How common are steering complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

NHTSA lists 38 steering complaints for the 2018 Bolt EV out of 89 total complaints for the year, or 43% of all complaints — the highest share among Bolt EV model years in this data.

Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data provided for this steering problem area.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2018 Bolt EV?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this steering issue is 42,987 miles.

What steering symptoms do 2018 Bolt EV owners describe?

Owners describe the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn, binding or sticking while turning, and needing extra force to keep the car going straight.

Have steering problems caused crashes on the 2018 Bolt EV?

The NHTSA data provided lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to this steering problem area.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems

Steering complaints account for 38 of 89 total complaints (43%) filed on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. No related recalls are listed, and no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported in this data. Median mileage at failure is 42,987 miles.

Steering complaints: 38; 43% of 89
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 42,987 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the steering wheel fails to return to center after turning, requiring the driver to manually pull it back straight.
Some describe the steering binding or getting stuck while turning, with dealers identifying a faulty steering gear or rack and pinion.
Several owners say the car becomes hard to control at highway speed, drifting or requiring excessive force to keep it going straight.
One owner reported a clicking noise from the steering column that developed into difficulty handling the vehicle.
Owners note replacing tires, struts, and having alignments done without resolving the issue, pointing to a steering rack defect instead.

When 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 31, 2020, latest Sep 17, 2026.

38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2025 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2018 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.

2017123 (36%)
201838 (43%)
201946 (26%)
202022 (13%)
20219 (13%)
20224 (7%)
202317 (28%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?: NHTSA lists 38 steering complaints for the 2018 Bolt EV out of 89 total complaints for the year, or 43% of all complaints — the highest share among Bolt EV model years in this data.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?: No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data provided for this steering problem area.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2018 Bolt EV?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this steering issue is 42,987 miles.
What steering symptoms do 2018 Bolt EV owners describe?: Owners describe the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn, binding or sticking while turning, and needing extra force to keep the car going straight.
Have steering problems caused crashes on the 2018 Bolt EV?: The NHTSA data provided lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to this steering problem area.