2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026HISteering

   The steering rack is binding and has malfunctioned. The steering wheel does not return to center after turning and vibrates or wobbles while driving, which may impair steering control and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by a certified automotive repair shop. No warning lights or messages appeared. The only prior symptom was progressively worsening steering-wheel operation over time.

   NHTSA complaint #11767165 · source
2. Filed Sep 1, 2026WASteering

   I am reporting a potential steering system safety defect involving my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The problem began at approximately 22,800 miles. The steering wheel developed a grinding noise, a noticeable catching/binding sensation when turned, and would not return to center normally after a turn. The condition could be felt even while the vehicle was stationary and not running by turning the steering wheel back and forth. While driving, I could feel the steering pull and…

   NHTSA complaint #11761183 · source
3. Filed Aug 30, 2026CASteering

   The steering rack on the Chevrolet Bolt EV does not return to center on turns. Over the course of the past 25k miles, my particular model has slowly began to lock up on deep turns. This occurs on sharp rights, lefts, and on both on and off ramps - especially the ones that loop around. The steering rack gets stuck on sharper turns and continuous turns, requiring force to return back to center or to get out of the turn. With hands off the wheel, the vehicle maintains its turn…

   NHTSA complaint #11760811 · source
4. Filed Aug 22, 2026CASteering

   COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) steering gear / rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering gear binds internally. After a turn the wheel does not return to center and must be forced back to straight; steering feel is stiff and clunky. On at least one occasion the wheel felt stuck in place partway through a turn and I had to fight it to finish the maneuver. I nearly lost control of the vehicle. Exact date, location and speed of that incident: UNKNOWN. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11758681 · source
5. Filed Aug 12, 2026INSteering

   I am experiencing a commonly reported issue with the steering rack binding and failing to self-center after a turn. Turning the steering wheel left and right has become increasingly more stiff over time. Unreliable steering, especially during turns could potentially lead to an accident/collision.

   NHTSA complaint #11756586 · source
6. Filed Jul 30, 2026FLSteering

   Steering is binding, does not return to center when turning, it has play in the steering, and rattles and shakes when driving in the highway. Dealer said it needs a steering shaft replacement. The car has been doing this since it had less than 50k miles. There were no warning lamps or messages. Since this is steering, it is dangerous and puts others at risk. The steering binding is a safety issue, and if left along long enough it might fully bind up causing an accident, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11753742 · source
7. Filed Jun 21, 2026OHSteering

   Component or system that failed/malfunctioned: The Electric Power Steering (EPS) Gear / Steering Rack Assembly. The component has not yet been removed from the vehicle and is available for physical inspection upon request. How safety is put at risk: When navigating low-speed turns or accelerating from a stop where the steering wheel is rotated to approximately 45 degrees, the steering gear mechanically binds and catches. The wheel completely fails to self-center or return to…

   NHTSA complaint #11745441 · source
8. Filed Mar 12, 2026CASteering

   The steering gear (rack and pinion) assembly exhibits clunking when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, and does not return to center at higher speed (stays in turned position when let go). This is available for inspection upon request. Our safety is put at risk because the steering feels strange and does not behave as with other cars, requiring force to return the wheel to center in a turn at speed. This problem has been confirmed by a qualified service center and…

   NHTSA complaint #11723926 · source
9. Filed Jan 15, 2026COSteering

   Sometimes, when driving in a turn, either direction, and hands are released from the steering wheel, the vehicle does not return to center. Force is required to cause the steering to begin returning to center. Once it begins returning to center, seems to always continue to center. This is a dangerous departure from decades of common vehicle operation. An unsuspecting driver can drive into an obstacle or people.

   NHTSA complaint #11711091 · source
10. Filed Dec 1, 2025ORSteering

    Steering rack broke, wheel won’t return to center. Dealer wants $3k dollars to fix. This should be recalled as the amount of cars it happens to is significantly high.

    NHTSA complaint #11702323 · source
11. Filed Oct 21, 2025WASteering

    The steering on the car does not return to center and sticks to the position turned and has to be manually pushed back to center. This is an issue with the steering rack.

    NHTSA complaint #11694885 · source
12. Filed Oct 20, 2025CASteering

    The steering does not self-center after making a turn. It feels stiff and remains in the turned position, requiring manual effort to bring it back to center.

    NHTSA complaint #11694504 · 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