VehicleVerdict

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV sits mid-pack among Bolt EV years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 107, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (17), steering (17), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

88

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Bolt EV years?

Bolt EV NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bolt EV years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1719%
Steering1719%
Other910%
Driver Assistance67%
Brakes67%
Fuel System67%
Lighting67%
Airbags56%
Engine56%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Speed Control22%
Suspension22%
Transmission22%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV have recalls?

3 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.

23V567000Electrical SystemAugust 10, 2023 · 317 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On 11-17-23 someone rear ended me making me lose control of the vehicle and getting off the road into the woods and eventually hitting a tree, the airbags did not deploy, the car is equipped with OnStar system from Chevrolet as a safety feature in which as soon as there is a collision I supposed to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 17, 2023 · crash

“The steering system has developed a progressively worse clunking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right when stopped, or at slow speeds. Additionally, the steering wheel will no longer return to center when exiting a turn. (In other words, it requires effort from the driver to return…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 1, 2025

“I was sitting in the passenger seat of my new 2023 Chevy Bolt EV while parked at a convenience station. The vehicle was on and not hooked up to a charger. I smelled something burning and quickly thereafter I saw smoke coming from under the driver side seat. The driver exited the vehicle and looked…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 31, 2024 · fire

“ Sudden rapid acceleration of car while parking vehicle on December 20, 2023 at approximately 2:00pm. The sudden rapid acceleration caused the vehicle to jump a curb and hit the base of the light pole damaging the right front of the car. Car was towed to the dealership and is currently there. If…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 20, 2023 · crash

“I have a 3 month old Chevy Bolt EV. I like this car. I rarely have any accidents. I am a safe driver. I was hit hard from behind driving while stopped. I was driving on a crowded freeway in Austin TX in stop and go traffic. This was a hard hit that broke the rear bumper and bent the rear frame of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 28, 2023 · crash

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV — common questions

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?

It is close to typical for the Bolt EV: 88 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Bolt EV problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), steering (17 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.