Chevrolet Bolt EV problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 909 owner complaints and 14 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2027). The 2017 Bolt EV has the most serious complaints, most often about steering.

Complaints
909
Recalls
14
Model years
8
Worst year
2017

Complaints by model year

29620178220181652019174202067202159202261202352027
NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Bolt EV model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Bolt EV years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 296 complaints, 5 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Steering
  2. 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 165 complaints, 1 crash, 10 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 174 complaints, 7 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 61 complaints, 8 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 82 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Steering

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2022 (59 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Bolt EV model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2027 Bolt EV50011Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2023 Bolt EV618153Electrical System
2022 Bolt EV593007Electrical System
2021 Bolt EV674015Electrical System
2020 Bolt EV1747408Electrical System
2019 Bolt EV16511026Electrical System
2018 Bolt EV822025Steering
2017 Bolt EV2965534Steering

Most common Chevrolet Bolt EV problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    385 complaints
  • Steering
    259 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    168 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    78 complaints
  • Brakes
    46 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    39 complaints
  • Engine
    36 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    27 complaints
  • Airbags
    21 complaints
  • Suspension
    18 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Chevrolet Bolt EV received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls

  • Recall 26V114000Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesModel years 2027

    Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 24V812000Oct 31, 2024107 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 24V481000Jun 27, 202472 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V845000Dec 14, 20236,771 vehiclesModel years 2017–2023

    Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V567000Aug 10, 2023317 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V930000Dec 15, 2022111,242 vehiclesModel years 2017–2023

    Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V650000Aug 20, 202152,414 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V560000Jul 23, 202157,414 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V517000Jul 8, 202128 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: An improperly installed air bag may not deploy properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V811000Dec 23, 2020470 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V808000Dec 22, 2020464 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If a brake caliper fractures and brake fluid is lost, the vehicle may experience reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V701000Nov 13, 202050,932 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V184000Mar 26, 2020897 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.

  • Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Other Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology