Chevrolet Bolt Ev Reliability by Year

1,285 NHTSA complaints (2017–2023). Complaint rate: 2138.1 per 1,000 vehicles.

Chevrolet Bolt Ev reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 1,285 NHTSA complaints (2017–2023), the most problematic years are 2017, with high complaint volumes linked to electrical faults. Better choices include 2023, 2022, 2021, which show significantly fewer reported problems.

Why these years are worse

The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:

  • electrical faults366 complaints (1.9% involved a crash)
  • steering defects230 complaints (0.4% involved a crash)
  • fuel system issues182 complaints (1.6% involved a crash)
  • unknown or other105 complaints (1.9% involved a crash)
  • transmission issues80 complaints (3.8% involved a crash)
Severity Score
3064.9
Complaints
1,285
Crash Rate
4.2%
Fire Rate
2.4%
Injuries
24
Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: The 2019–2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Avoid These Years

2019–2020
~231/yr complaints · 14 crashes
2017
~450/yr complaints · 15 crashes

Average

2018
~114/yr complaints
2021–2023
~87/yr complaints

Better Years

No years stand out as significantly better.

Looking at a specific Chevrolet Bolt Ev?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Chevrolet Bolt Ev — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2017 (450)
01292593885182017201820192020202120222023

Common Chevrolet Bolt Ev Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

ComponentComplaintsCrash %
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3661.9%
STEERING2300.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1821.6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1051.9%
POWER TRAIN803.8%
SERVICE BRAKES4812.5%
ENGINE437.0%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3129.0%
AIR BAGS2259.1%
VISIBILITY/WIPER214.8%

See also: Chevrolet Bolt Evaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Chevrolet Bolt Ev?

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Chevrolet Bolt Ev Reliability by Year (NHTSA Data) — Years to Avoid & Best Years | VinItel