Case Status
Keller Rohrback is pleased to share the news that parties in the In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation case have reached a settlement in principle, meaning that Plaintiffs and Defendants have agreed to the structure of a settlement of the pending litigation. This settlement agreement has not been presented to or approved by the Court yet; once the settlement is submitted to the court, the approval process can take several months.
The offer of a $1,400 payment to owners of certain 2020-22 Bolts is in connection with the settlement in principle and a recall approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This applies to a specific subset of the class who will receive software that can determine whether they need battery replacements but will not automatically receive a new battery. These payments are being offered now to this subset of class members to encourage participation in the recall, and the amount reflects the fact that most or all of this vehicle population is not expected to require a battery replacement.
Although accepting the $1,400 offer requires signing a release of claims, in effect you would be accepting early payment of the same initial amount you would receive if and when the court approves the proposed settlement, and if there is any additional compensation approved by the court, you will still be eligible to receive it.
More information, specific to owners of certain 2020-22 Bolts which are affected by GM safety recall N212345944, can be found below.
GENERAL FAQs:
Is GM requiring customers to sign a legal release?
Yes. This payment is being made in connection with a class-wide settlement in principle between the parties in a class action lawsuit, In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, No. 2:20-13256-TBG-CI (E.D. Mich.). In order to foster recall completion, GM is providing customers who have the Software Final Remedy installed by 12/31/2023 the option to obtain early compensation via e-card, but customers who choose to receive this early payment must release the same legal claims as will be released in connection with the settlement when it is approved by the court.
Which vehicles are included in the Bolt Compensation Program?
2020 - 2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV vehicles involved in GM safety recall N212345944.
My vehicle/VIN is not part of N212345944, am I eligible for compensation?
A class-wide settlement in principle has been reached between the parties in a class action lawsuit, In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, No. 2:20-13256-TBG-CI (E.D. Mich.). Any person who purchased or leased, other than for resale,
a vehicle subject to the Bolt battery recalls is a member of the putative settlement class, meaning you may participate in this settlement unless you choose to opt out. Class members will receive any final approved settlement payment through the court settlement process.
My vehicle/VIN is part of N212345944, but I did NOT receive a letter (don’t remember receiving/misplaced letter, were not on the eligibility list at time of program launch, or are a subsequent owner).
A class-wide settlement in principle has been reached between the parties in a class action lawsuit, In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, No. 2:20-13256-TBG-CI (E.D. Mich.). Any person who purchased or leased, other than for resale, a vehicle subject to the Bolt battery recalls isa member of the putative settlement class, meaning you may participate in this settlement unless you choose to opt out. Class members will receive any final approved settlement payment through the court settlement process.
Why is GM compensating customers?
In the interest of customer satisfaction and to foster recall completion, GM is providing customers who have had the Software Final Remedy installed by 12/31/2023 the option to obtain compensation via e-card, prior to any approval of the class-wide settlement in principle reached between the parties in a class action lawsuit, In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, No. 2:20-13256-TBG-CI (E.D. Mich.). ALL members of the putative settlement class who have had the Software Final Remedy installed will receive a payment via check, if and when the settlement is approved. Through this compensation program, members of the settlement class can choose to receive their settlement payments early, prior to preliminary or final approval of the settlement.
When and how will customers be notified of the compensation program?
Customer letters were sent on October 20, 2023. The letters include instructions on how to obtain compensation.
Are customers in Canada included?
No. This program and the In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, No. 2:20-13256-TBG-CI (E.D. Mich.) are limited to US customers only.
How long will it take for me to be compensated?
It can take up to 2 weeks to receive compensation after you complete the following steps: registration, recall repair, and associated warranty claim submission by your repairing dealership.
Who should I contact to check the status of my compensation?
Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive compensation after the following steps are completed: registration, recall repair, and associated warranty claim submission by your repairing dealership. After that time, customers can contact GM via the phone number listed in their confirmation email.
I prefer to receive a check or alternate form of payment, can I?
You may choose not to register for this e-card program and instead wait to receive any final approved settlement payment via check through the court settlement process.
What happens if I repair my vehicle after 12/31/2023?
You will not be eligible for the compensation offer request if you repair your vehicle after 12/31/2023. Members of the settlement class who have had the Software Final Remedy installed will receive a payment via check, if and when the settlement is approved through the court settlement process. Additional details are provided in the Release of Specified Claims, provided at chevrolet.com/boltcompensation.
What happens if I submit my compensation claim after 12/31/2023?
You may not submit a compensation offer request after 12/31/23. Members of the settlement class who have had the Software Final Remedy installed will receive a payment via check, if and when the settlement is approved through the court settlement process. Additional details are provided in the Release of Specified Claims, provided at chevy.com/boltcompensation.
What happens if more compensation is identified after 12/31/2023? Am I entitled to additional compensation as part of this class action?
If the final settlement denomination is above the $1,400, the settlement administrator will oversee distribution of any remaining unpaid compensation at that time. I received the customer letter, but my name or VIN are not correct. Who can I contact? Contact the Bolt EV Concierge team listed in the letter for assistance.
REDEMPTION WEBSITE FAQs:
The website does not recognize my VIN or PIN.
Contact GM at 1-866-288-8468 for website assistance.
How would I know if my request for compensation was processed on the website?
A confirmation number is generated on the website once all the necessary steps are completed. The page can be printed for your records. In addition, a confirmation email is sent almost immediately to the email address provided during the process.
I am receiving an error on the website. Who can I contact?
Contact 1-866-288-8468 for website assistance.
eReward Visa® Virtual Account FAQs:
About your Virtual Account and where it can be used?
The Card is a virtual prepaid card loaded by the Corporate Sponsor, redeemable to buy goods and services anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted online. The Card is NOT a credit Card. The Card is not a checking account or connected in any way to any account other than a stored value account where your funds are held. You may register the Card by logging into www.myprepaidcenter.com.
Pathward, N.A. will act as custodian of your funds upon its receipt of your funds. Once your Card is activated, you will be able to provide Pathward, as custodian, with instructions about the funds accessible through the Card. Activation of the Card authorizes us to hold your funds at Pathward or as custodian to place your funds at one or more participating banks (each a “Program Bank”). If you do not agree to your funds being held by us at Pathward or placed by Pathward as custodian at other Program Banks, please immediately spend all the funds on your Card. Card funds are not FDIC insured.
Can I replace my Virtual Account?
If you need to replace the Card for any reason, please visit www.myprepaidcenter.com or contact Customer Service. See the table above for applicable fees. Please note that your Card has an expiration date associated with it. You may not use the Card after the expiration date. However, even if the expiration date has passed, the available funds on your Card do not expire. You will not be charged a fee for replacement cards that we send due to expiration of the Card.
CONTACT US:
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