2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 338 |
| 2018 | 87 |
| 2019 | 174 |
| 2020 | 172 |
| 2021 | 66 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: steering — 36 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The rack and pinion steering degraded over a short period of time with less than 25,000 miles on the vehicle. The first thing we noticed was that the steering wheel would not return to center.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240430
Steering gear failed. My young daughter usually drives this car. I drove it for the first time in a couple of weeks because it was blocking my car in and immediately knew there was a an issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231203
33% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON MARCH 17, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:45P.M., WE PARKED THE BOLT IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME. WE EXITED THE BOLT AND PLUGGED IT INTO OUR JUICEBOX (LEVEL 2) CHARGER AS USUAL. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00 PM, WE WERE ALERTED THAT THE BOLT WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190708
14% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Campaign 18V576000 — check if this car was fixed
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
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Remedy: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560.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.
Campaign 20V701000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Campaign 21V560000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V930000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Campaign 23V845000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical arcing and thermal events, potentially leading to fires, while utilizing Enel X Way USA, LLC's JuiceBox residential charger.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V701000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V560000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V930000 (seat belts, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V845000 (seat belts, structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.