YearToAvoid

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 123 steering complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 36% of all complaints filed for that year, the highest share of any model year. One crash was linked to steering, with a median mileage at failure of 41,750. No related recalls are listed.

Steering complaints
123
36% of 346
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
41,750 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering wheel fails to return to center after completing a turn, especially on right-hand turns, forcing the driver to manually straighten it.
  • Steering feels stiff, sticky, or binding, with an audible noise as it breaks free from sticking.
  • Owners report the steering rack itself failing, sometimes described as rusted or dry of oil, leading to loss of proper steering feel and centering.
  • Sway bar components and steering produce noises and excessive movement, often noticed shortly after the warranty period ends.
  • Some owners report the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn at speed, with dealers diagnosing a failed steering rack that was not repaired.
  • A dealer-performed software update intended to fix steering centering was reported by at least one owner to make the problem worse.

When 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 26, 2020, latest Sep 1, 2026.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter142020 Q32021 Q32022 Q42023 Q32024 Q22025 Q12025 Q42026 Q3
123 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q2 (14).

Steering recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Bolt EV model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2017123 (36%)
  2. 201838 (43%)
  3. 201946 (26%)
  4. 202022 (13%)
  5. 20219 (13%)
  6. 20224 (7%)
  7. 202317 (28%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV owners reported steering problems?
NHTSA lists 123 steering complaints for the 2017 Bolt EV, which makes up 36% of the 346 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for steering on the 2017 Bolt EV.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2017 Bolt EV?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2017 Bolt EV is 41,750 miles.
Did steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows one crash linked to steering complaints on the 2017 Bolt EV and no fires or injuries.
How does the 2017 Bolt EV compare to other model years for steering complaints?
The 2017 model year has the largest number of steering complaints among Bolt EV years, with 123 complaints versus 38 in 2018, 46 in 2019, and fewer in later years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.