2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER. STIFF AND SLUGGISH.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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!

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The cars steering is very stiff and won’t return to center without assistance. The vehicles steering is not working as intended. Unfortunately I am unable to see a dealership as the cost to repair is over $4000. The car only has 62k miles and should not be failing so early. This a danger to myself and other drivers

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering has gotten stiffer over time. It no longer returns to center on its own.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns or minor corrections, especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires constant manual correction to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departure. There are no warning lights or noise, and the issue does not appear to be related to alignment, tires, or pressure. Many other Chevy Bolt owners are reporting the same behavior, pointing to a potential defect in the steering gear or rack. This is a serious safety hazard that could result in loss of vehicle control. GM has not issued a recall or service bulletin, and repairs are expensive. See community reports here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My Bolt has 87k miles and the steering sticks in various rotation spots. Accelerating doesn't affect the auto-straightening, as power steering should. I've been told to pull the boots back on the steering rack and regreasing the rack. My mechanic won't do this due to a safety. There are 100s of folks on Reddit experiencing the same issue. Some of these folks have less than 50k miles on their cars. Dealerships around the country are quoting $3-4k to replace the steering rack. This should be recalled, IMO. Thanks! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to complete a left or right turn, the steering wheel failed to return to center and was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were required to determine the cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering feels like it takes more input to control the steering than is reasonable. When coming out of a curve at speed, the steering doesn't return to center and continues to turn requiring additional steering input to come out of the turn.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering wheel is stiff and doesn’t return to the center point smoothly especially when going 25 mph and faster. Possible safety issue.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When corning the steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns, at any speed but especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires me manually turn the wheel to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departure. There are no warning lights or noise, and the issue us not appear to be related to alignment, tires, or tire pressure. Many other Chevy Bolt owners are reporting the same behavior. This leads me to believe that this is a potential defect in the steering gear or rack. This is a safety hazard that could result in loss of vehicle control. GM has not issued a recall or service bulletin, and repairs are expensive.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving, especially at lower speeds or during small steering inputs (such as switching lanes), the steering wheel does not return to center as expected. Instead, it sticks in the turned position, requiring extra effort to manually re-center the wheel. This issue is intermittent but persistent, and worsens over time. It appears to originate from the steering gear/rack, as there is no abnormal noise or warning lights. The car does not exhibit issues with alignment or tire wear, and tire pressure is within recommended specs. This behavior creates a safety hazard, as the driver must constantly correct the wheel back to center, especially after turns or curves. This introduces risk of overcorrection, lane departure, or delayed reaction in emergencies. Multiple other Bolt owners are reporting similar symptoms in this owner forum thread, suggesting a potential defect in the steering gear or electric steering system. GM has not issued a recall or service bulletin on this yet, and repair costs are substantial out-of-pocket. This issue could result in loss of control if it worsens. Please investigate.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering wheel does not return to center when turning either direction. Steering alternates between feeling loose and tight. After doing some research online, this is definitely a common problem with this vehicle among other drivers. Often it doesn't feel safe.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering has grown very stiff and does not return to center. It also feels unstable at speed

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2017 Chevy Bolt ev, (as well as others as found on the Chevy Bolt ev owners forum) has a problem with the steering wheel sticking during turns and not returning to center. The dealers want $2200 - $2500 to replace the steering rack. Since this is a frequently reported problem and can represent a hazard, should this be subject to a recall? I am puting in todays date, however this existed since purchasing the car.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering system does not return to center after turns. This is a 'known' issue on the forums, and is due to the lubricant drying out. If left untended, the steering system will eventually bind and possibly seize up. GM response is to replace the steering rack and pinion for a cost of $3000-4000.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car is not returning to center on turns without significant effort by driver. This has almost caused multiple accidents. This is a common problem and should be a recall

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering gear, (gear rack & pinion), started to fail. Steering became difficult and the car would not return to center on turns. This lead to the car crossing into oncoming traffic or heading off road on turns unless the driver applied significant force to overcome issue.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The rack and pinion for this bolt is getting problematic and requires repair and should be recalled.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When driving and going into turns the steering wheel does not return to center.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 transmission assembly. The terminals may not have been perfectly aligned during installation at the vehicle assembly plant." This is a known, dangerous, malfunction, and GM has not issued a recall for it. The "correction" is to replace the "engine wiring harness" which goes to the EV motor. GM is also not covering this repair under any extended warranty, although it's a safety issue and really should generate a recall. Please see attachment.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car's steering wheel does not return to center on turns anymore. Over the past month, the I need to force the steering wheel back to center to straighten out the car. I've had the wheels and alignment inspected. I've been told that the steering rack is not functioning properly and should be replaced.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power, prompting the contact to attempt to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front wheel driveshaft speed sensor. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin No: 22-NA-089. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Rack and Pinion steering is malfunctioning. The wheel is becoming harder to steer and the wheel does not return to center after a turn and is start to possibly bind, requiring excessive force to turn.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering rack in my vehicle became faulty. Symptoms of the fault included tightness felt in the steering, and a lack of tendency of the steering wheel to return to center when driving at certain speeds. I diagnosed and repaired the issue myself after becoming concerned that the impaired steering of the vehicle could lead to a crash. I have the removed, faulty steering rack available. I have not involved a dealer or the manufacturer. There were no in-vehicle warnings about the failure and it would be easy for a driver without technical knowledge to be unaware of the worsening defect.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

when turning right or left the steering wheel will not return to center. The wheel sticks and pulls into the corner, and the steering rack has play in the center but is very stiff as you turn the wheel further, and occasionally it creaks as you turn at low speeds

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering not returning to center, when making a turn across the street you have to quickly center the vehicle to prevent going into on coming traffic. Very stiff to turn and make popping sounds when turning.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rack and pinion steering gear failed. Vehicle is difficult to turn at lower speed.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rack and pinion steering gear failure at 70k miles

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering is binding, doesn't completely return to center when letting go of the steering wheel after a turn. It needs to be manually turned back in the other direction.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

STEERING FAILED AT 37900 MILES ON MY 2017 CHEVY BOLT.AGAING STEERING FAILURE AT 78200.THIS AFTER READING AND SEEING VIDEOS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO LUBRICATION OF THE STEERING GEARS FROM A SEALED UNIT THAT LEAKS OUT ALL OF THE GREASE AND CAN'T BE REPLACED.THE UNIT LOSES THE ABILTY TO STAY ON AN EVEN STEERING PATH.THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER AND HAS A GAP IN THE CONTROL AND CLUNKS. THIS IS A TERRIBLE DESIGN ISSUE ON ALL MODELS BUT MORE SO ON THE EARLIER VERSIONS. THE REPAIR COST EVEN THOUGH ITS A DESIGN ERROR IS 2300 DOLLAR.THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE ISSUE NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR STEERING

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 35–40 MPH and crashed into a deer, the air bags deployed but failed to inflate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The emergency lights failed to turn off. The driver was able to drive from the crash. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

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 the car to Watson Chevrolet who determined that the 12v system (vs propulsion) battery malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. There is no information in the owner’s manual about this issue. The tow truck mechanic had no clue what was wrong. Fortunately, we were in a safe location. But under different circumstances, such as being roadside, this could have been a very unsafe situation. This is the original battery. The car was recently serviced and there was no indication the battery was failing. This problem was only an annoyance for us, but it could have been much much worse under less favorable circumstances.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Ongoing steering issue, started at approximately 75K miles. When making turns (typically between 15mph and 35mph), steering requires driver input to manually return car to center. Car will continue turning without this input. Steering is stiff, loss of fine control.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Mar 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving around a curve in the road, steering wheel will not recenter itself upon completing the curve. Vehicle will want to go in the direction the steering wheel was after completing the turn. This occurs in both direction, left turns and right.

Reported

Jun 2024

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering wheel does not return to center. Instead, the steering wheel and wheels get stuck at the turning angle and sometimes pull to the left or right. You have to manually return the steering wheel to center.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My steering wheel won't return to center after exiting a corner. Harbor Auto Group, my local Chevrolet dealer, confirmed the problem on a repair invoice for unrelated work, stating "Found the steering is stiff and the steering wheel will not return to center during road test."

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering wheel gets stuck and won't return to center

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

steering does not return to center by itself. it needs extra help from driver to steer it back to center.

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

It is believed the steering rack is failing.When turning right the steering will not return to center. This seems to be a common problem when researched. Tires and all other related components are in good condition. We inspected everything at my place of work which is a automotive repair facility. There are no warning lamps or messages.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 fast charger in Perry, Michigan at 29.7Kw (see picture). Both are a long way away for the original charge rate of 55Kw. The other problem that occurred after the battery exchange is that the range significantly declined. With the original battery the vehicle range was around 250 miles. Now, with the new battery, I can’t even get to 200 miles range (see picture). With all the problems GM has had with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, I think it’s time to start another investigation into what they are doing to fix the original problem and making things worse with their remedy.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Steering Gear/rack and pinion clicking/clunking. Steering does not move back to center when going around left turn. All the oil drained out of the rack leaving it to fail

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

In Sept 2020, GM issued Service Bulletin 20-NA-170 regarding rapid popping or clicking noises coming from the I-Booster hardware under the hood in the braking system. Earlier fixes for this issue involved replacing the I-Booster hardware, but that didn't solve the problem. The new fix called for a software update to the Brake Booster Control Module. The Bulletin states: "Correction -- DO NOT replace the I-booster assembly. Update the Brake Booster Control Module with the latest software." I reported this brake/electrical system issue to NHTSA on April 24, 2022 (# 11461966) and January 25, 2023 (# 11503678), and have had no response or investigation by NHTSA regarding the hazard of this software defect. When the hardware eventually fails--and it will due to 1000's of unnecessary use cycles--what happens to the braking system?

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

steering rack will not return to on center, will stay at turn angle, need to physically return to center forcefully or else car will steer at left or right turn angle

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Oct 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car was parked and when we went out to it, the stereo was crackling very loud static and popping. This continued when the stereo is off. When we reset the stereo, it stopped momentarily and then resumed. Eventually the speakers stopped and just crackled intermittently. After finding a slew of similar incidents online, I opened the rear to find it totally filled with water (see picture, where it is parked on a hill). This filled the subwoofer and drowned the amp, causing global failure of the stereo system. No liquid has been in the rear of my car, and you can tell it is dirty like rainwater. I believe this to be a design flaw due to the other cases reported here [XXX] This doesn't sound like a safety issue, except everything runs through the stereo. Not just music, but the turn signals audio functions, blind spot indicator and forward collision indicators all run through the stereo. Additionally I have lost all hands free functionality for my phone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I purchased my 2017 Chevy Bolt new in early 2018. It has a little over 90k miles on it and no accidents. Over the past year, the steering on the car has become steadily stiffer, meaning that the wheel is harder to turn and does not return to center when the driver releases pressure coming out of a turn. If one releases his hands from the wheel in a turn, the wheel stays in the same position, neither sharpening the turn nor straightening out. I've also recently, as in the past six months or so, noticed a notch or a catch or a clunk when moving the wheel back and forth, especially when centered. I don't know if I can ask for feedback, but I'd like to know if a recall might be in the works for this issue. I know it's been fairly widely noted in the Bolt owner community, and I feel that it presents a safety hazard.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering rack get rusted prematurely et now the direction doesn't work properly. the steering wheel doesn't come back straight after a turn and you don't feel the movement has you should be which makes the driving unsafe.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

My steering rack failed. Steering won't return to center on faster sweeping turns. Same thing happened to my neighbor who has a 2019 Bolt EV. Seems like such a common problem it probably should have been a recall.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering no longer returns to center after a turn, and manual correcting force is needed. This creates a safety risk in the event the driver is unable to correct the steering wheel. This problem was confirmed by a dealer, but the cause was not diagnosed. Multiple Bolt drivers have reported failed steering gear with the same symptoms, which is likely the cause. No warning lights appear when experiencing this issue.

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

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

Remedy: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 / 1-800-833-2438) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970.