GM expands battery recall to all Chevrolet Bolts

Aug. 21 (UPI) -- General Motors has extended its recall of Chevrolet Bolts to include all years of the electric cars.

The automaker announced the voluntary recall Friday, telling customers that steps were being taken to replace defective lithium ion battery modules that could spark a fire. The repairs are being done at no cost to car owners.

The initial recall issued last month included Bolts manufactured between 2017 and 2019. The new recall includes all Bolts with model years through 2022.

GM said it will notify customers when replacement parts are ready to make the repairs. In the meantime, the automaker is asking customers to set their vehicle to a 90% state of charge limitation, charge their vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their batteries below about 70 miles.

The recall comes after at least two vehicles caught fire.

Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned Bolt owners to not park the cars inside.

"The affected vehicles' cell packs have the potential to smoke and ignite internally, which could spread to the rest of the vehicle and cause a structure fire if parked inside a garage or near a house," the NHSTA said.