TireKick

Model-year record

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

175

Reports to NHTSA, 2019

Safety recalls

6

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

119

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (43% of 175 reports), followed by steering (26%).

Electrical System43% · 75 reports
Steering26% · 45 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System9% · 16 reports
Power Train7% · 13 reports
Unknown Or Other6% · 10 reports
Air Bags2% · 3 reports
Forward Collision Avoidance1% · 2 reports
Seat Belts1% · 2 reports

+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 175 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11427180, ODI 11426342, ODI 11425524, ODI 11415800, ODI 11407212.

Individual complaint reports(175)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11749605Details +

Steering wheel does not return to center on turns when driving at low speeds.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11749605 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2026 · ODI 11743944Details +

Steering wheel does not return to center after making a turn. Over time the steering rack fails leading to a steering wheel that will not return to center even when force is applied to wheel. The dealership is charging $3-4k to fix this safety issue.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11743944 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2026 · ODI 11738509Details +

when driving my car from the airport at Bradley International in CT (parked for a week), I experienced a terrible vibration in the steering wheel which has been intermittent. The vibration went away at lower speeds. I brought the car in to the shop on 5/18/2026 with 74,000 miles on the car. They told me I had to replace rotors, brakes, calipers, brake fluid, and do a front end alignment because the rotors have failed internally. The EV doe not use braking as frequently and this was taken from the Chevy forum: ISSUE: Frozen or Seized Calipers The Issue: Because Bolt drivers heavily rely on regenerative braking, the physical brake pads and calipers are used far less frequently than in gas-powered cars. This can cause rust and debris to build up, leading to frozen calipers, uneven pad wear, or a sticking/grabbing brakes. The Fix: Have a trusted mechanic or a dealer regularly inspect and service the friction brakes. Regular preventive maintenance like flushing the brake fluid every few years is highly recommended to prevent moisture accumulation and seized calipers. The resultant failure is a safety issue and Chevy has decided to call it a PM problem. This is not acceptable and is all over the forums as an issue for these cars. I saved all parts and had them record everything on the car, except for the fluid. There are other recalls for this component. I would like it investigated and determination made on the issue. The invoices will be in my possession tonight.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11738509 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2026 · ODI 11737320Details +

The steering wheel takes more effort to turn than it should and does not return to center after making a turn. It has been like this since I bought the car used, and I did not realize until recently that it should not be like this. Comments on some online forums indicate that this is a common issue with Chevy Bolts, usually requiring a steering rack replacement. This is a complex operation requiring certified EV technicians (I am told) and very expensive. I am not sure if GM has addressed this issue in any way.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737320 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2026 · ODI 11737197Details +

The steering wheel locks and stiffens on turns to the left or right refusing to come back to center on its own. In the middle of the turn the wheel locks up. Been told by multiple dealerships and forums I've read online it's a known issue with the car needing a steering gear replacement. A job that costs $4-5k per GM based on labor. There's no warning lights. GM has reproduced issue And based on this forum multiple accounts of this have happened to others [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737197 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2026 · ODI 11736792Details +

Issue: Total failure of Frontview Camera ADAS sensor, disabling Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Technical Evidence: GDS2 telemetry confirms a "No Communication" status for the camera hardware. Core safety modules including the Electronic Brake Control (EBCM) and the Inflatable Restraint (Airbag) Sensing Module report active communication failures (DTC U026A/U216A). These safety-critical modules are currently unable to receive the sensor data required for crash avoidance and occupant protection. Forensic Timeline: Vehicle NVRAM reveals a manual "Clear Codes" event occurred at 46,838.3 miles—exactly 0.4 miles after the sale contract was signed. The fault reappeared with a 0 km offset (immediate return) and has been active for 162 ignition cycles, proving the defect existed throughout the dealership's possession. Dealer Response: The selling dealer delivered the vehicle with an unsigned 125-Point Inspection. Despite being presented with GDS2 telemetry proof of the braking and airbag communication blackout, management refused repair, mischaracterizing the disabled emergency braking system as a "luxury feature" and claiming the vehicle is "safe" to drive. Symptoms: "Service Front Camera" warning, intermittent loss of HVAC controls, and gear display (PRNDL) blackout due to systemic serial data bus interference caused by the hardware failure.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11736792 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2026 · ODI 11730090Details +

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering gear in this vehicle began to fail around 40K miles. It clunks at low speed, doesn't roll out of turns, and recently has begun to oscillate during straight driving. I will keep the old part for inspection once replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The cars steering does not return to center during a turn. Now, the steering is shaking violently during driving. It will likely seize if left unfixed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I also have video. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? This is a well documented issue with Chevy steering. I will include an AI overview screenshot.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730090 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2026 · ODI 11729235Details +

Steering gear and torque sensor failure at 39,000 miles. Car is unsafe to drive and costs over $3500 to fix. The problem has been diagnosed at a dealership. No warning lights or codes apparent, problem is worsening and the car is becoming unsafe to drive. Steering gear or rack could be available for inspection.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729235 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2026 · ODI 11727201Details +

Vehicle steering wheel fails to return to center after sweeping turn. Found it’s a common issue and is incredibly dangerous and should be recalled!

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11727201 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2026 · ODI 11723297Details +

The steering on my car is sticking and failing. When I make a turn, the steering wheel does not go back to the center on its own. I have to physically pull it back, otherwise the car will keep turning. When driving straight, the steering wheel gets "stuck." I have to use extra force to make small adjustments, which makes the car jerk. The steering also makes clunking noises. This is extremely dangerous because it makes the car very hard to control, and I could easily drift into another lane, overcorrect, or crash.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11723297 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11717281Details +

Water has infiltrated the lower trunk area and fried the sound amplifier. The result is no sounds can be heard from the speakers. This includes sounds and warnings from the safety systems. Seat belt, ADAS, BLIS, OnStar, Turn Signals, Radio. The rear hatch seals seem to be intact and it is unclear how water is entering this lower area as there is no evidence of water anywhere else in the rear cargo area. A google search reveals many other Bolt owners are experiencing the same issue

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11717281 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2025 · ODI 11705458Details +

As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11705458 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2025 · ODI 11704587Details +

Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11704587 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2025 · ODI 11697610Details +

Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11697610 at NHTSA →
SteeringOct 2025 · ODI 11694175Details +

The steering wheel does not return to center. This appears to be a common issue on Chevy Bolts based on various forums, for example https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/steering-wont-return-to-center-bad-steering-gear-steering-sticking-in-one-direction.42988/. One has to be very aware of the steering issue as it requires the driver to actively force the steering wheel to return to center. This can be an even bigger issue when having to react to avoid debris or sudden breaking. There are no warning lights. The manufactuer claims that this is not a prevalent issue.

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11694175 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2025 · ODI 11677813Details +

So I bought a used Bolt and the steering is sticking, at moderate speed (50mph) sweeping corners it lightly wants to pull harder into the corner and won't return to center if you let off the wheel, regardless of direction, you must always forcefully guide the steering wheel back to center. This is wrong, if your Bolt does this your steering rack is likely failing. This is a malfunction, in the GM service manual for the Bolt there is a diagnosis for "POOR RETURN OF STEERING WHEEL" which is described as "After completing a turn, extra steering input is required for the steering wheel to return to center."

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11677813 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11673407Details +

Steering rack is binding, not returning to center after completing a turn. Only 50,000 miles on it.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11673407 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2025 · ODI 11671085Details +

Steering wheel does not return to center after making sharp turns. Steering wheel must be manually returned to center to avoid crashing.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11671085 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2025 · ODI 11662880Details +

Power steering fails go return to center intermittently causing unexpected handling characteristics while turning that could cause to over/undershoot a turn. Haven't taken it to the dealer to check and there are no warnings or lights.

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11662880 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2025 · ODI 11655468Details +

I am filing this urgent safety complaint regarding a critical failure of the steering system in my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which began experiencing problems at approximately 40,000 miles. This is not an isolated incident; numerous identical reports exist from other Bolt EV owners on public forums like Reddit ([XXX]) and [XXX], often occurring at similarly low mileage (typically 30,000-60,000 miles). The symptoms began with distinct clicking and knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel. This has progressed rapidly to increased steering effort (stiffness) and a failure of the steering wheel to return to center smoothly after a turn. This constitutes a severe and unacceptable degradation of a primary vehicle control system. When I had the vehicle inspected I was informed that the degradation would progress and risk my ability to safely steer the vehicle, and that the car should no longer be operated without performing a repair. A repair diagnosis indicated failure of the steering gear/rack assembly, with an initial repair quote of over $7000. This exorbitant cost is nearly prohibitive and approaches the residual value of the vehicle itself. It is deeply concerning and frankly unacceptable that a fundamental safety system like the steering is failing prematurely on these vehicles. Furthermore, the extremely high repair cost creates a dangerous secondary safety risk: owners may be forced to choose between a financially crippling repair or dangerously deferring maintenance, continuing to operate vehicles with compromised steering and risking catastrophic failure on the road. Steering integrity is paramount and should not be failing at such low mileage under any normal operating conditions. This pattern of premature steering failure reported by numerous owners indicates a potential design flaw, manufacturing defect, or component quality issue with the Chevrolet Bolt EV steering system that warrants immediate investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11655468 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2025 · ODI 11654295Details +

Low mileage vehicle purchased preowned with only 32,166 miles, and steering wheel (steering rack & pinion) is stiff and will not return wheel to center after turning more than a quarter turn.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11654295 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2025 · ODI 11653798Details +

Steering not returning to center when coming out of turns. Many have reported this issue with the steering rack. Concerned that steering will bind and cause an accident

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11653798 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2024 · ODI 11624907Details +

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after turning to the left or the right. The contact used excessive force to manually return the steering wheel to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11624907 at NHTSA →
SteeringSep 2024 · ODI 11614624Details +

The steering wheel is very stiff; if you turn left or right, when you complete the turn, if you were to release the wheel, it does not counter-turn back towards the center. Put differently - in an open parking lot, you could turn the wheel all the way to one side, release the wheel, press the accelerator --- and you'd go in circles. This has been happening for some time, but just recently had it pointed out that it is not normal. I feel its a meaningful safety risk. I researched the issue online and it seems that it is common for this model but GM has been unresponsive.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11614624 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2024 · ODI 11605871Details +

Steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn, it must be turned back manually. If left unfixed this can cause the steering to lock up entirely when the steering gear fails.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11605871 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2024 · ODI 11605548Details +

Steering doesn't return to center when driving around 40mph on turns. You must manually move it back.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11605548 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2024 · ODI 11598540Details +

Around 46,000 miles this 5 yr old car began making popping sounds in the steering. Took into dealer and diagnosed steering rack failure and intermediate shaft. Cost to repair was close to $3,000. Looking into this, this is a common issue with Chevy Bolts due to poorly designed boots on the rack. This should be covered by a recall when failing so early. Happened to my previous 2018 Bolt too but the car was totaled in an accident prior to me undergoing the repair.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11598540 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2024 · ODI 11592874Details +

Vehicle steering does not return to center when exiting a gradual turn. This occurs intermittently. On line research indicates that this problem is likely the result of a faulty steering rack and that many other owners have experienced this behavior; as this could result in a dangerous situation I am reporting. The vehicle has about 43,000 miles on it. I have not had it repaired as yet.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11592874 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2024 · ODI 11588926Details +

This is concerning a 2019 Chevy Bolt purchased new on [XXX] from Stewart Chevrolet in Colma, CA. Around January 2024, we realized the vehicle's steering wheel was not returning to center on its own, and it took more force than usual to turn the wheel -- it would stick as you turned it. The vehicle had about 26,861 miles when we noticed this steering issue. When performing a turn (at low speeds and on the highway) the steering wheel would remain in the turned configuration until you manually moved it back to center. The dealer advised us that the steering gear would need to be replaced. We replaced the steering gear on [XXX] at Stewart Chevrolet in Colma, CA. However, though the steering was improved the problem was not totally fixed; the steering would still stick and the wheel took more force than expected to turn. We had the car re-evaluated and on [XXX] the Stewart Chevrolet again replaced the steering gear; this did not fix the issue. Finally, Stewart Chevrolet has recommended that we replace the steering column. We haven't done this yet because we are still trying to get GM to cover the cost of repairs. A vehicle with such low mileage should not need these repairs, and if you search online you will find many other Chevy Bolt owners across all models years having these issues. Please investigate and determine whether a recall is advised. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588926 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2024 · ODI 11586817Details +

The steering rack failed. It is currently at the dealership waiting for parts to come in so it can be replaced. The car started making noises when making sweeping turns. The noise got worse and the steering was not coming back to center coming out of turns. We had it inspected at our local mechanic and they told us it needed a new steering rack but they were not able to complete the repair because it was complicated to get into the part that needed to be replaced. We took it to the Chevrolet dealership and they confirmed it needs a new steering rack as well as other related parts. There were no warning lights or messages. The car first started making faint noises about a month ago when doing low speed turns in a parking lot. Noise has been getting louder and we started to notice the steering not responding correctly. Only have one invoice for diagnosis, have not yet received invoice for repair.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11586817 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2024 · ODI 11576978Details +

The steering rack on my 2019 Chevy Bolt failed and had to be replaced. It was unsafe to drive the vehicle because the steering wheel would not return to center by itself. When making a turn, the driver had to force the steering wheel back to center. The dealer tried to fix this faulty condition last August by replacing the intermediate steering shaft. It marginally improved the condition but it was still not returning the steering wheel to center by itself. I reluctantly accepted this condition as normal because I thought the dealer tech thought it was normal. However, the steering got progressively more dangerous and required more and more effort to return the steering wheel to center. I took my vehicle into the dealer on March 3, 2024 and the dealer determined the steering rack was defective and needed to be replaced. I got my Bolt back today and now the steering works properly. I no longer fear that the steering will lock up and cause me to lose control of the vehicle. I see on the Chevy Bolt Forum that others have experienced my Bolt steering problem. I just wanted to report my problem so the NTSHA can add my problem to the list of complaints.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11576978 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2024 · ODI 11576689Details +

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while veering to the left or right, the steering wheel failed to return to center as expected and the vehicle was difficult to steer. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact researched the failure and linked the failure to the steering rack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11576689 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2023 · ODI 11562410Details +

The infotainment screen suddenly froze and blasted an extremely loud static noise that nearly caused an accident. It has a lot of problems with freezing

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11562410 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2023 · ODI 11555988Details +

Our 2019 Chevy Bolt experienced some of kind of steering issue where the car made a "clicking" type of noise when making slight or big turns to the left or the right. We brought the car to our Chevy dealer who diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering gear and tie rod with both parts needing to be replaced. The dealer told us that the Chevy Bolts are known to be "fragile" when it comes to this issue and that hitting a pot hole could cause this level of damage. We could have driven over a pot hole under normal driving conditions but did not have a specific incident in mind that could have caused this. There were no warning lamps or other messaging other than the sound we could hear during turns. While the parts are not that expensive, the labor is - the cost of the repair with the parts is $3,400

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11555988 at NHTSA →
SteeringOct 2023 · ODI 11548172Details +

Steering wheel does not return to center when turning right. Driver must manually turn wheel back to center.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11548172 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2023 · ODI 11532653Details +

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the steering wheel failed to return to the center. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11532653 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2023 · ODI 11521369Details +

While driving on the freeway at 65 mph during morning rush-hour, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated without warning and came to a stop. The vehicle was barely able to make it to the shoulder before losing all momentum. There is a high-risk of a fatal collision when a vehicle unexpectedly stops or drastically slows on a freeway with 65 - 70 mph traffic, which is compounded during peak travel times. This is a risk to not only the vehicle occupants, but other drivers and vehicles as well. Several error messages were displayed on the dashboard as the car was decelerating: Drivetrain malfunction: Stop and turn off engine; Service high voltage battery system; Service Vehicle Soon; Unable to shift. The battery range dropped from just under 50% (~115 mi) to 0 while attempting to pull over on the shoulder. After the vehicle was stopped, it was unable to be powered off for about an hour. It was not successful in shifting or moving and the battery range showed 0. An hour and a half (1.5 hours) after the incident, the vehicle would power on and show a battery range between 121 - 110, which would drop to 0 within 15 seconds with a message that it is unable to charge. At the time of the incident, OnStar sent an email stating that "A critical issue with the engine and transmission system in your 2019 Chevy Bolt has been detected. Please service your vehicle immediately." The battery had been replaced the week of February 5th, 2023 per several product safety recall notices . There was one issue on February 18th, 2023 that the battery range was not updating, but it corrected itself after being parked for 3 hours. There were no other previous issues or indications of a problem prior to vehicle malfunction. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed by a dealer. It is currently available for inspection. The electrical, propulsion, and powertrain (and possibly speed control) systems did not function properly.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11521369 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2023 · ODI 11521276Details +

When making turns, the steering does not return to center. I must move the steering wheel to straighten the wheels to continue forward. I researched the issue and have found that this is a common complaint with the Bolt. From what I have read, this is due to a faulty steering gear. I called the dealer, and although there is a service advisory, this not a warranty or recall situation. I was quoted $3500 to repair this issue.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11521276 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2023 · ODI 11520092Details +

Steering does not return to center. Must manually turn wheel back to center after turning.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11520092 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2023 · ODI 11518247Details +

Steering gear (rack and pinion) has failed leading to steering wheel not returning to center after turns at mid speed or faster. Also noticed audible clicking sounds at low speeds when turning steering wheel.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11518247 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2023 · ODI 11518325Details +

After driving the car for roughly 60-75 minutes while at highway speeds and within the posted speed limits: 65mph-75mph, the car will chime and the driver information panel will flash "Propulsion Reduced." At that point, the vehicle's electrical propulsion will gradually reduce to a maximum output power of roughly 20KW. The propulsion will stay capped at 20KW for a bit of time (15-20 minutes) and then gradually the cap will increase. Unfortunately, on I-25 in southern Colorado where this usually occurs, the speed limit is 75mph and and 20KW of propulsion results in the vehicle traveling on the interstate at roughly 45-55mph which results in very unsafe situations. That road has a minimum speed of 55mph. This happened on the first day that I purchased the car, I can reproduce it with my family in the car, but the dealer has been unable to reproduce it. I have had the Chevrolet dealership inspect it multiple times, but they can not find a fault. It has happened when ambient temperatures are as low as 28F and as high as 98F there does not appear to be a correlation there. I have had it happen when the battery has a SOC of 70% and as low as 25%, that also does not show a correlation. I have seen a correlation with passengers/weight in the vehicle as that requires more KW of output to propel the car. Likewise, consistent average speed has a correlation. If traveling at 75mph (posted speed limit) the propulsion reduction will occur sooner rather than traveling at 73mph.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11518325 at NHTSA →
Forward Collision AvoidanceMar 2023 · ODI 11514657Details +

I was driving on a highway access road when my Chevy Bolt's automatic emergency braking system suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes. I have noticed that the proximity warning system is fairly sensitive - often beeping even when I am applying brakes to decelerate at a rate that feels comfortable and reasonable to me given the distance of the vehicle in front of me. In this instance, however, there was no beeping of the warning system. Additionally, I was not closing the distance between my vehicle and the one in front of me, nor were they braking. I was concerned that the unexpected and unnecessary emergency braking could have caused me to be rear-ended had a vehicle been behind me. It was very heavy braking - disproportionate to the distance and speed between myself and the vehicle in front of me.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11514657 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2023 · ODI 11511118Details +

This is for the recall N222383791 (SEATBELT PRETENSIONER FIRE) that was issued on 12/15/2022. The Remedy has been identified as dealers installing metal foil on the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. It was said that a remedy would be available at dealerships around 1/30/2023. It is now 3/10/2033 nearly three months after the remedy was identified, and it's still not possible to get it repaired at dealerships. This complaint is that the manufacturer hasn't remedied this safety recall in a timely manner.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11511118 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2023 · ODI 11508757Details +

Vehicle without warning stopped moving while making a left turn in an intersection at night. Power to dashboard was on but no propulsion, brakes or steering. Was unable to put car into gear to move forward or in reverse. Message was displayed, "Unable to Initalize Propulsion System" Extremely dangerous situation, I turned on flashers and left car in intersection. Called tow truck. When tow truck arrived, we pushed car to curb and he hauled it away. Cheverolet dealer diagnosed the problem as a defective wiring harness. He said there was a GM alert regarding this as a known issue that led him to the defective wiring harness. They charged $1567 to replace it which included $1200 in labor and recommended I contact GM to see if they would compensate me since it was a known issue and the car was only 2 months off warrantee. GM refused to compensate me for the faulty harness. The Bolt has 19K miles on it, is kept in a garage and has never been in an accident.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11508757 at NHTSA →
SteeringFeb 2023 · ODI 11508379Details +

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack and pinion; the pinion gear and housing broke free from the rack housing. I have the component available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was barely controllable. Turned steering wheel up to 180 degrees back and forth to maintain straight travel. After making it into a parking lot the parts became separated and all steering control was lost. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? After towing in, rack and pinion assembly was replaced and old part returned to me. Also had to replace the airbag clockspring that was damaged as I tried to control the vehicle. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Component was only inspected by the repairing dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? these was no warning lamp until after the break occurred. No previous indications of any problem.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11508379 at NHTSA →
SteeringFeb 2023 · ODI 11508110Details +

Steering won't return to center in a turn, steering rack/gear must be replaced, $3k repair https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/how-to-replace-a-faulty-steering-rack-in-your-bolt-how-to-fix-steering-wont-return-to-center.43056/

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11508110 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2023 · ODI 11503159Details +

2019 CHEVROLET BOLT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-560. THE CONSUMER IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES TO PERFORM THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11503159 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsJan 2023 · ODI 11502183Details +

GM Recall #: N222383791 NHTSA #: 22V930 Date Issued: Dec 15, 2022 brought my vehicle in to complete repairs for recall on 1/12/23. was told that a remedy is not available despite recall being issued since 12/15/22

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11502183 at NHTSA →
Lane DepartureJan 2023 · ODI 11502012Details +

Rainwater leaks through the rear windshield wiper grommet and runs down into the trunk shorting out the amplifier that is located at the bottom underneath the tire change kit. Collision alert sounds and turn signal sounds do not function because the amplifier is shorted out. There is no visible sign of water leak unless you disassemble and entirely remove 1) the top trunk cargo liner, 2) lower trunk charger compartment liner, and 3) large styrofoam tray with tire change kit. Water pools around the amplifier corroding terminals and shorting out the amplifier creating an electrical shock hazard. There are no drainage holes in the trunk well so rainwater has no way of draining.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11502012 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2022 · ODI 11495863Details +

I'm experiencing the loss of propulsion covered in this bulletin. It's happened around 5 times. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176614-9999.pdf The malfunction indicator lamp comes on after each incident and then clears. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and they are refusing to repair it under either the power train or emission control systems warranty. Losing propulsion is a safety issue, particularly in high speed traffic, and it needs to be fixed.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11495863 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(6)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Service Brakes · 18V576000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Latches/Locks/Linkages · 20V184000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.

Risk: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 20V701000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 21V560000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Structure · 22V930000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Structure · 23V845000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Electric Vehicle Battery Fires

In October 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2017-2020 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Bolt vehicles based on complaints received alleging that the vehicles caught fire under the seating area while parked and unattended. At the time, ODI had received 2 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and several field reports. All complaints alleged vehicles caught fire during or after electrical charging.ODI's review found vehicle thermal events occurred during and/or at the end of the battery module charging cycle. The information learned from NHTSA and General Motors joint vehicle inspections prompted General Motors to file Recall 20V-701 on April 29, 2021. The remedy for this recall included 1) performing diagnostic procedures to identify and replace potentially defective battery cell-module assemblies and 2) installing onboard diagnostic software, designed to detect and warn owners regarding potential issues related to changes in battery module performance over time. Until this interim remedy became available for all affected vehicles, General Motors instructed their customers to enable ?Hilltop Reserve or ?Target Charge Level, based on the vehicle-equipped technology. Enabling these technologies would limit charging capacity of the battery module to a maximum of 90 percent. General Motors then continued to investigate the root cause of these battery cell module thermal events, which would lead them to their long-term recall remedy solution. Utilizing the information obtained from the Recall 20V-701 software update, General Motors and LG Energy Solutions,the supplier of the battery cell module pack along with LG Electronics,determined the root cause of the thermal events to be the result of two simultaneous manufacturing defects occurring in the same battery cell. The defect condition appears to be aggravated by routinely charging the battery to a full or nearly full state of charge after it has been substantially depleted. The two defects, located within the same battery cell module, would cause an internal short within the battery pack, resulting in the thermal events. The manufacturing process was changed to prevent the occurrence of these two defect conditions.On July 24, 2021, General Motors filed a defect information report recalling all 2017-2018 Chevrolet Bolt and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles with design level N2.1 battery cell produced at the LG Ochang, Korea plant. This remedy replaces defective battery cell-modules and will prevent potential thermal events from occurring during and/or at the end of the charge cycle. The recall (21V-560) includes vehicles that were remedied under 20V-701.General Motors continued to review new data after Recall 21V-560 and learned of an incident that occurred outside of the scope of the recall population. Additional analysis led General Motors and LGES to determine that the manufacturing defects defined by Recall 21V-560 were not isolated to one battery manufacturing plant. On August 21, 2021, General Motors filed a defect information report to expand the scope of recall 21V-560. The recall (21V-650) includes all 2019-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. In view of the recall actions being taken by General Motors, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11230072, 11425524, 11339878, 11365622, 11364692, 11427180, 11429891, 11374956, 11407212, 11372429, 11425225, 11415800

Crash-test ratings

No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Bolt EVFront-Wheel Drive128110119

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Owners filed 175 NHTSA complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (43% of complaints) and steering (26%).

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?

6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, covering components such as service brakes. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV at 119 mpg combined.