2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 11, 2026ILCrashTowedBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While slowing to a stop, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple (3–4) violent jerks. The vehicle fought against my firm brake pedal application, overpowered the brakes, and accelerated uncontrollably, resulting in a crash. During the impact: • The driver frontal airbag and pretensioners deployed. • The driver seatbelt unlatched mid-impact and then locked/retracted in a way that prevented it from latching again, even while I was sitting in the driver’s seat post-crash. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11743575 · source
2. Filed Apr 19, 2026NVElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   I started losing Regen braking intermittently, when this happens the brakes themselves don't work well and there's no warning, you lift of the pedal expecting the car to stop and its rolling freely, to push brake and its not stopping like you expect, then it thuds and lunges forward a bit and stops. It was rarely happening, now the car can barely be driven. I have not got it into a shop yet. It throws DTC P182B, P182D, P1840, and U0401 every time. Clearing them, even while…

   NHTSA complaint #11732285 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Nov 24, 2025IATransmission & Drivetrain

   My wife of [XXX] and grandson were driving our Chevrolet Bolt, crossing a busy 4 lane highway when suddenly and w/o any prior warning, the Bolt lost propulsion. Caught blocking 2 of those lanes, she was fortunate that men stopped their trucks and pushed her car up hill and into a church parking lot. She called me and I tried resetting everything to factory settings, and the Bolt seemed okay-for a short time. I hooked a diagnostic unit to the car and found an error code that…

   NHTSA complaint #11701262 · source
5. Filed Aug 14, 2024AZElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   While at a remote location, I unlocked and entered the vehicle normally. When I tried to start the vehicle, numerous unrelated error messages appeared on-screen. The instrument panel was energized, but the vehicle could only shift into neutral and park. Power steering was lost, as was window functionality. The vehicle could not be fully started, nor could not it be fully shut off either. It was stuck in a peculiar, unsafe, and unresolvable state of energized limbo. AAA towed…

   NHTSA complaint #11608511 · source
6. Filed Nov 22, 202272,000 miPA1 injuredTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times, but the vehicle continued to drive forward. The contact was able to avoid crashing into an apartment building. The vehicle went airborne for 30 feet and landed on the street causing the tires to blowout, and two of the rims to be cracked. The contact’s wife suffered a head injury and sought medical…

   NHTSA complaint #11494593 · source
7. Filed Jul 25, 202251,000 miNYTowedElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the propulsion system warning light illuminated. While the contact was driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and stopped inadvertently. The contact was able to get the vehicle safely to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission harness failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11475733 · source
8. Filed Mar 5, 2022AZSuspensionTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   Creaking/popping noise from passenger rear side of vehicle at 24,574 miles along with a grinding noise coming from the front driver side wheel. Took to dealership twice and was told there is not a rear axle just independent struts and shocks. Very concerning and not sure if a wheel is gonna fall off. I've seen other forums that have been having the same issue between the years 2017-2019. Please recall and fix because consumers shouldn't shell out more money for cheap parts.

   NHTSA complaint #11455342 · source
9. 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
10. Filed Sep 4, 2021CAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The check engine light came on in my vehicle and limited the speed at which I could drive resulting in the car dealership is refusing to honor the warranty on my vehicle. The manual and all information from General Motors explicitly states the components which are covered under warranty. There is a NHTSA service bulletin regarding this exact problem (NHTSA 18-NA-064) along with the labor code for doing repairs under warranty. The warranty is for the first 100,000 miles or 8…

    NHTSA complaint #11431736 · source
11. Filed Aug 2, 2021FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    The battery may be faulty and burst on fire. This was recall last year and this year and the remedie didn’t work. 2 more fires where confirm after the final remedy

    NHTSA complaint #11427490 · source
12. Filed Jul 29, 2021WAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    I am extremely concerned about the battery fire recall for my 2017 Chevy bolt. I live in a townhome, with the garage on the first floor. The only place I can charge the car and park is in the garage on the first floor. And the only way to escape the building is by walking past the garage. So, the risk of a major car fire in the garage is very life threatening to me and my family! I am disappointed about how Chevy has handled this defect. I realize mistakes happen, but I…

    NHTSA complaint #11427087 · 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