2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Dec 22, 2025MDFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle started to surge while driving (both small acceleration forward and large deceleration) without any change in brake or accelerator position. Eventually a "Propulsion Power Reduced" message was presented on the console followed immediately by no forward propulsion (accelerator completely unresponsive) and forced to coast to a stop on the side of the highway. Car refused to shift out of park or neutral following breakdown. Car taken to dealer to troubleshoot and was…

   NHTSA complaint #11706654 · source
2. Filed Jun 20, 2025AZFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   In 2022 under a recall the Propulsion battery was replaced that was a complete battery assembly. At 60K miles the High Voltage battery relay has become defective. Confirmed by a GM diagnostic test. Defective High Voltage relay. Was informed to get it replaced soon as it would cause a fire. Very dangerous in their words. Get repaired as soon as possible. The battery assembly is warranty of 8-years 100k miles. Looks to be a so called gray area on the high voltage relay as it’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11668241 · source
3. Filed Feb 10, 2025NHFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving the car it suddenly, and without warning, abruptly slowed to a stop and the display showed "propulsion power is reduced", then the "service soon" symbol came on. This could have happened in fast moving traffic, which definitely could cause multi-car collisions. The GM service bulletin (Document ID: 5409616, revised February 13, 2023- see attached copy) states that this is likely due to "a spread terminal on the vehicle harness connection X2 on the T12…

   NHTSA complaint #11641620 · source
4. Filed Nov 1, 2024IAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My car stopped in the middle of a busy intersection and my battery relay melted and caused damage to the transmission and the transmission needed a sphincter. The whole battery system needs to be recalled for melting and almost setting my car on fire.

   NHTSA complaint #11623057 · source
5. Filed Mar 5, 2024MIElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   On May 24, 2022, I brought my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV into Vic Canever dealership to have the high voltage battery replaced per the recall instructions (see invoice). Ever since the “new” battery was installed, I can no long fast charge my vehicle to specification. I have tried several DC fast chargers including the DC fast charger at the dealership. The dealership fast charger would only charge at a rate of 18Kw (see picture). I was able to charge a little faster at a DC…

   NHTSA complaint #11575467 · source
6. Filed Dec 4, 2022COElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This car worked reliably until the battery recall battery was exchanged then this started happening about a month later. First the vehicle died upon slowing down, driver was exiting a highway ramp stopped the car and turned off the car and turned on again and drove home without further trouble. Happened again, same thing this was at night. Then myself as driver, Took car to dealership, stayed in right lane on highway then car failed to accelerate but maintained about 40mph…

   NHTSA complaint #11495962 · source
7. Filed Aug 4, 2022WAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   After about 5 years and a warranty replacement battery, I intermittently find the “Propulsion Reduced-Service Soon” light on. It can appear any time after which only a third of the 60kWh battery is on-line, and in any event the battery will not charge over one third. Highway driving on a crowded Interstate 5 becomes very hairs as both acceleration and regeneration braking are markedly reduced. It is now at the service department of Bill Pierre Chevrolet in Seattle. Those…

   NHTSA complaint #11477667 · source
8. Filed Jul 26, 2022CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   After the second recall replacement of the lithium-ion battery, the car became undriveable because it could not be charged. A message appeared before stating "Propulsion Power is Reduced". This is after the 2nd new battery was installed. The car has been taken to the dealership. The dealership stated that it is a software problem which GM is looking into.

   NHTSA complaint #11476014 · source
9. Filed Mar 21, 2022ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   GM CALLED ME 60 days ago and said new replacement battery is ordered to fulfill recall. Dealership has 2 batteries in stock but cannot replace vehicle battery because they do not have a forklift to move the battery and have no projected date when then will get a forklift or rent one. Car was recalled for battery fires and Chevy doesn’t own or know where to rent a forklift.

   NHTSA complaint #11457717 · source
10. Filed Sep 15, 2021CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    The vehicle is under recall for main traction battery defects. There is no planned or expectable date for correction of the defect; parts are not available and cannot be made available in a reasonable amount of time. A GM spokesperson on 9/15/2021 stated to Bloomberg (afterward picked up by most news organizations) that Bolts should be parked at least 50' from other vehicles, and only on the top deck of parking structures, apparently to minimize collateral damage when the…

    NHTSA complaint #11433153 · source
11. Filed Sep 11, 2021ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    GM has been jerking myself, and all Bolt owners all of this year and For myself and other owners of 2017-early 2019 models. They have overlaid Recalls on the 2017-2019 to reset apparent recall start dates. We have been dealing with being under the umbrella of a one battery fire recall or another since November of 2020, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. My Bolt was in a chevy shop for TWO MONTHS June/July 2021 time frame for the first recall because it took them that long to get a single…

    NHTSA complaint #11432563 · source
12. Filed Sep 8, 2021CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    I stopped for a DC fast charge at an Electrify America station to ensure that my vehicle's battery level would stay over "70 miles of charge" to reduce fire risk (per GM recommendation). The vehicle has been programmed to remain at or below a 90% charge limit. After charging for 25 minutes, I unplugged the CCS1 connector from the Bolt by pressing the connector release button and pulling gently. To my surprise, the connector unlatched and disconnected immediately while…

    NHTSA complaint #11432086 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology