2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 7 Bolt EV years
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst of the 7 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict. It logged 346 complaints, 4 recalls, 11 crashes, and 5 fires, with steering (36%) and electrical system (34%) as the top problem areas.
- Complaints
- 346
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 119
- 128 city / 110 hwy
Top 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering123 (36%)
- Electrical System117 (34%)
- Fuel System70 (20%)
- Other34 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain27 (8%)
- Engine26 (8%)
- Brakes24 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (3%)
- Structure & Body7 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the regenerative braking paddle on the steering wheel failing to slow the vehicle as expected, leading to a crash.
- Some drivers say the brake pedal did not deliver full stopping power even when fully depressed, resulting in a collision.
- Several owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while trying to slow down or park, causing the car to strike other vehicles.
- Multiple reports describe the high-voltage battery catching fire while charging, including one fire that ignited under the back seat.
- Owners report airbags failing to inflate or deploy properly during a crash despite impact.
- A steering rack was reported to rust prematurely, causing the wheel not to return straight and reducing steering feel.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V845000Dec 14, 2023Seat Belts6,771 vehicles
Seat belts:pretensioner
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.
- NHTSA 22V930000Dec 15, 2022Seat Belts111,242 vehicles
Seat belts:pretensioner
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.
- NHTSA 21V560000Jul 23, 2021Electrical System57,414 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) 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 outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 128 MPG
- Highway
- 110 MPG
- Combined
- 119 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Bolt EV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV a bad year?
- Among the 7 Bolt EV model years with data, 2017 ranks worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Steering (36% of complaints) and Electrical System (34%) as the top problem areas, followed by Fuel System (20%) and Transmission & Powertrain (8%).
- Does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV have a battery fire recall?
- Yes. Recalls 20V701000 and 21V560000 cover the high-voltage battery catching fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity in 2017-2018 (and some 2019) Bolt EVs.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Bolt EV, covering seat belt pretensioner fire risk and high-voltage battery fire risk.
- How does the 2017 Bolt EV compare to other years?
- The 2017 model has a Complaint Index of 100, higher than 2018 (0, Best), 2019 (83, Avoid), 2020 (67, Caution), 2021 (33, Good), 2022 (17, Best), and 2023 (50, Caution).