2019 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 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
46% of complaints: electrical system — 80 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CHEVY BOLT FINISHED CHANGING AND THEN STARTED TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE CAR. THE SOUND OF POPPING NOISES WERE HEARD AND THEN 10 MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CARS BATTERY PACK STARTING POPPING THEN EXPLODED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201016
MY 2019 CHEVY BOLT WAS FULLY CHARGED AND DRIVEN FOR 12 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION, A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH PRIVATE OUTDOOR OPEN PARKING. WE ARRIVED AROUND 7:30PM, PARKED IT AND TURNED IT OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200717
25% of complaints: steering — 44 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231120
Steering wheel does not return to center when turning right. Driver must manually turn wheel back to center.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231004
25% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 44 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIRE2% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I EXPERIENCED EXTREME WINDSHIELD GLARE WHILE DRIVING MY NEW CHEVY BOLT AT MIDDAY ON A VERY SUNNY DAY. THE GLARE WAS MANAGEABLE AT FIRST, AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A LEFT TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190709
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
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.
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.
Campaign 20V184000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (80 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V184000 (latches/locks/linkages) 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 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
6 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.