What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2017–2021) Bolt?

Bolt owners have made 7 complaints about the 2017–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 12th out of 80 Chevrolet generations in overall reliability, with plenty of electrical concerns.

Common 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Bolt owners have to deal with.

  1. Chevrolet Bolt Fires

    GM believes new software updates will allow Bolt owners to fully charge their batteries once again. Owners were asked to temporarily limit their battery's charging capacity to stop defective cells from sparking a flame and make the EV extra…

    Continue reading article "Chevrolet Bolt Fires" An orange and yellow flame on a black background

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2017–2021) Bolt Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 7 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 12th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 80 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2017–2021) Bolt News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Chevy says battery scans and software update will allow 2017-2019 Bolt owners to once again charge their batteries to full capacity.

    The EVs were recalled last November following reports of the batteries catching on fire while charging near 100%. As a temporary measure, owners were asked to limit their battery's charging capacity to 90% until a more permanent fix could be found.…

    keep reading article "Chevy Says They Have A More Permanent Fix to Prevent Bolt Battery Fires"

  2. Another owner is suing GM following their decision to cap the Bolt's battery capacity at 90%, even if that's a temporary fix to prevent fires.

    The automaker recalled the Chevy EVs last November after learning that the batteries can spark a flame as they are charging and nearing 100%. By temporarily capping them at 90%, GM can stop those fires while they search for a more permanent solution.

    But a plaintiff in Michigan says Bolt owners need to contend with range anxiety and diminished resale value while they wait. Call me crazy, but a temporary restriction on range feels a lot more desirable than a permanently charred engine.…

    keep reading article "Another Chevy Bolt Owner Sues GM Over Range Anxiety"

  3. The combination of cold-weather and a recent software update is diminishing the Chevy Bolt's range by an estimated 33%

    according to a new class-action lawsuit. That has sparked some serious range anxiety for Canadian owners. Most EV owners are aware that cold weather is going to slow the battery down a bit, but that problem has been compounded by GM's decision to limit the Bolt's charging capacity to 90%.…

    keep reading article "Canadian Bolt Owners Already Had Winter Range Anxiety, a Recent Software Update Only Made it Worse"

  7. General Motors has been sued for last month's Bolt EV recall which temporarily limits the battery's capacity to 90%, bringing the car's range down from 238 miles to roughly 214.

    The plaintiff says the software update is giving him "range anxiety" and that's only heightened by the impending cold weather months which can also limit range. Last I checked, winter was going to happen regardless of the recall and it could just be me but I'd be more anxious about the possibility of my car catching on fire than losing 14 miles of range.…

    keep reading article "A Bolt EV Owner Cites Range Anxiety in His Lawsuit Against GM's Latest Recall"

  8. General Motors is recalling roughly 68,700 Bolt EVs to temporarily limit their battery capacities hoping it'll prevent further battery fires.

    The automaker has confirmed five fires are the result of a defect inside the EV's high-voltage battery systems. The batteries contain cells from LG Chem and as they approach a 100% charged state there's an issue that can cause a short-circuit and spark a flame.

    The issue has been under investigation by the safety regulators since last month.…

    keep reading article "Why Bolt Owners Need to Park Outside Until They Get This Recall"

  9. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administation (NHTSA) has opened a federal investigation into the 2017-2020 Bolt EV following three reports of fires while the cars were parked and unoccupied.

    All three reports seemed to have happened as the car was charging or parked with nearly a 100% charge.

    The investigation will determine if the nearly 78,000 vehicles are too dangerous to drive or park in an enclosed structure.

    keep reading article "Three Reports of Bolt EV Battery Fires Under Investigation"

  10. Excess gas –– we’ve all had it, no-one likes it, and the same holds true for your braking system.

    GM says it needs to bleed the brake systems of 230,000 cars because the vehicles have rear brake caliper pistons that have hydrogen gas trapped inside that could be released into the brake systems. ZF, the manufacturer of the brake pistons, didn't properly temper and chrome-coat the pistons, causing hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the bodies of the pistons.

    This problem may cause your brake pedal to feel “spongy” but it’s unclear if it affects stopping distances.

    keep reading article "There is Excess Gas Buildup in the Brake Caliper Pistons of 230,000 GM Vehicles"