General Motors said Friday it was expanding its recall of Chevrolet Bolt electric cars that were at risk of catching fire due to rare manufacturing defects.
The company said it was recalling Bolts from the 2020 to 2022 model years. An earlier recall affected 2017-2019 models.
GM said the move would cost the company $1 billion on top of what it had spent on previous Bolt recalls. It also said it would seek refunds from its battery supplier, LG Chem.
“GM customers can trust that we are committed to ensuring the safety of these vehicles,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president.
The recalled bolts use battery packs made in South Korea by LG Chem, which has formed a joint venture with GM that is building battery plants in Ohio and Tennessee and expects to build others as the automaker rolls out new electric models.
GM and LG Chem have linked the fires to two rare manufacturing defects. Under the recall, GM plans to replace the failed battery modules.
