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
- 67
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
49% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 67 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 350 |
| 2018 | 89 |
| 2019 | 179 |
| 2020 | 176 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2027 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
49% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-20
Also filed under Power train and vehicle speed control
Fuel/propulsion system
22% · 15 reportsShow 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, 2021-05-04
Power train
15% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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, 2021-08-25
Steering
13% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The electronic steering gear (steering rack) on my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt has malfunctioned, causing the steering to feel rough, stiff, and sticky.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-26
Engine
6% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-10-01Electrical system21V650000 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...
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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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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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.
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2024-08-01Electrical system24V481000 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...
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2024-12-03Electrical system24V812000 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...
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V650000 · Electrical system
- Recall 22V930000 · Seat belts, structure
- Recall 23V845000 · Seat belts, structure
- Recall 24V481000 · Electrical system
- Recall 24V812000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 49% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.