Chevrolet Bolt EV — the 7 years we've written up
2017–2023, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 7 of the 7 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 7 Chevrolet Bolt EV model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Chevrolet built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Chevrolet Bolt EV by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
Steering rack binds and clicks — the Bolt's steering gear failing just outside warranty — $1,200–$3,000 for a steering gear
High-voltage battery fire risk — three recalls, ending in the 2024 software follow-ups (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $12,000–$18,000 for a pack outside warranty
High-voltage battery fire risk — diagnostic-software remedy, and two follow-up recalls (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $12,000–$18,000 for a pack outside warranty
LG battery fire recall — $0 under recall
High-voltage battery can catch fire when charged full — full pack replacement (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $12,000–$18,000 for a pack outside warranty
High-voltage battery fire risk — the recall that replaced the whole pack (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $12,000–$18,000 for a pack outside warranty
LG battery fire recall — $0 under recall; the pack is worth $12,000+
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Chevrolet Bolt EV in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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