What are the most common Chevrolet Bolt EV problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 415+ owner reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cabin Heater Failure in Cold Weather, "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" / Turtle Mode from Battery Low-Voltage Cell Condition, Seat Belt Pretensioner Exhaust Ignites B-Pillar Carpet Fibers After Deployment (Recall 22V930 / 23V845). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 11 known issues documented across 415+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Cabin Heater Failure in Cold Weather and "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" / Turtle Mode from Battery Low-Voltage Cell Condition and Seat Belt Pretensioner Exhaust Ignites B-Pillar Carpet Fibers After Deployment (Recall 22V930 / 23V845) and High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk Recall (NHTSA 21V-560). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Bolt EV problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Bolt EV issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cabin Heater Failure in Cold Weather, typically costs $400-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Cabin Heater Failure in Cold Weather?
The Bolt EV's electric cabin heater (PTC heater) can fail, leaving occupants without heat in cold weather. The heater draws significant battery power and its control module can malfunction, resulting in either no heat output or the "Service High Voltage Charging System" warning. Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" / Turtle Mode from Battery Low-Voltage Cell Condition?
One of the defining Bolt EV faults: the dash throws "Propulsion Power Is Reduced", the turtle icon lights, and the car derates to a crawl - sometimes at freeway speed with no warning. GM issued a customer satisfaction bulletin in April 2018 for what it calls a battery low voltage… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Seat Belt Pretensioner Exhaust Ignites B-Pillar Carpet Fibers After Deployment (Recall 22V930 / 23V845)?
On 2017-2023 Bolt EV, the front seat belt pretensioners vent hot exhaust gas into the lower B-pillar area when they deploy in a crash. GM found the exhaust can ignite the carpet fibers next to the pretensioner, starting a post-crash fire. The defect was identified after a 2018 Bo… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk Recall (NHTSA 21V-560)?
All 2017-2022 Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles were subject to a massive recall for battery fire risk. LG Energy Solution manufactured battery cells with two simultaneous defects — a torn anode tab and a folded separator — that could cause an internal short circuit and thermal… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Infotainment System Freezing and Black Screen?
The Bolt EV infotainment system frequently freezes, goes to a black screen, or reboots while driving. The touchscreen becomes unresponsive, losing access to climate controls, navigation, and the rearview camera. The issue affects all model years but is most common on 2017-2020 mo… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain - Car Dead and Unable to Wake or Charge?
The Bolt EV is never fully powered down; modules continue to wake for telematics, charge scheduling and pack maintenance, and the DC-DC converter is supposed to top the 12V accessory battery from the traction pack on a periodic wake cycle. Owners across chevybolt.org and mychevyb… Repairs typically run $180-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Charge Port Latch Mechanism Seizes - Cable Trapped in Port or Blocked from Inserting?
The Bolt EV charge port uses a motorised locking pawl that holds the J1772 connector in place while charging. Owners report the latch sticking in two opposite failure modes. Stuck extended, the metal latch physically blocks the top prong of the charge connector so the cable will… Repairs typically run $0-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Capacity Degradation Over Time?
The Bolt EV 60/65 kWh battery pack experiences capacity degradation over time, reducing the vehicle range from the original EPA rating. Early 2017-2018 models with the original LG battery showed faster degradation, losing 10-15% capacity in the first 50,000 miles. Vehicles that r… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Front Drive Motor Bearing Noise?
The front electric drive motor in the Bolt EV develops a whining, humming, or grinding noise from the motor bearings as mileage increases. The single-speed reduction gear unit contains bearings that wear over time, particularly in vehicles driven frequently at highway speeds wher… Repairs typically run $0-$5,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV DC Fast Charging Speed Reduction After Battery Recall?
After the battery recall replacement, many Bolt EV owners report significantly reduced DC fast charging (DCFC) speeds. Where the pre-recall Bolt could sustain 50+ kW at a CCS fast charger, post-recall vehicles often cap at 30-40 kW. GM updated the battery management software to b… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Infotainment Screen Ghosting and Flickering?
The 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen in the Bolt EV develops ghost touch inputs, screen flickering, unresponsive areas, and random screen blackouts. The screen registers phantom touches that change radio stations, adjust climate controls, or activate features without driver inp… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: low.
