WASHINGTON — A U.S. auto security regulator mentioned on Friday it’s opening an investigation into 73,000 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid automobiles over stories of abrupt lack of energy, failures to restart and different points.
The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration mentioned it was opening the preliminary analysis into the 2016 by way of 2019 mannequin 12 months Chevrolet Volt after 61 complaints tied to the Battery Vitality Management Module (BECM). Some complaints reported there was little to no warning earlier than the lack of working energy or diminished energy mode occurred.
Common Motors beforehand issued a technical service bulletin saying if automobiles fail to restart, the BECM could have to be changed and reprogrammed however has not recalled automobiles, NHTSA mentioned. GM ended manufacturing of the Volt in early 2019.
GM didn’t instantly remark.
NHTSA mentioned the problem could pose a security danger if automobiles can not transfer with the move of surrounding site visitors and is extra severe relying on a stalled car’s skill to restart.
Some homeowners have advised NHTSA they’ve waited months or been unable to get substitute battery modules after experiencing the problem.
An proprietor in Los Angeles mentioned the Volt “suddenly, and unexpectedly lost propulsion while driving. The vehicle is no longer able to turn on or drive.”
One other proprietor reported the Volt wouldn’t drive greater than over 35 miles per hour on the freeway “and it stops driving on electricity randomly.”
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