2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 348
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 348 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 348 |
| 2018 | 89 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 174 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2027 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
36% · 124 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-22
COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) steering gear / rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering gear binds internally.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-22
I am experiencing a commonly reported issue with the steering rack binding and failing to self-center after a turn. Turning the steering wheel left and right has become increasingly more stiff over time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12
Electrical system
33% · 114 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and traction battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle had a feature on the driver's side of the steering wheel that slowed the vehicle down and generated energy to charge the battery.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-08
Also filed under Engine
Fuel/propulsion system
20% · 70 reportsPower train
8% · 27 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The problem is that it is too easy to put the car in "Park" By accident. On several occasions, I was trying to go from the "L" Position to the "R" Position. To do so requires you to press the side button and maneuver the shifter to the r position.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-19
Service brakes
6% · 22 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On a somewhat crowded freeway on ramp, started to accelerate when cars ahead stopped. Fully depressing the brake pedal did not apply maximum braking power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-02
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2017Complaint volume 348 complaints filed for this model year.
-
I
2020-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-02-07 Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
-
R
2021-05-11Electrical system20V701000 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.
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.
-
R
2021-08-13Electrical system21V560000 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.
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,...
-
R
2023-01-23Seat belts, structure22V930000 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.
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.
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
-
R
2024-01-24Seat belts, structure23V845000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 124 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 114 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 70 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V701000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V560000 · Electrical system
- Recall 22V930000 · Seat belts, structure
- Recall 23V845000 · Seat belts, structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.