2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle displayed a Service ESC warning, indicating a possible malfunction in the electronic stability control system. I have had difficulty reproducing the issue, but the vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction may have reduced the vehicle’s stability and traction assistance, which could increase the risk of losing control while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have taken the vehicle to the dealer three times. The first time, the dealer replaced the battery. The second time, the dealer installed a software update. The third time, they were unable to reproduce the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. No inspection by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties has occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The Service ESC warning first appeared while driving on July 19, 2026 and May 22, 2026. I did notice the service light turn on before then, but do not have a picture to send at this time.

NHTSA complaint #11752728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The radio amplifier is mounted in the rear trunk wheel well attached to the bottom, along with the subwoofer assembly. Under the amplifier is a small drain. My trunk leaked during the rain and shorted out the amplifier. This shut off all communication noise in car. No noise from blinkers or warnings of dangerous situations. According to AI, "The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV shares the same basic body structure and rear hatch design as earlier models (2017–2020), and there is no confirmed evidence that the trunk seal was redesigned or improved to prevent water intrusion. Despite a known issue with water leaks into the trunk—often due to voids in seam sealer or compromised tailgate gaskets—General Motors issued a service bulletin (18-NA-182) that applied only to 2017–2020 models. However, owners of 2022 and 2023 models have reported identical leaks, with water pooling in the rear cargo area and damaging components like the amplifier located in the spare tire well." Remember, when the amplifier goes out, every warning signal goes out, as well as radio and hand free operation of cell phones.

NHTSA complaint #11718978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The door locks automatically unlock when the car shuts itself off if the key fob is inside. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Twice now, once in this car, and once in my previous car (a Bolt rather than an EUV) I fell asleep at a charging station, in the Texas summer, with the A/C running, and when I woke up, the car was off and the doors had automatically unlocked. I believe this has happened to other people. See, for example: https://westchester.news12.com/police-duo-to-be-charged-after-stealing-a-car-while-it-was-charging Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but as I wrote, it has happened to me with two separate vehicles, a 2019 Bolt, and a 2023 Bolt EUV, and it is eminently reproducible. Get in the car, lock the doors, leave the car on and wait an hour. When the car shuts itself off, it will unlock the doors (I believe because the key fob is inside.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. But I sent an unacknowledged email to GM's general counsel on 9/1/2019 the first time it happened in my 2019 Bolt EV. It still happens in my Bolt EUV. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

NHTSA complaint #11714596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Water intrusion occurred inside the rear taillight assembly, resulting in visible moisture/condensation within the housing and subsequent taillight malfunction/failure. The affected taillight performs critical rear lighting functions, including brake and signaling illumination. The presence of water inside the sealed taillight assembly indicates a failure of the lens or housing seal. Over time, moisture intrusion caused degradation and failure of the lighting function. Loss or impairment of rear lighting reduces the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions, creating a safety risk related to rear-end collisions and improper signaling. The condition developed during normal vehicle use and exposure to rain and environmental moisture. No collision, impact, or external damage occurred prior to the failure. No dashboard warning messages or alerts were observed prior to discovering the issue. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealership, which confirmed the taillight failure. The dealership stated the light source is not serviceable and that the entire taillight assembly must be replaced. The manufacturer acknowledged the issue but stated the vehicle was outside the warranty period and offered only a partial goodwill assistance of approximately 20%, leaving an out-of-pocket repair cost exceeding $800. Multiple consumer reports and online owner discussions document similar instances of water intrusion and taillight failure on Chevrolet Bolt vehicles, suggesting a potential pattern related to taillight design or sealing rather than isolated damage or maintenance-related failure. The affected taillight assembly remains available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11713573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have been getting errors when I charge the car since last year. 3500 miles on a brand new 2023 and it's been at the dealership for over 30 days they offered me 2000 bucks and keep the car under warranty and I would have to pay the lemon lawyers 800 so I didn't take the deal. I have no car but I still pay 836 for my car note.

NHTSA complaint #11710557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The lane departure warning goes on and off randomly. The heating stopped working. There are glitches on the screen interface. And yesterday a red light with a car and exclamation mark through it came on. I took it to the dealer and they only had time to check the code which came up as "hybrid/ev powertrain control module requested MIL illumination" The advisor who is not an ev technician told me not to worry about it because the light went off. Everything i am reading online says this could be a huge safety issue. When I reported it to the manufacturer, they told me to listen to the dealer without getting more information and would not transfer me to a manager. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others. And I am finding Chevrolet to be negligent on what could be a huge hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11704861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’ve experienced multiple instances where the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system on my 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV fails to function properly when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Specifically, there are times when the system does not emit any audible warning despite approaching cross traffic, and in other cases, the alert system appears to be completely unresponsive, no visual indicators or chimes occur at all. This happens intermittently and unpredictably, regardless of weather conditions or terrain. The issue is concerning because the system is a critical safety feature intended to warn of vehicles or objects approaching from the side while reversing, particularly in parking lots or driveways. The lack of warning increases the risk of a collision, especially in areas with obstructed views or high pedestrian activity. This appears to be a defect in the sensor system or software that controls cross traffic detection. I believe this poses a significant safety concern and may affect other Bolt EV vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11678975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This model has a dangerous driving problem that is difficult to reproduce; however, it points to a flaw in a coupled design that causes simple infotainment system failures to negatively impact both on-star help system and critical driving system. This problem recurred on [XXX] in suburban area of Buena Park CA; previous occurrence in 2024 had purported possible resolution through software download. It begins with simple problem of inability to change FM channel; checking other controls on infotainment screen showed all displays responding correctly, including commands to change station; yet it does not. Only after car has been parked and EV motor turned off for awhile, did this problem reset. This is an indication that previous problem remains unresolved. Previously, on an isolated section of AZ highway without cell service, what began with radio control malfunction ended with this model turning off all speakers and all displays. Once speakers were turned off, on-star interaction can not be heard in the car. I expected separate speakers for on-star emergencies; however, to my surprise it seems to be routed through or related to infotainment system. Then possible stops and attempts to reset the infotainment system through turning off the car, caused all lights to go off on the dash. I had to drive many miles through isolated desert and mountains to reach a safe offramp with no instrumentation. This makes suspect what else could go wrong when in isolated regions. So far the danger seems to be related to driving in no cell service area; however, without further investigation, this design of coupling infotainment system with both critical driving and emergency systems makes this model unreliable and dangerous to everyone in this car. Please investigate and decouple these systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11671074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Software in the EV system created to protect the battery pack has instead placed my life in jeopardy in response to known false sensor event. During 110 degree heat in isolated desert in southern California, the software detected a false error in high voltage comparisons between battery banks. In response, it disabled climate control, reduced propulsion, and placed an upper limit of 40% on battery recharge system. Without any warning nor noticeable malfunction during the drive out to the desert truck stop, 1 hour of fast charging at 50 kWH resulted in the charger being turned off by the car after reaching only 40%. With no info, I just assumed that this was a failure of the charger; however, I had used this specific charger 1 month prior without any problems. Only after I left this truck stop and headed to the next electric charger, some 50 miles away, did I notice the lack of A/C and warnings on the dash. At this time I called Chevrolet Roadside Service(CRS) and received advice to proceed to the charger then if charging attempt fails, call them back. I drove in 118 degree with open windows behind the slowest moving semi I could find. Within minutes my connected phone for map guidance, started overheating from both the environment and the car charging my phone. I realized I could die out here without car nor phone. Upon arrival, my attempts produced only 4 kWH charging speed at a 50 kWH station. After many false guidances and about 6 calls to CRS and 1 day, I was able to get my car towed to nearby Chevrolet dealer who was too busy to look at the car for 2-3 days. Next day I picked up my car and drove in 102 degree heat to where I purchased this car 2 years ago. 2 days later I picked it up; a known problem solved by a software download fixed it.

NHTSA complaint #11668039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle had experienced several battery drainage failures, and the battery was drained within 2 to 3 days of being parked. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the service engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there no fault was found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The battery charging system is malfunctioning and won't charge the battery correctly. Hazards from a battery and charging system that is not functioning. Possible battery explosion during charging. Possible fire to car & garage / home. Yes Yes Yes

NHTSA complaint #11649256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have owned the car for less than six months and the battery went from full charge at 230 to know a full charge only being 180. I’m also sitting here at a dc charging station and have been here for an hour and a half and still haven’t reached 80%. What do I do?

NHTSA complaint #11629463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dashboard went blank for a second and reset itself twice while driving at 65 mph in the mountains of AZ, near sunset. This happened once in 18k of driving, right after infotainment system partially failed: audio failed and parts of touch screen failed to respond. Danger is in the unsuspecting driver's reaction in poor driving conditions. Call to On Star was initiated but it uses the same audio system the infotainment system uses. So On Star failed. Pulled over; restarted car several times, infotainment system was silent. 2 hours of driving in silence; parked for 2 hours; restarted car and everything was back to normal. Took it to dealer. Unable to recreate this problem. Updated software downloaded to infotainment system. No information if this fixes problems. Until we understand why infotainment problems may cause dashboard to go dark, this car is unsafe for unsuspecting drivers. My wife was driving; I in passenger seat, she won't be driving this car again until this is understood better and fixed. Thank you for your help

NHTSA complaint #11588118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the infotainment screen displayed a red, triangular warning symbol, rendering the back-up camera inoperable. The contact also stated that an alert feature warning the driver of incoming objects also failed to operate as needed. In addition, the contact stated that the infotainment system intermittently failed to return to normal operation while shifted out of reverse(R). The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on numerous occasions where the wiring harness, back-up camera, head unit, infotainment screen, and other parts related to the defect had been replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified on numerous occasions about the failure but offered no solutions. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,506.

NHTSA complaint #11579249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Last month I ran out of battery before getting home when the weather was 15 degrees and windy. Without my knowledge the vehicle was heating the battery significantly reducing the remaining range, no vehicle indicator warning that the vehicle was conditioning the battery. I realized what was happening when I turned on outside venting without using heat to defrost the window and the air was hot, if I was new to the vehicle or on my first trip I would have been stranded in an area where there may not have been a place to pull off the highway. I decided to report this in case it can save even one person’s life, there is an increased danger and liability not knowing this information. As most people, I set the cruise and pay attention to the road so majority of the time you don’t see the unknown increases in the kW usage, an update should be required to show an alarm of some sort and the additional active kW consumption and expected range deduction when the vehicle is doing any kind of conditioning (heating, cooling, or maintenance). There is a battery maintenance % view that should be modified to accommodate this.

NHTSA complaint #11571026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Near my work place, I drove by that intersection a numerous times. One day, when I almost finished making the left turn, it suddenly gave me collision warning and suddenly took brake on the left front wheel by itself for about 1 second. There was nothing in front of me.

NHTSA complaint #11558025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated all the doors were locked except the front driver's side door and all the wheels were locked. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the modules were reset and updated however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was currently at the dealer for the fourth time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11552107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Frightening SAFETY Problem: Sudden Power loss on Los Angeles freeway. About 6/21/2023 began repeated episodes where my Chevy 2023 Bolt EUV hesitated for a few seconds before responding when I pushed on the accelerator pedal. Full power and acceleration resumed right after the initial hesitation and were sustained until I had to stop the car. A dashboard warning light appeared. I called for an On-Demand Diagnostic evaluation, spoke by phone with Chevrolet support who assisted with the evaluation and emailed me the results (screenshot) indicating an issue with the HCP - Hybrid Control Processor Module and a Diagnostic Code P2797. The Diagnostic Information read: "The Electric Drive Unit is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the Auxiliary Transmission Pump System..." The “Recommended Action” was to “Service within 7 days.” (Screenshot) I contacted the dealership where I purchased the car and was told that I would have to leave it for several days before evaluation/servicing could be done. However the next morning (before I could take the car to the dealership) the instrument panel alert had disappeared. So I considered it all a temporary "glitch". Then on 8/27, driving about 60MPH on very busy 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, the car suddenly lost most of its power and slowed down…with an orange dashboard warning icon “Propulsion Power is Reduced” and another message that speed limited to 30 MPH. Alarmed and fearful, I turned on emergency blinker lights, moved to right lane and exited freeway at next off-ramp. The problem persisted as I slowly drove surface streets to destination and parked. Several hours later I started car; alert message came on but car accelerated normally. I slowly drove home on surface streets. On 8/29 another Chevy dealership identified "Scanning Code P2797" and "Replaced Transmission Fluid Pump” by warranty coverage. No problem since. Service manager said she has seen 3 similar problems. I see similar reports online.

NHTSA complaint #11544123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the 12-volt battery was not being used enough and rebooted the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 3,350.

NHTSA complaint #11534178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After rain, the locks on the vehicle would not lock or unlock whether by using the key fob, interior door buttons, or OnStar app. After approximately 2 hours the locks began working again.

NHTSA complaint #11533746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Was driving along and received a “Propulsion Power Reduced” warning on dash and couldn’t go over 30mph while on a highway. Had to limp along on the shoulder. Pushed the OnStar button and they ran a diagnostic test which came back with P2797.

NHTSA complaint #11532608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I just bought a new chevy bolt euv from a dealership here in Michigan. No sooner than me driving off their lot, a pickup truck damn near ram into me. I was in thick traffic following slow vehicles and the only damage cause was a skid mark on the road he cause. No damages to my bolt. He roll down and said fix your brake lights. I yell back, it's factory! I'm scared to hold onto this vehicle when it comes to winter time. Most vehicle's license plate get obscured by snow. These brake lights and turn signals are even below the license plate. A recall and a redesign needs to happen. Too many people expressing negative opinion on this issue on the forums. Thank you for reading this. Have a great day.

NHTSA complaint #11529691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I just bought this vehicle this Sunday. I drove about 400 miles and Wednesday, I got warning ⚠️ electric drive unit ⚠️. Yesterday I took my car to dealership and got call from them that auxiliary transmission issue and they will replace it. Car is still at the dealership, now we are afraid to drive that car and what if it jeopardizes our safety. We drive a lot for work as a home health provider.

NHTSA complaint #11521629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer failed to operate at an accurate speed and the energy dropped to a zero percent while accelerating. The contact also stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera failed to alert that someone was present. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to recharge over 80% battery life. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200. The contact stated that the vehicle is displaying codes that should not be displayed for this type of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11514675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer failed to operate at an accurate speed and the energy dropped to a zero percent while accelerating. The contact also stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera failed to alert that someone was present. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to recharge over 80% battery life. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200. The contact stated that the vehicle is displaying codes that should not be displayed for this type of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11514675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.