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2017-2018 · 2 model years

Chevrolet Bolt Problems by year

Owners have filed 347 complaints about the Chevrolet Bolt across 2 model years, and it has 0 recalls. The 2017 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (279). The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the steering.

Most complaints for its age2017279 complaints · 0 recallsSee the 2017
Complaints
347
Recalls
0
Crashes
11
Fires
6
Injuries
6
Deaths
0

Bolt complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201868021Electrical system-
2017279095Electrical system-

Most common Bolt problems

Latest Bolt complaints

2018 Chevrolet BoltSteering

The steering rack loses its lubrication make it turn harder and could potentially fail completely leading to a loss of steering. I noticed that when I am steering around a curve the steering wheel fails to pull back to the center position and has to be manually forced back. Loss of steering or steering malfunction could lead to a fatal crash. I have not had my vehicle inspected by a dealer or mechanic but have researched the problem and many people online have reported failure of the steering rack/gear as well....

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There is no warning from the manufacturer about this problem and could go unnoticed until the problem is severe. The manufacturer (Chevrolet) should be required to replace this faulty part at no charge to the customer.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11678008
2017 Chevrolet BoltSteering

Steering will not return to center. Stiff and sluggish.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11677486
2018 Chevrolet BoltSteering

Sometimes, the steering wheel of the car will not return back to center after turning. The steering also feels a lot heavier. This usually happens after driving straight for a little and then having to make a turn, but may happen spontaneously in other situations as well. The steering wheel suddenly not returning to center when it is expected increases the chances of accidents, especially in areas with many curves and people/activities. The car does not show any warning signs. The dealership said they said they didn't notice it when driving and thus didn't want to further check it (they only drove it from one parking spot to another).

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11674151
2017 Chevrolet BoltSteering

Steering wheel is not returning to center after a turn. It can be dangerous in certain situations where you would expect the steering to center after making a turn. Took it into a mechanic and they said its a common issue on the bolts. Power steering rack is faulty. This needs to be investigated.... Lots of complaints online!

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11671055
2017 Chevrolet BoltElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11670904
2018 Chevrolet BoltSteeringTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

On 4/5/2025 I was driving at 35mph and the steering wheel began to violently shimmy. The vehicle became difficult to steer putting safety at risk. Slowed to 25mph but shimmy did not stop. ABS warning light came on and Stabilitrak warning light came on and warning that steering was being was being automatically reduced. Driving became very difficult. Stopped and had car towed to Chevrolet. Car was diagnosed with broken left and right front axle anticlick washers and metallic debri found on sensors. Both front...

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axle anticlick washers were replaced, sensors cleaned, and codes cleared, and brake fluid had to be flushed. Cost $850 to repair. Subsequently found out another friend had same thing happen to their 2018 Bolt. This was a safety issue and put us at risk while driving.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11667654

Questions about the Chevrolet Bolt

Which Chevrolet Bolt years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2017 (279), 2018 (68). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2017 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

What are the most common Chevrolet Bolt problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (140), steering (88), fuel system (78) most often.

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Bolt have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for any Chevrolet Bolt model year on file.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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