Owners have filed 246 complaints
about the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 63
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
79% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Bolt EV
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Warning
315.0%
Warnings
315.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
315.0%
Assist
315.0%
Traction Battery
315.0%
Rearview System Braking
210.0%
12V/24V/48V Battery
210.0%
Accessory
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
824.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
927.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
515.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
824.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
39.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD
9.7% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2020peak 19Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
PE20016Opened 9 Oct 2020Closed 7 Feb 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
In October 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2017-2020 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Bolt vehicles based on complaints received alleging that the vehicles caught fire under the seating area while parked and unattended. At the time, ODI had received 2 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and several field reports. All complaints alleged vehicles caught fire during or after electrical charging.ODI's review found vehicle thermal events occurred during and/or at the end of the battery module charging cycle. The information learned from NHTSA and Gen...
Recalls on the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202437112 units in Canada
High Voltage
Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N212345941/N212345944 (Transport Canada recall no. 2021-524) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the high-voltage battery could overheat when it is charged to over 90% of its capacity. As a result, the battery could create smoke or heat, which can melt or damage the battery and nearby parts. Safety Risk: A battery that overheats can create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install an advanced diagnostic software that will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the affected high-voltage battery module. Please click here for additional information, including precautions to take until the recall repairs are completed, or call 1-800-263-3777 : <a href= https://my.gm.ca/chevrolet/en/how-to-support/safety/boltevrecall> https://my.gm.ca/chevrolet/en/how-to-support/safety/boltevrecall</a>
Recall 2023664202 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs may not have been completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N222383790 and/or N222383791 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-719). As a result, a second inspection is required. On certain vehicles, the carpet could catch fire after a crash where a front seat belt pretensioner deploys. Safety Risk: A fire that occurs after a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, install foil tape under the carpet near the front seatbelt pretensioners. On certain model year vehicles, the technician will also install seatbelt pretensioner covers.
Recall 202271919,898 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the carpet could catch fire after a crash where a front seat belt pretensioner deploys. Safety Risk: A fire that occurs after a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install foil tape under the carpet near the front seatbelt pretensioners. On certain model year vehicles, the technician will also install seatbelt pretensioner covers.
Recall 2021631628 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: This recall is for certain driver's all-weather floor liners sold with new vehicles or as accessory parts sold at General Motors dealerships. On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal could get stuck on the floor liner. If this happens, the vehicle may not slow down when you release the accelerator pedal. Note: If you continue to push the brake pedal, the brake-override system will allow you to stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: A stuck accelerator pedal could lead to unintended acceleration and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver's all-weather floor liner. You should remove the all-weather floor liner until you receive the replacement part.
Recall 20215249,023 units in Canada
High Voltage
Issue: On certain vehicles, the high-voltage battery could overheat when it is charged to over 90% of its capacity. As a result, the battery could create smoke or heat, which can melt or damage the battery and nearby parts. Safety Risk: A battery that overheats can create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install an advanced diagnostic software that will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the affected high-voltage battery module. Please click here for additional information, including precautions to take until the recall repairs are completed, or call 1-800-263-3777 : <a href= https://my.gm.ca/chevrolet/en/how-to-support/safety/boltevrecall> https://my.gm.ca/chevrolet/en/how-to-support/safety/boltevrecall</a>
Recall 2020130153 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear doors may unlatch suddenly due to a damaged cable caused by repeated rear window movement. As a result of this damage, a rear door could open while driving when the window is lowered. A damaged cable may also cause the inside door handle not to work. Safety Risk: A door that opens while the vehicle is moving could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the inside door handle cable in both rear doors. Note: Until the recall repairs are completed, you can prevent the chance of a door opening while driving by turning on the child lock feature in the rear doors.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 53,030 milesBermuda Dunes, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, the vehicle exploded. The contact believed the failure was due to the battery. The front left tire message was displayed. The battery was previously replaced. The local dealer was contacted regarding the battery purchase. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer. La Quinta Chevy Cady Service, 79225 CA-111, La Quinta, CA 92253, to obtain the service records, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, police report filed, or airbag deployments. The manufacturer was contacted, who filed an incident report. The failure mileage was approximately 53,030.
NHTSA complaint #11683606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,030 milesBermuda Dunes, CAFire
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, the vehicle exploded. The contact believed the failure was due to the battery. The front left tire message was displayed. The battery was previously replaced. The local dealer was contacted regarding the battery purchase. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer. La Quinta Chevy Cady Service, 79225 CA-111, La Quinta, CA 92253, to obtain the service records, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, police report filed, or airbag deployments. The manufacturer was contacted, who filed an incident report. The failure mileage was approximately 53,030.
NHTSA complaint #11683606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,030 milesBermuda Dunes, CAFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, the vehicle exploded. The contact believed the failure was due to the battery. The front left tire message was displayed. The battery was previously replaced. The local dealer was contacted regarding the battery purchase. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer. La Quinta Chevy Cady Service, 79225 CA-111, La Quinta, CA 92253, to obtain the service records, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, police report filed, or airbag deployments. The manufacturer was contacted, who filed an incident report. The failure mileage was approximately 53,030.
NHTSA complaint #11683606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I narrowly escaped a home and vehicle fire when my vehicle charging port received extensive damage from a Mustart SAE J1772 Level 2 EVSE Portable Electric Vehicle Charger. The charging plug overheated and experienced meltdown. The Mustart unit became so hot that my vehicle charging port charred and fused to the Mustart charging plug. The charging head became very brittle, cracked exposing seals, and leaked oil down the vehicle charging port. Even though the charging head is now melted and broken, the charger does not register a fault, and still shows a green light if plugged into the wall. My first warning of a problem was the smell of burning plastic, oil leaking and what looked like smoke coming from the charging head. I immediately unplugged the charger from the wall, but could not remove the charging head from the vehicle charging port because it was fused to the car. I tried to shift the vehicle out of Park and into neutral to move the vehicle away from my home, but the vehicle would not shift with the plug still attached. Even though unplugged from the wall, the Bolt kept beeping, indicating an issue with the charger/port. Fearing a physical short in the charging circuitry of the vehicle, the burning smell and potential for fire, I forcefully removed the charger from the vehicle by pulling on the charging handle with full human stregnth until separated. The plastic parts of both the charger and charging port were burnt and broken. My Chevy Bolt was repaired by a licensed technician at the dealer, who blamed me for the charging fault and damages. GM alleged the damage I caused to the charging unit during removal was pre-existing, causing a loose connection and short circuit. GM refused to repair the damaged charging port under warranty, claiming user error and abuse. I sent a request for refund and reimbursement of damages to Mustart on 8/05/2024 and will update this complaint after their official response.
NHTSA complaint #11606594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Encinitas, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
When I was parking my car on the street, in front of my house, my Chevy Bolt suddenly accelerated. Like it was full throttle. I slammed the brake pedal, didn't help. My Bolt pushed forward, then to the sidewalk, my parked 4000lbs van, that was in front of me (van had front wheels turned/pointing to the curb). My bolt continued accelerating for another few seconds, even that I was pressing brake pedal as hard as I could. I released and pressed brake pedal at least once or twice. Eventually my car stopped. Whole ordeal lasted just a few seconds. I turned the car off. After a minute, I turned the car on again, very carefully. It behaved normally. Throttle and brakes behaved like always. I parked it and will have it towed to the diagnostic or service place. Both my Chevy Bolt and my van (Dodge ram 1500 van 2003) sustained significant damage.
NHTSA complaint #11493816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN The vehicle suddenly took off after putting it into drive causing it to accelerate out of the driveway and crash into the house across the street.The vehicle was parked on an incline in the driveway. Application of the brakes failed to stop the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11481115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Foothill Ranch, CA
STEERING
Steering rack is starting to fail at under 47000 miles, car pulls to right during acceleration and pulls left when decelerating. Steering wheel does not return to the center and a slight left pull on the wheel has to be maintained at all times so the car doesn't merge right into traffic. It is available upon inspection request. I almost didn't realize it pulling to the right and almost merged into another car on the highway. It has not been confirmed yet by a third party. It has not been inspected yet. No warning lights or messages occured when it started happening.
NHTSA complaint #11755357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perkinston, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GM installed Advanced Monitoring Software on the car rather than replace the battery. The software detected a battery fault. Under the battery recall if a fault is detected the battery is replaced free of charge. GM is refusing to replace the battery. Now the car will not move.
NHTSA complaint #11748422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Mill, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Motors is using the arbitrary 6,213-mile tracking window of Recall 944 to deny coverage for a diagnosed Cell Section 3 hardware failure at 123,582 miles. However, this vehicle is directly impacted by the failure parameters outlined in the expanded GM Safety Recall N242470160 / N242470162, where GM openly acknowledges to federal regulators that the advanced diagnostic software has failed to properly detect defective battery modules. By denying a physical battery replacement when a manufacturing defect is caught during a mandatory corporate software reconfiguration, GM is violating the spirit and legal intent of their ongoing federal safety recall campaigns.
NHTSA complaint #11745256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Mill, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
General Motors is using the arbitrary 6,213-mile tracking window of Recall 944 to deny coverage for a diagnosed Cell Section 3 hardware failure at 123,582 miles. However, this vehicle is directly impacted by the failure parameters outlined in the expanded GM Safety Recall N242470160 / N242470162, where GM openly acknowledges to federal regulators that the advanced diagnostic software has failed to properly detect defective battery modules. By denying a physical battery replacement when a manufacturing defect is caught during a mandatory corporate software reconfiguration, GM is violating the spirit and legal intent of their ongoing federal safety recall campaigns.
NHTSA complaint #11745256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerville, MA
STEERING
Steering stiffened over several weeks. Then steering wheel would not automatically return to center while turning while driving. Diagnosed by service as a fault with steering column. This is apparently very common in Chevy Bolts.
NHTSA complaint #11742825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gibsonia, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
After putting washer fluid in, my son closed the hood. The hood did not latch. He tried again but it still didn’t latch. He lifted the hood to find the hood striker had come off the hood. There was nothing to hold the hood closed. I’ve included photos of the striker welds. There is no rust or tearing of the welds. It just separated. It was a bad weld.
NHTSA complaint #11742485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedgwick, KS
POWER TRAIN
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is difficult to reproduce, happening randomly, sometimes with multiple months between incidents. The incidents happen with no warning, and there are no other symptoms associated with the issue. The dealer mechanic indicated it is likely the issue indicated in Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220, indicating the root cause is the resolver feedback connector on the electric drive unit damaged during vehicle assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11741473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedgwick, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is difficult to reproduce, happening randomly, sometimes with multiple months between incidents. The incidents happen with no warning, and there are no other symptoms associated with the issue. The dealer mechanic indicated it is likely the issue indicated in Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220, indicating the root cause is the resolver feedback connector on the electric drive unit damaged during vehicle assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11741473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedgwick, KS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is difficult to reproduce, happening randomly, sometimes with multiple months between incidents. The incidents happen with no warning, and there are no other symptoms associated with the issue. The dealer mechanic indicated it is likely the issue indicated in Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220, indicating the root cause is the resolver feedback connector on the electric drive unit damaged during vehicle assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11741473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Accelerating to merge onto the highway the accelerator pedal got stuck under the all weather mat (provided and installed by the manufacturer). When I took my foot off the pedal the vehicle continued to accelerate. I had to break against the force of the motor trying to accelerate until I was going slow enough for the car to allow me to put it into park.
NHTSA complaint #11738205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Union, SC
SUSPENSION
Rear shock absorbers failed with only 8009 miles on vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11736562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkland, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV in late 2023, already equipped with GM's recall diagnostic software (part of NHTSA Recall 21V650), which monitored battery health and limited charging to 80%. After the monitoring period, the software detected critical voltage variation failures across all 5 battery cell module rows. The dealer (Lee Johnson KIA, Kirkland WA) opened a TAC case (#9-14753041951), GM authorized a full high voltage battery replacement, and the work was completed on May 27, 2025 at no charge (Job Card 603815). Despite the replacement being triggered entirely by recall-installed software and authorized through GM's own TAC process, GM classified the repair as a standard warranty repair rather than a recall repair — denying me the fresh 8-year/100,000-mile parts warranty that applies to recall battery replacements.
NHTSA complaint #11736147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesAtwater, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle's charge was designed to last for 259 miles, but failed to exceed 100 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V812000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle recently failed to charge, with an error message that the vehicle was unable to charge displayed. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the issue. The dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atwater, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE FAILS TO CHARGE. Receiving error message that the vehicle fails to accept a charge. I've attempted charging using 3 separate chargers and all fail. This issue has been in service at numerous dealerships with no resolve. I was able to charge previously at a reduced rate but now the battery will no longer accept a charge and gives me an error message.
NHTSA complaint #11732425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is the second time since owning car this has happened the recall battery is not working again this time me and my sister were at the gas station were I work and this is all on camara at Chevron gas station were I work I went inside sister stayed in car it started making a buzzing sound under my dash car shut off windows wouldn't go down locked doors could not get car to turn on trapped us in car this is scary and smelled a wire burning smell started to get scared pounded on window couldn't get out ! Couldn't unlock doors this is very scary tried hitting window and it would not break we were stuck this has happened once before car just needed plug in to dealership computer to reset car it was fine for 2weeks and bam a month later I'm again having to take it back to have it reset because of this battery recall it's not fixed I still owe 14k for car I totally have been ripped off it's scary that these cars catch fire and u can not get out! Can't unlock doors windows nothing and u just get stuck I don't feel safe whatsoever in this car
NHTSA complaint #11730613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the second time since owning car this has happened the recall battery is not working again this time me and my sister were at the gas station were I work and this is all on camara at Chevron gas station were I work I went inside sister stayed in car it started making a buzzing sound under my dash car shut off windows wouldn't go down locked doors could not get car to turn on trapped us in car this is scary and smelled a wire burning smell started to get scared pounded on window couldn't get out ! Couldn't unlock doors this is very scary tried hitting window and it would not break we were stuck this has happened once before car just needed plug in to dealership computer to reset car it was fine for 2weeks and bam a month later I'm again having to take it back to have it reset because of this battery recall it's not fixed I still owe 14k for car I totally have been ripped off it's scary that these cars catch fire and u can not get out! Can't unlock doors windows nothing and u just get stuck I don't feel safe whatsoever in this car
NHTSA complaint #11730613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is the second time since owning car this has happened the recall battery is not working again this time me and my sister were at the gas station were I work and this is all on camara at Chevron gas station were I work I went inside sister stayed in car it started making a buzzing sound under my dash car shut off windows wouldn't go down locked doors could not get car to turn on trapped us in car this is scary and smelled a wire burning smell started to get scared pounded on window couldn't get out ! Couldn't unlock doors this is very scary tried hitting window and it would not break we were stuck this has happened once before car just needed plug in to dealership computer to reset car it was fine for 2weeks and bam a month later I'm again having to take it back to have it reset because of this battery recall it's not fixed I still owe 14k for car I totally have been ripped off it's scary that these cars catch fire and u can not get out! Can't unlock doors windows nothing and u just get stuck I don't feel safe whatsoever in this car
NHTSA complaint #11730613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Euless, TX
STEERING
Steering rack started failing: did not return to center out of slow corners. Basically I could do hands-free circles in a parking lot. Dealer confirmed the steering rack was bad and replaced it under warranty. Out of sweeping corners this can be a safety issue as it only got worse over time. No warning lights nor other indication of the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11713269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN
While waiting to turn left at a light and driving in "L" (one pedal) mode, I started to release the break in anticipation of oncoming lanes clearing, as I lifted the pedal the car lurched into the intersection. The Bolt normally accelerates very gently in L mode when no break is applied, but does not lurch forwards like this under normal conditions. The breaks did work, and I was able to stop, but I was now in the middle of the intersection and slightly encroaching into oncoming lanes. I tried to accelerate to pull through, but the car did not respond. After several second of frantically pushing the accelerator, the car slowly and jerkily moved forward and cleared the intersection. My Chevy dealer says this is a known problem with service bulletin "Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220". In my opinion this is incredibly dangerous and should have been recalled. However, there is no recall that I can find and outrageously Chevy will not cover this manufacturing defect under warranty as they specifically exclude wiring harnesses due to past issues with rodent damage, and they are hiding behind that rule.
NHTSA complaint #11709509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While waiting to turn left at a light and driving in "L" (one pedal) mode, I started to release the break in anticipation of oncoming lanes clearing, as I lifted the pedal the car lurched into the intersection. The Bolt normally accelerates very gently in L mode when no break is applied, but does not lurch forwards like this under normal conditions. The breaks did work, and I was able to stop, but I was now in the middle of the intersection and slightly encroaching into oncoming lanes. I tried to accelerate to pull through, but the car did not respond. After several second of frantically pushing the accelerator, the car slowly and jerkily moved forward and cleared the intersection. My Chevy dealer says this is a known problem with service bulletin "Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220". In my opinion this is incredibly dangerous and should have been recalled. However, there is no recall that I can find and outrageously Chevy will not cover this manufacturing defect under warranty as they specifically exclude wiring harnesses due to past issues with rodent damage, and they are hiding behind that rule.
NHTSA complaint #11709509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While waiting to turn left at a light and driving in "L" (one pedal) mode, I started to release the break in anticipation of oncoming lanes clearing, as I lifted the pedal the car lurched into the intersection. The Bolt normally accelerates very gently in L mode when no break is applied, but does not lurch forwards like this under normal conditions. The breaks did work, and I was able to stop, but I was now in the middle of the intersection and slightly encroaching into oncoming lanes. I tried to accelerate to pull through, but the car did not respond. After several second of frantically pushing the accelerator, the car slowly and jerkily moved forward and cleared the intersection. My Chevy dealer says this is a known problem with service bulletin "Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220". In my opinion this is incredibly dangerous and should have been recalled. However, there is no recall that I can find and outrageously Chevy will not cover this manufacturing defect under warranty as they specifically exclude wiring harnesses due to past issues with rodent damage, and they are hiding behind that rule.
NHTSA complaint #11709509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floyd, VA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11708736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floyd, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11708736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Andover, MA
STEERING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s steering system (specifically the electric power steering assist and/or steering rack assembly) began exhibiting stiffness, resistance, and intermittent loss of assist while turning. The steering system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by NHTSA, GM, or a dealer representative. ⸻ How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss or inconsistency of steering assist makes it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially at low speeds and during turns. The steering intermittently binds or jerks, creating a risk of collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. Because steering is essential for directional control, any failure or unpredictability in the system poses a direct safety hazard to the driver and others on the road. ⸻ Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been observed by the owner and noted by a GM Certified dealer during inspection. The symptoms (binding and abnormal steering resistance) were reproduced during driving and while stationary. The dealer acknowledged abnormal steering behavior but initially denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle being sold as Certified Pre-Owned. ⸻ Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a GM Certified dealership that completed the original certification inspection and later reviewed the steering concern. The component has not been examined by police or insurance representatives at this time, but GM and NHTSA inspection is welcomed.
NHTSA complaint #11698122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, TN
STEERING
Steering very stiff will not return to center on its own. Seems to be the steering rack. Not returning to center seems dangerous in certain situations. This is a 2020 vehicle but seems to be a common problem on all years Bolt EV/EUV.
NHTSA complaint #11686558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
