2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 446 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve steering and electrical system.
Powertrain: Battery Electric (BEV).
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 446 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
STEERING
114 25.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
103 23.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
70 15.7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
30 6.7%
POWER TRAIN
25 5.6%
Quick Insights
The top category is STEERING, accounting for 25.6% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 29 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 446 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV are STEERING (114), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (103), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (70).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 342 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 19 of 19 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
75 Reports30% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FEATURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL THAT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND GENERATED ENERGY TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE CONTACT UTILIZED THE ENERGY SAVING FEATURE. INSTEAD OF THE VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN, IT ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED A FREE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMUNITY CHEVROLET (200 W OLIVE AVE, BURBANK, CA 91502 (888) 295-6276), BUT WAS NOT GIVEN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BECAUSE AN ERROR WAS NOT FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO SEND AN INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CLAIM FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
12/8/2017
I RECEIVED A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION" CALL FROM CHEVROLET TELLING ME THAT MY CAR MAY EXPERIENCE "LOSS OF PROPULSION" AND STOP SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO LOW CHARGE DESPITE THE BATTERY INDICATOR SHOWING CHARGE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 8 MONTHS AND IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE CATEGORIZED AS SUCH AND LISTED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. CONSUMERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, BUT NOW CAN ONLY FIND OUT IF THEY BUY THE CAR AND HAVE A VIN. I HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY CHARGING THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE PROBLEM BUT AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR. PLEASE CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO ENSURE CHEVY FIXES THE PROBLEM AND CONSUMERS CAN BE INFORMED.
4/9/2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
58 Reports23% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE PROPULSION POWER REDUCED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE AND READ WHAT THE WARNING LIGHT MEANT AND DECIDED TO HEAD HOME. I STOPPED ON THE WAY HOME AT THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I CAME BACK OUT AND STARTED THE CAR THE WARNINGS WERE STILL THERE AND THEN IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. I KEPT GETTING A MESSAGE THAT CONDITIONS WERE NOT RIGHT TO SHIFT AND PLEASE PUT THE CAR IN PARK. (IT WOULD GO INTO NEUTRAL) WHEN I TRIED TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IT WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. I FINALLY GOT IT TO SHUT OFF BY OPENING THE DOOR WHEN I WAS SHUTTING IT OFF. ON STAR TOLD ME I WAS HAVING A "CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED. THE TWO TRUCK DRIVER CALLED ME 15 MINUTES LATER AND ASKED ME TO MAKE SURE I COULD GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. I STARTED THAT CAR AGAIN, ALL THE WARMINGS CAME BACK ON EXCEPT IT DID ALLOW ME TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I DROVE IT HOME AND BACKED INTO MY DRIVE. THE TWO TRUCK ARRIVED AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALL ON BUT AGAIN IT DID SHIFT INTO GEAR. HE TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP.
9/15/2017
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (60-70MPH) WITH THE BATTERY AT OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE 50%, AN ALERT SOUNDED, AND THE BATTERY LEVEL IMMEDIATELY WENT DOWN TO NEARLY ZERO. IT ESTIMATED 10 MILES LEFT, BUT SPEED IMMEDIATELY DECREASED, AND THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. AFTER RAPIDLY COASTING OVER TO THE SHOULDER, AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR MADE A SERIES OF LOUD NOISES AND COMPLETELY STOPPED.
10/2/2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BACKUP CAMERA AND SOUND SYSTEM WILL NOT TURN OFF (FREEZE).
10/27/2017
TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT/TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NEW VEHICLE (105 MILES), AT STARTUP, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO D OR R. HAD TO BE TOWED.
12/18/2017
POWER TRAIN
18 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS TOO EASY TO PUT THE CAR IN "PARK" BY ACCIDENT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I WAS TRYING TO GO FROM THE "L" POSITION TO THE "R" POSITION. TO DO SO REQUIRES YOU TO PRESS THE SIDE BUTTON AND MANEUVER THE SHIFTER TO THE R POSITION. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DOING SO, I INADVERTENTLY PUSHED THE "P" BUTTON ON TOP OF THE SHIFTER RESULTING IN THE CAR ENDING IN PARK WHEN I WANTED TO REVERSE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I GRABBED THE SHIFTER AND PRESS ON THE "P" BUTTON WITH MY PALM WHILE TRYING TO PRESS THE SIDE BUTTON. MOST OF THE TIMES IT WAS NOT A BIG DEAL, I JUST TRIED AGAIN AND THEN PROCEEDED. HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION TODAY, I WAS ABOUT TO MOVE INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN A FAST MOVING CAR APPEARED FROM A BLIND SPOT AND I TRIED TO QUICKLY BACK-UP AND ENDED UP IN PARK INSTEAD. IT TOOK ME A FEW SECONDS TO REALIZE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND FINALLY GOT IT IN REVERSE BUT IT WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS I WAS IN PARK IN THE INTERSECTION WHEN I NEEDED TO MOVE QUICKLY OUT OF THE WAY.
3/19/2017
STOPPED AT STORE1/24/2018 WHEN TRIED TO RESTART, RECEIVED TRANSMISSION WARNING SERVICE SIGN, UNABLE TO MOVE ATTEMPTED 3 MORE TIMES OVER 2 HOURS. FINALLY IT RAN, BUT SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT STAYED ON. TOOK TO DEALER. TOLD IT WAS A COMPUTER UPDATE THAT WAS NEEDED, IT HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE. REVIEWING CHEVY BOLT FORUM, APPPARENTLY I AM NOT FIRST OWNER SERVICE TRANSMISSION WARNING HAS COME ON WITH CAR DISABLED IT WAS STATIONARY WHEN SERVICE LIGHT FIRST CAME ON. HAD DRIVEN A MILE AFTER WORK DAY. HAD WELL OVER 50 PERCENT BATTERY CHARGE LEFT I WAS NOT GIVEN MUCH INFO FROM DEALER, JUST IT HAD BEEN RESOLVED BELOW IS WHAT IS ON MYCHEVY.COM SITE ABOUT ISSUE REPAIR FROM DEALER PRINT SOURCE DEALER ODOMETER READING 1,755 SERVICE LOCATION SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE #: 055209 SERVICE PERFORMED: ENGINE ELECT CONCERN NOTE -------------------------------------------- TOLD NEEDED UPDATE ON COMPUTER, TRANSMISSION DIDNT WORK
1/29/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
14 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
3 TIMES IN THE FIRST1500 MILES SMALL STONES HAVE BECOME LODGED IN THE BREAKING, IN BOTH FRONT WHEELS AND NEVER I THE BACK WHEELS. THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT ALLOWS STONES TO ENTER BETWEEN THE BACKING PLATE AND THE ROTOR. THE BECOME STUCK (LODGED) THERE AND, IN ADDITION TO CREATING A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE, COULD IMPAIR BRAKING AND STEERING, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. ALL THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING.
10/26/2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD HOWLING TYPE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BANKS CHEVROLET IN CONCORD, NH) WHO DISCOVERED THAT SMALL STONES HAD BECOME STUCK INTO THE BRAKING SYSTEM BETWEEN THE BACKING PLATE AND THE ROTOR. THE STONES WERE REMOVED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *BF UPDATED 8/2/18*JB
10/26/2017
ENGINE
14 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FEATURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL THAT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND GENERATED ENERGY TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE CONTACT UTILIZED THE ENERGY SAVING FEATURE. INSTEAD OF THE VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN, IT ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED A FREE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMUNITY CHEVROLET (200 W OLIVE AVE, BURBANK, CA 91502 (888) 295-6276), BUT WAS NOT GIVEN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BECAUSE AN ERROR WAS NOT FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO SEND AN INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CLAIM FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
12/8/2017
THE BOLT STOPPED PROVIDING POWER WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 4 LANE FREEWAY. IT HAS ALREADY FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST, THIS IS THE 4TH TIME.
7/23/2018
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DUE TO THE ANGLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, REFLECTION FROM THE LIGHT ASH GREY COLOR, CREATES A VERY VERY BRIGHT COLORED GLARE, WHICH REDUCES VISIBILITY IMMENSELY ON SUNNY DAYS. WITHOUT THE PROPER SUNGLASSES, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE PEDESTRIANS, OTHER CARS AND SIGNS. NOTE THE "SHADED" AND OR THE VENTS OF THE DASH AND HOW MUCH DARKER AND LESS REFLECTIVE THEY ARE IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO. ( IE, ABOVE THE TRANSPONDER WHERE IT IS SHADED) I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DARK COLOR DASH DOES NOT CREATE THIS DANGEROUS REFLECTION AND SOME OWNERS HAVE REPLACED THE DASH AT THEIR OWN COST. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE LIGHT COLOR DASH, TRIM, ETC, SHOULD BE REPLACED AT COMPANY EXPENSE. THIS IS A NEW MODEL AND IT WOULD BE BETTER NOW THAN LATER, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, OR WORSE, KILLED!
5/24/2017
REDUCED VISIBILITY THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE COMBINATION OF LOW WINDSHIELD ANGLE AND A LIGHT COLORED DASH REDUCES VISIBILITY THROUGH THE WIND SHIELD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY A PROBLEM WHEN GOING FROM LIGHT TO DARKER AREAS- INTO GARAGES, ALONG A STREET WITH TREES AND ALONG A CITY STREET AS BUILDING BLOCK SUNLIGHT.
7/7/2017
STEERING
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE STEERING IS BINDING AND STICKY. THE CAR WILL NOT RE-CENTER IT SELF IN THE ROAD AFTER MAKING A TURN. ALL OF THE OIL APPARENTLY LEAKED OUT OF THIS SEALED RACK AND PINION AND IS NOW DRY AND YOU HAVE TO USE EXTRA EFFORT TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED WHILE DRIVING AND TO MAKE TURNS AND BE READY TO FIGHT IT BACK TO CENTER ONCE THE TURN IS COMPLETE. TOOK THE CAR TO GM AND THEY SOLD ME A SET OF TIRES BECAUSE THEY SAID THE BRAND I BOUGHT AT WALMART 6 MONTHS AGO WAS NOT RECOMMENDED AND SAID ONLY MICHELIN ENERGY TIRES WERE RECOMMENDED. BOUGHT THE TIRES AND DEALER CALLED AND SAID, WELL THAT DIDN'T FIX IT, YOU NEED A STEERING RACK REPLACEMENT. BY THE WAY, YOU STILL OWE US FOR THE TIRES THAT WE RECOMMEND THAT DIDN'T FIX YOUR STEERING ISSUE!
7/26/2020
REAR BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY FREEZES AFTER PLACING VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHICH MAY BECOME DISTRACTION AND CREATE UNSAFE SITUATION FOR DRIVER WHILE MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOT OR ON ROADWAY WHILE OPERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS ' CAN BE REMEDIED BY MANUALLY RESTARTING INFORTAINMENT SYSTEM/POWERING OFF/RESTARTING VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN SYSTEM UNFREEZE FOR RESTART AUTOMATICALLY WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION WHICH MAY CAUSE DISTRACTION TO DRIVER AND INABILITY TO ADJUST CERTAIN FEATURES OF CLIMATE CONTROLS. TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER TO HEATING UNIT OR INABILITY TO REGISTER CHANGE IN FAN SPEED (OCCURANCE ONCE). STEERING FEELS LOOSE WHEN INITIALLY MOVING STEERING WHEEL AND COMPONENT(S) MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL (RESISTANT ISSUE). SUSPENSION MAKES LOUD CREAKING NOISE(S) WHEN OPERATING ON UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES OR STEEP INCLINE/DECLINE. STEERING/SUSPENSION HAVE BEEN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2020 ' WILL HAVE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSE AT POSSIBLE OWNERS EXPENSE. DATE OF STEERING ISSUE WILL BE UTILIZED FOR SECTION BELOW.
3/6/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN THE DRIVE MECHANISM HAS BEEN SHIFTED TO "L" (LOW), THE VEHICLE SHOULD SLOWLY COME TO A STOP WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT PRESSED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE DISPLAY SHOWED "L", I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD FROM A STOP (AS IF IT WERE IN "D" INSTEAD). THIS OCCURRED WHILE PARKING, AND THE VEHICLE (WITHOUT OPERATOR INPUT) WOULD LURCH (AS IF SOMEONE WERE TAPPING THE BREAK WHILE IN "D"). THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN I NOTICED THE ISSUE -- IT DID NOT STOP WHEN I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE ISSUE PERSISTED AFTER STOPPING -- I STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE BREAK, AND IT WOULD CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD AFTER REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BREAK. THIS OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT WHILE PARKING. INITIALLY I WAS TURNING AGGRESSIVELY TO ENTER A PARKING SPOT. BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTED AFTER STRAIGHTENING OUT THE VEHICLE IN THE DESIGNATED SPOT. SINCE THIS ACCELERATION IS UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED, IT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS. THINGS WHICH I WOULD GUESS MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO THE MALFUNCTION: - QUICKLY SHIFTING FROM "P" TO "D" TO "L" AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE. - ACTIVATING THE LOW-SPEED COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WHILE IN "L" (IE, GETTING VERY CLOSE TO PARKED CARS WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT). I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS BEHAVIOR AFTER I STRAIGHTENED OUT IN THE PARKING SPOT. BUT I CAN'T ATTACH VIDEOS. PLEASE CONTACT FOR INFORMATION.
11/30/2017
DRIVING HOME IN MY 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV, WHEN I WAS ABOUT 3 MILES FROM HOME AND THE CHARGE/RANGE DISPLAY SHOWED A "MINIMUM" 15 MILE RANGE REMAINING (SEE DASHBOARD PHOTO), THE MESSAGE "CHARGE VEHICLE SOON" DISPLAYED AND THE BOLT ABRUPTLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP, SNOW-COVERED STRETCH OF ROAD, AND LEFT MY VEHICLE STATIONARY IN THE MIDDLE OF ITS LANE, AN INCREDIBLY UNSAFE SITUATION. AFTER SOME EXPERIMENTING, I DISCOVERED THAT SIMPLY DISMISSING THE "CHARGE VEHICLE SOON" MESSAGE USING THE "CHECKMARK" BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL RESTORED VEHICLE POWER AND ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. SO APPARENTLY WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT WHEN THE CAR REACHED ABOUT 8% BATTERY POWER (15 MILES REMAINING DIVIDED BY 185 AT A FULL CHARGE), IT AUTOMATICALLY DROPPED INTO SOME SORT OF LOW POWER MODE THAT LEFT IT UNABLE TO CLIMB A HILL. THANKFULLY IN THIS CASE, THE ROADS WERE ALMOST DESERTED AND NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT IS VERY HIGH WHEN A VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD. THIS VEHICLE BEHAVIOR IS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ON PAGE 231, IT IS STATED THAT AT SOME POINT WHEN THE BATTERY'S CHARGE IS VERY LOW, A "PROPULSION POWER IS REDUCED" MESSAGE WILL DISPLAY AND THE "ACCELERATOR PEDAL RESPONSE IS REDUCED". HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE READS, "IN ADDITION, THE REMAINING RANGE VALUE WILL CHANGE TO LOW INDICATING THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE CHARGED IMMEDIATELY." THAT NEVER HAPPENED IN MY CASE. THE "PROPULSION POWER IS REDUCED" MESSAGE NEVER DISPLAYED (THOUGH PROPULSION POWER CLEARLY WAS REDUCED), AND AS CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN IN THE POSTED PHOTO, THE MINIMUM RANGE DISPLAYED AS 15 MILES. THERE WAS NO CONCEIVABLE REASON FOR THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN WITH THAT MILEAGE REMAINING. I ASSUME THIS WAS THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE VEHICLE SOFTWARE OR ELECTRONICS, AND IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE.
1/2/2018
SEATS
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AFTER DRIVING THE BOLT FOR ONE HOUR I DISCOVERED THAT HARD PLASTIC PIECES OF THE SEAT COULD BE FELT THROUGH THE BOTTOM CUSHION CAUSING SEVERE LEG PAIN AND NUMBNESS. THE PAIN TOOK 3 DAYS TO GO AWAY. THE SHORT DURATION OF THE TEST DRIVE WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO FEEL THIS PAIN. AFTER TALKING TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS I'VE DISCOVERED THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE BOLT. APPARENTLY IN A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF BOLTS (~%25) THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PADDING APPLIED TO THE SEAT. I HAVE SEEN PICTURES THAT SHOW A BOLT WITH PROPER PADDING AND ONE WITHOUT AND THERE IS A DIFFERENCE OF UP TO 2X IN HEIGHT. I HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF THE FOAM INSIDE THE SEAT AND IT VARIES SIGNIFICANTLY BETWEEN BOLTS. I AM REQUESTING THAT CHEVROLET RECALLS THE SEATS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE AND ADDS PROPER PADDING TO THEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO ADD A LARGE SEAT CUSHION TO THE SEAT WHICH COMPROMISES MY ABILITY TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT PUTS ME AT A HEIGHT WHERE THE REARVIEW MIRROR NO LONGER WORKS AND I ROLL AROUND IN THE SEAT WHEN I GO AROUND CORNERS. THIS IS A HEALTH ISSUE AND A SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF EXAMPLES OF CONVERSATIONS WHERE MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM.
9/27/2017
THE SEATS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE TO THE POINT WHERE IT HURTS MY REAR END AND LOWER BACK. ALBEIT MY PERSONAL OPINION, IT SEEMS THE PADDING IS INADEQUATE. FURTHERMORE, THE BACK OF THE SEAT APPEARS TO HAVE A GAP IN IT SO EVERYTIME YOU LEAN BACK, THE SEAT CLICKS. THIS ISN'T A DEFECT BUT RATHER A POORLY DESIGNED SEAT. THE SEAT ISSUE WILL PASS ANY TEST DRIVE BECAUSE THE TEST DRIVE IS SO SHORT. I'VE NEVER OWNED A CAR WITH SEATS LIKE THIS, USED OR NEW AND CHEVY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE SEATS.
10/6/2017
WHEELS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE IN MOTION THE CAR BEGAN TO ERRATICALLY SPEED UP & SLOW DOWN WITHOUT THE DRIVER DEPRESSING EITHER THE ACCELERATION PEDAL OR THE BRAKE. THE RESULT WAS THE JUMPING & BUCKING OF THE CAR & PASSENGERS WITHIN. UPON TAKING THE CAR TO CHEVY REPAIR, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WAS DAMAGED BECAUSE OF A FAULTY WASHER IN THE AXLE THAT BROKE. THE BROKEN WASHER PARTS ENTERED THE WHEEL HUB, DAMAGING BOTH THE WHEEL HUB & THE SPEED SENSOR.
6/11/2019
TIRE RATED WHEN WE PURCHASED CAR TIRE WEAR WAS 60 ,000 MILES TUBE LESS TIRE WE HAVE LESS THAN 30,000 MILE ON CAR WHEN TOOK TO CHEV TO HAVE SERVICE AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED NEW TIRES SOON 3 OF THE TIES WERE AT3/32 & 4 TIRE WAS4/32 SO I DROVE HOME AND PARKED IT SINCE I CANT AFFORD NEW TIES YET AND THE RESPONSIBLE OF US DRIVE WITH 3 TIRE TREAD WEAR COULD HAVE 3 BLOW OUTSIDE AT ONE TI.E RISK OF ROLL OVER OR HIT OTHER CAR AND INJURED OTHERS IS NOT THE PEOPLE WERE ARE BUT I DIDNT PAY $45,685 ON A NEW GREEN VEHICLE TO HAVE REPLACE 4 [XXX] TIRES LESS THAN 2 YERS OLD THE CAR IS IVE HAVEN'T EVER HAD A CAR BIKE RV TIRES WEAR OUT SO FAST CHEAPEST DEFECTIVE TIRES I'VE EVER SEEN SO EVERYBODY PASS IT BACK TO US TO PAY FOR [XXX] I PAY 700 A MONTH FOR THAT CAR MY HUSBAND WANT TO COMMUTE IN TO SAVE FUEL AND I TOLD EVEN WITH US BUY EXTRA WARRANTIES ON IT [XXX] I COULD HA E SAVED MY SELF A LOT OF MONEY WE HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
9/16/2019
SUSPENSION
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
REAR BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY FREEZES AFTER PLACING VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHICH MAY BECOME DISTRACTION AND CREATE UNSAFE SITUATION FOR DRIVER WHILE MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOT OR ON ROADWAY WHILE OPERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS ' CAN BE REMEDIED BY MANUALLY RESTARTING INFORTAINMENT SYSTEM/POWERING OFF/RESTARTING VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN SYSTEM UNFREEZE FOR RESTART AUTOMATICALLY WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION WHICH MAY CAUSE DISTRACTION TO DRIVER AND INABILITY TO ADJUST CERTAIN FEATURES OF CLIMATE CONTROLS. TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER TO HEATING UNIT OR INABILITY TO REGISTER CHANGE IN FAN SPEED (OCCURANCE ONCE). STEERING FEELS LOOSE WHEN INITIALLY MOVING STEERING WHEEL AND COMPONENT(S) MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL (RESISTANT ISSUE). SUSPENSION MAKES LOUD CREAKING NOISE(S) WHEN OPERATING ON UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES OR STEEP INCLINE/DECLINE. STEERING/SUSPENSION HAVE BEEN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2020 ' WILL HAVE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSE AT POSSIBLE OWNERS EXPENSE. DATE OF STEERING ISSUE WILL BE UTILIZED FOR SECTION BELOW.
3/6/2021
Sway bar components and steering making noises and excessive movement. These issues were noticeable just after 3yr 36k limited warranty had expired (approx 23k miles on vehicle). Items later found to be faulty by dealership, GM gave significant pushback and offered limited assistance with repairs and claims the treat items on case by case basis. I have read multiple reports of these repairs being performed under warranty and with a few customers out of warranty with similar symptoms. Itâs time to investigate Sway Bar and Steering turn signal switch and related component issues in Bolt EV 2017-19, possibly later and require GM to issue a recall.
5/28/2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE HID LIGHTS ARE UNSAFE. THE GLARE IS HARSH IN EYES OF ONCOMING VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. THE HID HEADLIGHTS CAST A DEFINED BOX OF LIGHT BEYOND WHICH ALL IS DARK; THEREFORE, ANIMALS, PEOPLE, DIPS AND CURVES IN THE ROAD, AND OTHER VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE BOX OF LIGHT ARE INVISIBLE. THESE SHOULD BE OUTLAWED.
9/2/2017
CHEVROLET BOLT HAS "L" DRIVING MODE, DURING WHICH THE CAR WILL STOP IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED. HOWEVER, THE REAR LIGHT DOES NOT RELIABLY TURN ON. IF THE CAR IS AT LOW SPEED, OR IF THE CAR IS STOPPED, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT MAY BE OFF. THIS INCREASES THE CHANGE OF REAR COLLISION. WHEN IN "L" MODE, THE BREAK LIGHT SHOULD BE ON AT ALL TIMES WHILE THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED.
9/21/2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE PROPULSION POWER REDUCED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE AND READ WHAT THE WARNING LIGHT MEANT AND DECIDED TO HEAD HOME. I STOPPED ON THE WAY HOME AT THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I CAME BACK OUT AND STARTED THE CAR THE WARNINGS WERE STILL THERE AND THEN IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. I KEPT GETTING A MESSAGE THAT CONDITIONS WERE NOT RIGHT TO SHIFT AND PLEASE PUT THE CAR IN PARK. (IT WOULD GO INTO NEUTRAL) WHEN I TRIED TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IT WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. I FINALLY GOT IT TO SHUT OFF BY OPENING THE DOOR WHEN I WAS SHUTTING IT OFF. ON STAR TOLD ME I WAS HAVING A "CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED. THE TWO TRUCK DRIVER CALLED ME 15 MINUTES LATER AND ASKED ME TO MAKE SURE I COULD GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. I STARTED THAT CAR AGAIN, ALL THE WARMINGS CAME BACK ON EXCEPT IT DID ALLOW ME TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I DROVE IT HOME AND BACKED INTO MY DRIVE. THE TWO TRUCK ARRIVED AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALL ON BUT AGAIN IT DID SHIFT INTO GEAR. HE TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP.
9/15/2017
WHILE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR JOLTED AND LIGHTS IN THE CAR WENT ON. TRANSMISSION LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, STABILITY TRACK LIGHT, SERVICE PARK ASSIST LIGHT, SERVICE STEERING LIGHT, ETC. THIS CAUSED ME A CHALLENGE IN DRIVING THE CAR ON A TWO LANE ROAD BECAUSE THE STEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT AND THERE WAS NOT A BIG ENOUGH SHOULDER TO PULL ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. BRING CAR INTO DEALER AND FIND THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB NEED TO BE REPLACED, THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS WHEN THE BRAND NEW CAR WAS ABOUT A YEAR OLD (WE DID HAVE 18311 MILES ON THE VEHICLE). ABOUT A YEAR LATER (15 MONTHS LATER), THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AND THE SAME PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. HOWEVER, WE WERE OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE AND THEY NO LONGER WANTED TO REPLACE THE BROKEN PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. THE SAME PARTS SHOULD NOT GO OUT YEAR AFTER YEAR ON A BRAND NEW CAR! WE ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON PARTS AND WERE TOLD NO. THE PART NUMBERS ON BOTH INVOICES - SL-N-WASHER (04710-C); SL-N- NUT (06056-BC); SL-N-WASHER (06056-C); SL-*-N- BEARING (060311-C)
7/8/2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE "PROPULSION" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAPITOL CHEVROLET (905 CAPITOL EXPRESSWAY AUTO MALL, SAN JOSE, CA 95136) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,193.
1/12/2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. WHILE DRIVING AND USING THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING, THERE WAS A FIVE SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BURDICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, 5885 CIR DR. E #340, CICERO, NY 13039) WHO EXPLAINED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKES AND LIGHTS WERE WORKING TO SPECIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,446.
6/20/2018
AIR BAGS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE LEFT MOST LANE ON CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 101-S BEFORE THE 405. THE CAR SKIDDED AND I COLLIDED INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. MY CAR THEN RICOCHETED ACROSS 5 LANES OF THE HIGHWAY AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEN, MY CAR EVENTUALLY SLOWED TO A STOP AND THE CAR SMELLED LIKE SMOKE. ALL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY NECK AND SHOULDERS WERE VERY SORE AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE CAME AND TOOK A COLLISION REPORT: #9580. THE TOWING COMPANY (EZ TOWING) TOWED THE CAR TO 14710 CALVERT ST., VAN NUYS, CA 91411. ONE OF THE REASONS WE PURCHASED THE CHEVY BOLT WAS BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES. MY FAMILY AND I ARE VERY FRUSTRATED AND HIGHLY CONCERNED THAT NOT ONE SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IN SUCH A HIGH IMPACT COLLISIONS IN WHICH BOTH THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED.
2/4/2019
SEAT BELTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
CENTER SEAT BELT OF BACK SEAT IS FULLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS PREVENTS THE SEAT BELT TO BE HELD SNUGLY AGAINST THE BODY OR CAR SEAT.
5/14/2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Consumer writes in regards to high voltage battery safety recall. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SAFETY RECALL SOLUTION WAS UNACCEPTABLE.
5/27/2021
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Bolt EV: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 446
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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