Bolt (1st)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Chevrolet Bolt Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LS6
5.7L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt
That's roughly 5.4x the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). This generation has materially more battery & propulsion complaints than its peers. The comparison is not adjusted for sales volume.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 212 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (5)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2017] 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
- [2017] This car worked reliably until the battery recall battery was exchanged then this started happening about a month later. First the vehicle died upon slowing down, driver was exiting a highway ramp stopped the car and turned off the car and turned on again and drove home without further trouble. Happened again, same thing this was at night. Then myself as driver, Took car to dealership, stayed in r
- [2017] After the second recall replacement of the lithium-ion battery, the car became undriveable because it could not be charged. A message appeared before stating "Propulsion Power is Reduced". This is after the 2nd new battery was installed. The car has been taken to the dealership. The dealership stated that it is a software problem which GM is looking into.
Thermal Events
- [2017] The car Battery caught fire!
- [2017] The vehicle is under recall for battery fire. Brought vehicle in for service at Priority Chevrolet to have software updated. Car was dropped off evening before 8 am appointment. Priority Chevrolet failed to update the vehicle software. Battery fire risk still exists. Priority Chevrolet in Chesapeake, VA.
- [2017] GM has been jerking myself, and all Bolt owners all of this year and For myself and other owners of 2017-early 2019 models. They have overlaid Recalls on the 2017-2019 to reset apparent recall start dates. We have been dealing with being under the umbrella of a one battery fire recall or another since November of 2020, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. My Bolt was in a chevy shop for TWO MONTHS June/July 2021 tim
Electric Propulsion
- [2017] Touch screen unresponsive, freezes with rear camera streaming — incredible distraction, system restarts at random. Loss of functionality to HVAC controls in winter caused window to fog and created dangerous driving scenario. Pop sound in speakers then loss of power to infotainment system periodically. I have had dealership replace sway bar and steering due to defective parts. GM not as coopera
- [2017] REAR BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY FREEZES AFTER PLACING VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHICH MAY BECOME DISTRACTION AND CREATE UNSAFE SITUATION FOR DRIVER WHILE MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOT OR ON ROADWAY WHILE OPERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS ' CAN BE REMEDIED BY MANUALLY RESTARTING INFORTAINMENT SYSTEM/POWERING OFF/RESTARTING VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN SYSTEM UNFREEZE FOR RESTART AUTOMATICALLY WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION WHICH MAY CA
- [2017] UNDER THE RECALL, THE MAXIMUM BATTERY CHARGE IS TO BE REDUCED BY 90%. MY VEHICLE GETS LESS THAN THAT, AND NOW ONLY GETS @120-130 MILES MAX, BUT REALISTICALLY ONLY @ 100-105. I LIVE IN COLD WEATHER, MOUNTAINOUS NORTHERN NY STATE. THE CAR IS USED TO COMMUTE TO WORK, 80 MILES PER DAY SO I HAVE TO CHARGE IT EACH DAY, AND BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE FAST-CHARGE, IT TAKES @ 6 HOURS TO GET FULLY CHARGED
Regenerative Braking
- [2017] The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with One Pedal Driving mode that allowed the brakes to apply independently when releasing the accelerator pedal; however, while driving at various speeds with One Pedal Driving mode engaged, the accelerator pedal was released but the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact depressed the brake pedal a
- [2017] ON 2018-07-26 AT APPROXIMATELY 2325H, VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ~70MPH NORTHBOUND ON I-95, THE MAINE TURNPIKE. LOCATION WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE NORTH OF EXIT-32 (BIDDEFORD, ME). ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD, TEMPERATURES IN THE MID-70F, HUMID. THE OWNER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING, WITH HER HUSBAND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AT THE TIME LISTED, THE VEHICLE SOUNDED A WARNING CHIME, AND RAPIDLY LOST POW
- [2017] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. WHILE DRIVING AND USING THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING, THERE WAS A FIVE SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BURDICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, 5885 CIR DR. E #340, CICERO, NY 13039) WHO EXPLAINED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKES AND LIGHTS WERE
Charging System
- [2017] 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
- [2017] I've been using my BOLT for 4 years without incident and have been charging my car at my home at my home level 2 charger for 18 months without incident. I began the process with GM to either buyback my 2017 BOLT or exchange the batteries as per the recall. However, on Tuesday, my found my car smoking with a strong burning plastic smell as it was charging at my house. I disconnected and now have da
- [2017] 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. T
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2017] I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE 12-VOLT BATTERY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, STALLS, AND THEN IT LOOSES ALL FUNCTIONS - CANNOT BE EVEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO MOVE IT, CANNOT OPEN REAR DOORS. WE COULDN'T EVEN GET IN ON A TOW TRUCK.
- [2023] The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the 12-volt battery was not being used enough and rebooted the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. Th
- [2019] Last week, we had our 2019 Bolt serviced at a dealership - they had "replaced drive motor battery high voltage manual disconnect" and did some sort of check on the "high voltage battery." We had also showed them a message we got from On Star that an "issue had been detected with the electric drive unit" and get it serviced within seven days. We bought the Bolt in the Fall of 2019 and it has less t
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Chevrolet Bolt regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (13)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.
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.
Show 8 older recalls
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
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.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles. One of the two fasteners that secure the driver's frontal air bag to the steering wheel may be missing or improperly tightened.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. These vehicles may have an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event.
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.
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.
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.
Alternatives in Compact EV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt problems?
The 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt has accumulated 1,077 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Steering, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt a good used car?
The 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,077 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt have?
The 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt has 1,077 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt?
There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Bolt?
Before buying a used Chevrolet Bolt, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Steering, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Bolt have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,077 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.