The National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) announced a new recall of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, impacting 107 units that were previously repaired under recall 21V-650. The current recall includes Bolt EV units manufactured between 2020 and 2022, along with 2022 Bolt EUV units, on which diagnostic software installation may have failed.
There have been chronic safety issues and problems with the Chevy Bolt model. For example, General Motors (GM) has launched three other recalls for the Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV due to fire risks, impacting roughly 142,000 vehicles.
In addition to recalling vehicles, NHTSA advised Chevy Bolt owners to keep their vehicles set at a 90-percent charge level, along with charging more regularly and avoiding letting it get below 70 miles of range. In addition, NHTSA recommended Chevy Bolt owners park outside after charging and avoid parking indoors overnight.
Is My Recalled Chevy Bolt EV a Lemon?
Possibly. Under state lemon laws, a vehicle is generally considered a lemon when it has a recurring defect that isn’t repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, typically while under the manufacturer’s warranty.
What qualifies as “reasonable” will vary by state. Nevertheless, this term often encompasses repeated repairs for the same problem, lengthy time in the shop, or defects that create serious safety risks.
My Leased Chevy Bolt Was Part of the Recall – Do I Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim?
Generally speaking, yes, leased vehicles can often be covered under applicable state Lemon Law, if they meet the state’s criterion for defects and repair attempts. Keeping detailed records of all problems and repairs is essential, as strong documentation is the key to a successful claim.
How Much Financial Restitution Can I Receive?
It depends on your specific circumstances. Lemon Law compensation varies from case to case, depending on the specific aspects of the claim. The ideal outcome is a Lemon Buyback, in which the manufacturer repurchases the vehicle from you. In a Lemon Buyback, you may be eligible to receive the following forms of financial restitution:
- Your full down payment
- All monthly payments for the vehicle
- Taxes related to the purchase
- Finance charges
- A pro-rated portion of your registration fees
You may also be eligible to receive compensation for towing fees, service costs (including parts), and car rental fees
The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan and discharge it. There is a standard depreciation deduction for your use of the vehicle. Depreciation is calculated based on mileage when you first brought the vehicle in to repair a defect.
You may also be able to negotiate with the manufacturer to replace your lemon with another vehicle of equivalent or lesser value, essentially swapping your defective vehicle for one that works.
Take Action Today – Contact Bad Vehicle About Your Chevy Bolt EV
If you own or lease a Chevrolet Bolt EV that exhibits persistent problems or has been into the dealership for more than 15 days, then you may have a viable state lemon law case. If you find yourself in this situation, contact Bad Vehicle to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation. We have represented numerous individuals against vehicle manufacturers, and car dealerships who have sold our clients’ lemon vehicles.