What year Chevrolet Bolt EV should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2017 and 2019 Bolt EV. The 2017 has a complaint index of 100 (the worst of all years) and the 2019 has an index of 83, both driven by steering and electrical system problems.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Bolt EV?

The 2018 and 2022 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 17 respectively, the lowest among all seven Bolt EV model years covered.

Does the Chevrolet Bolt EV have a battery fire recall?

Yes. Recall 21V560000 covers 2017-2019 Bolt EV vehicles for a high-voltage battery that could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Are 2020 and 2023 Bolt EV models safe to buy?

They are rated Caution, not Avoid or Best. The 2020 has a complaint index of 67 and the 2023 has an index of 50, both trailing behind the 2018 and 2022 model years.

What is the most common problem area across all Bolt EV years?

Electrical System complaints are the most common, totaling 417 complaints and making up 43% of all reported issues across 2017-2023.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Best and Worst Years (2017–2023)

Avoid the 2017 and 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which carry the highest complaint index scores (100 and 83) and the most steering and electrical/fire complaints. The 2018 and 2022 model years score best (complaint index 0 and 17) and are the safer picks among the 973 total complaints logged across 2017-2023.

Avoid 2017 Avoid 2019 Best 2018 Best 2022

Model years: 7; 2017–2023
NHTSA complaints: 973
Recall campaigns: 13
Crashes reported: 37
Fires reported: 21
Top problem area: Electrical System

Bolt EV Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Bolt EV problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2017	Avoid	100	346	11	5	4	Steering	119	—
2018	Best	0	89	2	1	5	Steering	119	—
2019	Avoid	83	178	2	10	6	Electrical System	119	5★
2020	Caution	67	174	7	4	8	Electrical System	118	5★
2021	Good	33	67	4	0	5	Electrical System	118	5★
2022	Best	17	59	3	0	7	Electrical System	120	5★
2023	Caution	50	60	8	1	3	Electrical System	120	5★

Bolt EV years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Index 100 · 346 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2017 Bolt EV ranks worst of all model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 346 complaints. Steering issues lead at 123 complaints (36%), with a median failure mileage of 41,750 miles, followed by electrical system problems (117 complaints, 34%, median 21,500 miles) and fuel system complaints (70, 20%, median 16,069 miles). The year saw 11 crashes and 5 fires. It is tied to four recalls, including a high-voltage battery fire recall (21V560000) and two seat belt pretensioner fire recalls (22V930000, 23V845000).

2017 steering problems →2017 electrical system problems →2017 fuel system problems →

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Index 83 · 178 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2019 Bolt EV has the second-highest complaint index at 83, driven mainly by electrical system complaints: 85 cases, 48% of the year's total, at a median of 15,000 miles. Owners also reported steering problems (46 complaints, 26%, median 26,500 miles) and fuel system issues (44 complaints, 25%, median 4,520 miles). This year logged 10 fires and 2 crashes, and was included in the high-voltage battery fire recall (21V560000) along with the seat belt pretensioner recalls (22V930000, 23V845000).

2019 electrical system problems →2019 steering problems →2019 fuel system problems →

Most common Chevrolet Bolt EV problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System417 (43%)
Steering259 (27%)
Fuel System189 (19%)
Other117 (12%)
Transmission & Powertrain86 (9%)
Engine75 (8%)
Brakes56 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (3%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras24 (2%)
Visibility & Wipers24 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Chevrolet Bolt EV should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2017 and 2019 Bolt EV. The 2017 has a complaint index of 100 (the worst of all years) and the 2019 has an index of 83, both driven by steering and electrical system problems.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Bolt EV?: The 2018 and 2022 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 17 respectively, the lowest among all seven Bolt EV model years covered.
Does the Chevrolet Bolt EV have a battery fire recall?: Yes. Recall 21V560000 covers 2017-2019 Bolt EV vehicles for a high-voltage battery that could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Are 2020 and 2023 Bolt EV models safe to buy?: They are rated Caution, not Avoid or Best. The 2020 has a complaint index of 67 and the 2023 has an index of 50, both trailing behind the 2018 and 2022 model years.
What is the most common problem area across all Bolt EV years?: Electrical System complaints are the most common, totaling 417 complaints and making up 43% of all reported issues across 2017-2023.