than 111,000 Bolt EVs from the 2017 through 2023 model years because a seat belt component may cause a vehicle’s carpet to catch fire after a crash.
The problem has to do with the seat belt pretensioner, an important safety device that uses a controlled explosive charge to tighten the belt at the onset of a crash in order to prevent injury. If the pretensioner deploys, hot exhaust could cause a fire on the carpeted surfaces near where the front seat belts are attached to the floor.
A spokesperson for the automaker tells Consumer Reports that there have been three incidents where carpet fibers have ignited after a crash, none of which caused injuries.
To fix the problem, Chevrolet dealerships will install metal foil near the pretensioner exhaust. In some cases, dealerships will also install a pretensioner cover. Both fixes will be free of charge. The automaker will start alerting owners by mail about the recall Jan. 30, 2023.
This recall is unrelated to the Bolt’s earlier recall woes, which required the replacement of battery modules.
Learn more about car recalls at CR’s guide to recalls.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: Chevrolet Bolt EVs manufactured between July 26, 2016, and Oct. 25, 2022.
The problem: After a crash, hot exhaust gases from a deployed seat belt pretensioner could ignite carpet fibers beneath the rear of the vehicle’s front seats.
The fix: Chevrolet dealerships will install protective metal foil and, if necessary, a seat belt pretensioner cover, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Chevrolet at 800-222-1020.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V930. Chevrolet’s number for this recall is N222383790.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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