2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems, complaints & recalls
Far fewerRising
NHTSA has received 59 owner complaints about the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, or 16.1 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.38, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #35 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Chevrolet models its rate is 65% lower; against other Electric vehicles it is 71% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2022-11-21 and 2026-08-14. Median delay from incident to filing: 12 days.
59Complaints
16.1Complaints per year on the road
0.38Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
15.3%Share involving a crash or fire
25Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2022) drew 12.6 complaints per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 24 complaints, 71% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Steering (28.8% of complaints), followed by Electrical (23.7%) and Brakes (10.2%). Steering complaints are 4.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Steering reports, owners most often mention “return center”, “steering”, “rack”, “wheel return” and “pinion”. 9 reports (15.3%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 23 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (30% of incidents). In the last 12 months 25 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 5% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.38
vs. other Chevrolet models0.35
vs. other 2023 models0.38
vs. other Electric vehicles0.29
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (24)0.29
The backup camera is the vehicle works intermittently. In fact, due to the defect of the camera, I hit a wall as it shut off and I hit a wall. Upon bringing to the dealer to have it replaced, the dealership admitted that it was a faulty.
Electrical · 2025-03-11 · ODI 11647737 · Crash
I was approaching an intersection at a light that had turned red. I slowed down to stop but accidentally bumped into the car in front, 2 mph (approximately), no damage, not even a scratch.
Brakes · 2024-11-10 · ODI 11624437 · Crash
known issue with " anti click washer on Bolt EV " and resulting damage to related components can cause loss of control acceleration, stopping and major damage and cost, no warning lights or TSB other than for previous gen but same design and same defect…
Brakes · 2026-08-14 · ODI 11757018
The vehicle suffers from severe, unresolvable electrical failures causing recurring loss of propulsion, shifting lockouts ("No Driving Conditions" / stuck in Park), complete exterior lighting failures, and loss of communication with the Restraints Control…
Electrical · 2026-08-01 · ODI 11754113
While driving a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt during a turn maneuver, one of the two bolts (nearest the driver) holding the lower control arm (to the vehicle on the front driver side) sheared completely.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-07-01 · ODI 11747836
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Campaign 23V845000 · 2023-12-14
Summary: 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. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 / 1-800-833-2438) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970.
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Campaign 22V930000 · 2022-12-15
Summary: 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
59 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, or about 16.1 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most common category is Steering, accounting for 28.8% of complaints.
Does the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 25 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 59 owner complaints about the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, or 16.1 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.38, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #35 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Chevrolet models its rate is 65% lower; against other Electric vehicles it is 71% lower.