2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
47% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250420
23% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW FROM DIAMOND CHEVROLET ON APRIL 17 THE 2021 CHEVY BOLT HAD 3 MILES ON THE ODO I DROVE THE BOLT 3 MORE MILES AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND REDUCED SPEED ON THE FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210504
15% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250420
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and placing it into park, the vehicle lunged forward which resulted in the contact hitting the vehicle in front of them.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210825
12% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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...
Campaign 21V650000 — 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
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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...
Campaign 24V481000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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...
Campaign 24V812000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V650000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V930000 (seat belts, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V845000 (seat belts, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V481000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V812000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 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.