5 sourced reports, with what to check before you buy. Each one links to the page it was reported on.
3 of these reports describe a fire, explosion or shock risk.
Costly or dangerous
Advanced diagnostic software installation failure re-opens battery fire risk — recalls 24V812 and 24V481
Safety risk
NHTSA recall 24V812 (Oct 2024) and 24V481 (June 2024) show the software fix itself failed on some vehicles, keeping the fire risk alive even after the earlier 21V650 recall.
What to check. Even after the original battery recall, confirm the advanced diagnostic software was correctly installed; if the charge cap or warning is not active, the battery fire risk remains. Keep charge at 90% and park outside until the software is reinstalled.
High-voltage battery fire risk when charged to full — GM safety recall N212343880
Safety risk
This is GM's own dealer FAQ for the official NHTSA recall N212343880, covering all 2017-2019 Bolt EVs.
What to check. Until the battery modules are replaced, keep the charge limited to 90% (Hilltop Reserve/Target Charge Level), avoid depleting below ~70 miles of range, park outside after charging, and do not charge indoors overnight. The remedy is free module replacement.
LG Chem cell manufacturing defects (torn anode tab + folded separator) cause thermal runaway
Explains the root cause of the fire risk: two simultaneous manufacturing defects in the same cell, which can ignite even when parked and unplugged.
What to check. The defect is in the cell itself, so no driving habit fully removes the risk; the only definitive fix is battery module replacement. Owners of 2017-2021 units should treat the charge limit and park-outside guidance as mandatory until replacement.
KBA warns of post-crash fire risk from pyrotechnic seat belt tensioner on Bolt/Ampera-e (EU)
Safety risk
The German regulator (KBA) warns of an elevated post-crash fire risk from a misaligned pyrotechnic seat belt tensioner; the same platform issue affects the Chevrolet Bolt (the Ampera-e is its European twin).
What to check. For EU-market buyers, this confirms the pretensioner fire risk is recognized by the German regulator, not just NHTSA. Have the tensioner checked and the insulation shield fitted under the recall.
Seat belt pretensioner exhaust can ignite carpet after a crash — recall 23V845
A separate, non-battery fire recall: after a crash, the pretensioner's hot exhaust can ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar.
What to check. This is a crash-triggered fire risk, not a battery issue. Have the dealer inspect both front pretensioners and install the metal-foil shield so a collision does not lead to a cabin fire.
These reports come from the pages linked under each item: owner forums, repair guides and workshops. They are not a diagnosis of any one unit, and a careful check of the one you are buying still applies.
Text from the Kriko Electric cars catalog, version 0.1.1, under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
