General Motors said on Friday it was recalling 68,677 electric vehicles globally as they pose a fire risk.
The automaker is aware of five reported fires and two minor injuries.
The recall covers 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem facility located in Ochang, South Korea.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month started an initial investigation into the Bolt EVs after the reports of three Bolts catching fire.
The automaker said the vehicles pose a fire risk when they are fully charged, or almost full capacity. The automaker had developed software that will limit vehicle charging to 90% of the whole capacity to mitigate the risk, while it figures out the appropriate final repair.
“We’re working together around the clock to deploy a final remedy as soon as possible after the first of the year,” said Jesse Ortega, executive chief engineer for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, in a conference call.
“We will cooperate with GM and sincerely proceed with an investigation to identify the exact cause of fire,” said LG Chem.
NHTSA said Bolt owners should park their cars outside and away from the residence until their vehicles have been repaired, because of the new recall for the risk of fire.
The recall involves 50,932 U.S. Bolt vehicles.
Smoke inhalation injuries were reported in a March 2019 incident that occurred in Belmont, Massachusetts. A Bolt caught fire in the driveway and the owner said strong fumes pervade the home during a three-hour fire requiring professional cleaning. The owners also reported they were affected by headaches after the contact with the smoke.
Dealerships will update the vehicle’s battery software by this week.
Other electric vehicles have faced fire risk recalls.
