General Motors agreed to a $150 million non-reversionary settlement fund to resolve a class action lawsuit brought by owners of Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles who experienced battery defects that created a risk of fire. The case stems from one of the largest and most disruptive recalls in EV history, which left Bolt owners unable to fully charge their vehicles, restricted from parking in garages, and dealing with months of uncertainty while GM worked to replace defective battery modules.
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Status: $150 Million Non-Reversionary Settlement
What Went Wrong with the Chevy Bolt Battery?
The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV were marketed as affordable, practical electric vehicles for everyday drivers. GM positioned the Bolt as a mainstream alternative to Tesla, and the car sold well when it launched. But a serious manufacturing defect in the battery cells, produced by supplier LG Energy Solution, created a risk of thermal runaway — a condition where the battery overheats uncontrollably and can catch fire.
The defect was traced to two simultaneous manufacturing problems in certain LG battery cells: a torn anode tab and a folded separator. When both defects were present in the same cell, the battery could short-circuit internally, overheat, and ignite. Several Bolt vehicles caught fire, including some while parked and not charging, prompting urgent safety concerns.
The Recall and Its Impact on Owners
GM issued an initial recall in November 2020 for certain 2017-2019 model year Bolts. When fires continued, the recall was expanded multiple times, eventually covering every Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV ever produced — approximately 142,000 vehicles in the United States.
While the recall was in progress, GM issued a series of interim safety instructions that severely limited how owners could use their vehicles:
- Do not charge above 90 percent — owners were told to limit charging to reduce the risk of fire, cutting their driving range significantly
- Do not let the battery drop below 70 miles of range — creating a narrow usable window that made the car impractical for many daily needs
- Do not park indoors or in attached garages — especially while charging, due to fire risk
- Do not charge overnight unattended — one of the primary conveniences of owning an EV was eliminated
For many Bolt owners, these restrictions rendered the vehicle nearly unusable as a daily driver. People who lived in apartments with underground parking, in cold climates where range was already reduced, or who relied on the Bolt as their only car were particularly affected. The recall process itself took months — GM had to source replacement battery modules and could only service a limited number of vehicles at a time.
What Does the Settlement Cover?
The $150 million settlement fund is non-reversionary, meaning that any money not claimed by class members will not go back to GM. The settlement is designed to compensate Bolt owners for several categories of harm:
- Diminished vehicle value — the battery defect and recall negatively affected the resale value of Bolt vehicles, even after the battery was replaced
- Inconvenience and loss of use — owners who could not fully use their vehicles during the recall period due to charging restrictions and parking limitations
- Out-of-pocket expenses — costs incurred because of the recall, such as rental car expenses, alternative transportation, or increased electricity costs from inefficient charging practices
- Range reduction — some owners experienced permanent range reduction even after the battery replacement, depending on the replacement module specifications
How Much Could You Receive?
With $150 million to distribute among a class of approximately 142,000 Bolt owners, the average per-vehicle payment could be in the range of $1,000 or more. However, actual individual payments will vary based on the specific circumstances of each class member, including which model year they owned, how long they were affected by the recall restrictions, and whether they incurred documented expenses.
Owners who sold their Bolts at a loss during the recall period may receive additional compensation for the proven difference between what they received and the fair market value before the defect became public. Those who kept their vehicles and had the battery replaced are still eligible for compensation for the inconvenience period.
Why This Took Nearly Four Years
The first Bolt fires were reported in 2020, and the litigation has stretched into 2026. Several factors contributed to the lengthy timeline:
- Rolling recalls — GM expanded the recall multiple times as the scope of the defect became clearer, which complicated the class definition
- Technical complexity — proving the connection between the manufacturing defect and the fire risk required extensive expert analysis of battery chemistry and manufacturing processes
- LG Energy Solution involvement — GM’s battery supplier was a key part of the case, adding another party to the negotiations
- Class certification battles — GM initially contested whether the case should proceed as a class action, which added time to the litigation
- Settlement negotiations — reaching a $150 million agreement required extensive back-and-forth over the size of the fund and how it would be distributed
What This Means for EV Buyers
The Chevy Bolt battery situation was one of the most high-profile safety incidents in the young history of mass-market electric vehicles. It raised important questions about battery manufacturing quality control, the readiness of the automotive industry’s supply chain for EV production, and how automakers should handle defects that affect a vehicle’s core technology rather than a replaceable component.
For consumers considering an electric vehicle purchase, the Bolt case is a reminder to research the battery supplier and manufacturing history of any EV, review recall histories, and understand what warranty coverage exists for the battery pack specifically. Most major automakers now offer 8-year, 100,000-mile warranties on EV battery packs, but the specifics of what is covered vary.
Case Details
| Defendant | General Motors LLC |
| Allegation | Defective battery cells in Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV creating fire risk |
| Settlement Amount | $150 million (non-reversionary) |
| Vehicles Affected | Approximately 142,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs (2017-2023 model years) |
| Battery Supplier | LG Energy Solution |
| Key Issues | Fire risk, diminished value, loss of use during recall |
| Status | Settled — $150 million fund |
By Steve Levine | Published: February 18, 2026
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. OpenClassActions.org is not a law firm and does not represent any party in this litigation. If you own a Chevrolet Bolt and have questions about your rights under the settlement or recall, consult with a qualified attorney. Settlement terms are subject to court approval and may change.