VehicleVerdict

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 460 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median Bolt EV year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 8 Bolt EV years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 118 reports (26% of the total).

460

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Bolt EV years?

Bolt EV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted460 complaints2017: 460 complaints2018: 118 complaints2019: 240 complaints2020: 244 complaints2021: 96 complaints2022: 94 complaints2023: 88 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Bolt EV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bolt EV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering11826%
Electrical System11725%
Fuel System7015%
Other317%
Transmission276%
Brakes225%
Engine163%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Speed Control112%
Driver Assistance92%
Suspension72%
Seats51%
Tires & Wheels51%
Seat Belts31%
Lighting31%
Airbags31%
Body & Structure20%

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V845000Seat BeltsDecember 14, 2023 · 6,771 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 / 1-800-833-2438) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970.

22V930000Seat BeltsDecember 15, 2022 · 111,242 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

Consequence

A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.

21V560000Electrical SystemJuly 23, 2021 · 57,414 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Consequence

A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.

20V701000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2020 · 50,932 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Consequence

A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The steering rack get rusted prematurely et now the direction doesn't work properly. the steering wheel doesn't come back straight after a turn and you don't feel the movement has you should be which makes the driving unsafe.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 22, 2024 · crash

I am concerned that GM has not remedied the Chevy Bolt combustion issues and it is not acceptable to instruct customers of recent model year vehicles to keep them parked in the driveway and not to charge them. Furthermore the recalls appear risky since there have been fires after dealers attempted…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 20, 2021 · crash

WHILE SLOWING TO MAKE A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT A COUPLE OF TIMES AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 25, 2019 · crash

Chevy has not managed the recall very well as the fire risk with the battery is a KNOWN issue from years ago, and yet the company tried to fix it with software. Fixing with software is impossible as it is a hardware issue. The safety of our family is compromised by owning this vehicle, and the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 23, 2021

While slowing to a stop, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple (3–4) violent jerks. The vehicle fought against my firm brake pedal application, overpowered the brakes, and accelerated uncontrollably, resulting in a crash. During the impact: • The driver frontal airbag and pretensioners…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2026 · crash

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV — common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 460 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 8 Bolt EV years. It is one of the Bolt EV years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Bolt EV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (118 complaints), electrical system (117 complaints), fuel system (70 complaints).

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Bolt EV years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bolt EV years to avoid are 2017, 2020, 2019. The cleanest record among Bolt EV years belongs to 2027.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.