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2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 77.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 6 of 67 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

33 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Not Happy. I bought my Bolt assuming I would get the convivence and range of a fully functional vehicle. The restrictions imposed upon my and my Bolt are unacceptable. I can only charge in my garage unless I go the a pay for power source and wait around. I also prefer charging at overnight, after 2100 hrs, as I feel I am using l…

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Not Happy. I bought my Bolt assuming I would get the convivence and range of a fully functional vehicle. The restrictions imposed upon my and my Bolt are unacceptable. I can only charge in my garage unless I go the a pay for power source and wait around. I also prefer charging at overnight, after 2100 hrs, as I feel I am using less valuable energy. My employer has requested I do not park in the company lot or near any buildings. Very reasonable request under the circumstances. I think GM should allow me to rent a safe vehicle until my Bolt can be brought back to the original quality/range/safety standards! Please forward this to the powers that can make this happen. I will also be in contact with the appropriate governmental agencies, especially if my requests are ignored or denied. Happy holidays, Hope I do not burn up, [XXX] On Monday, November 29, 2021, 11:36:09 AM PST, Your Friends at Quality Chevy of Escondido <assistance@qualitychevy.dsmessage.com> wrote: Hi [XXX], Great News! Chevrolet has announced that they will soon be releasing software that will allow 2019 models to be parked indoors after charging and lifting other limitations. Owners of the 2019 model year Bolt EV that have not had a battery module replacement will be contacted for software updates. New software for the remaining affected Bolts and EUV's is coming by Christmas. The new settings will lift limitations on indoor charging overnight, operating below 70 miles of range, and indoor parking after charging! Stay tuned to Quality Chevy for updates and more as we receive it. We hope you find the news helpful, and we thank you for your business! Happy Motoring, Your Friends in the Car Business Quality Chevrolet 1550 Auto Park Way Escondido, CA 92029 760-745-7221 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11442270

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

This is regarding the battery defect. I initially called into GM on August 31, 2021 to start this buyback and have not driven this since. It’s been parked on the street because I have a newborn and a 2 year old. It would be irresponsible of me to drive and charge this car while my children are here. There has been no progress w…

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This is regarding the battery defect. I initially called into GM on August 31, 2021 to start this buyback and have not driven this since. It’s been parked on the street because I have a newborn and a 2 year old. It would be irresponsible of me to drive and charge this car while my children are here. There has been no progress while working with GM. They have ignored me and are unreachable. I went through BBB and the settlement has been approved, but GM still has not contacted me and is unreachable. My case number with GM: SR:9-6913861036 My case number with BBB (settlement has been reached but no response from GM): CHV2125923

NHTSA ODI #11442192

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded at a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. …

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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded at a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11441319

2,700 miles · Oct 21, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The warning message " Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was unable to restart the ve…

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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The warning message " Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the battery disconnect lever had failed. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer has notified the failure and offered the contact a vehicle buyback. The approximate failure mileage was 2,700.

NHTSA ODI #11437636

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

High voltage battery has been recalled due to fire risk on 8.20.2021. No remedy for repair has been performed and I have had difficulty getting information from GM regarding my vehicle swap due to the recall. The vehicle is becoming more unusable as the weather gets colder due to the charging limitations set in the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11434352

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021
Electrical System

Vehicle is under recall. GM has gone beyond what would be considered a reasonable time resolve the issue. The vehicle remains a danger and the suggested restrictions by GM are impossible to follow and still use the vehicle as intended. GM is considering a buy back of the vehicle on a case by case basis. GM should honor all r…

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Vehicle is under recall. GM has gone beyond what would be considered a reasonable time resolve the issue. The vehicle remains a danger and the suggested restrictions by GM are impossible to follow and still use the vehicle as intended. GM is considering a buy back of the vehicle on a case by case basis. GM should honor all requests for a buy back of the vehicle since they are unable to render the car safe and should not decide that some customers should continue to be in danger while others granted a buy back are able to be safe.

NHTSA ODI #11434100

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had a exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted the…

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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had a exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted the dealer and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11433718

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

GM has rendered my vehicle useless. I drive hundreds of miles a day. I bought the 2021 Bolt in July with an estimated 259 mile range which was fine. That has now been slashed by 40% which isn’t adequate and is NOT the car I purchased. And parking it outside full time will likely result in rodent damage as they apparently like th…

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GM has rendered my vehicle useless. I drive hundreds of miles a day. I bought the 2021 Bolt in July with an estimated 259 mile range which was fine. That has now been slashed by 40% which isn’t adequate and is NOT the car I purchased. And parking it outside full time will likely result in rodent damage as they apparently like the soy plastic wrapping on the wires. Lastly, the GM Spokesman on Twitter stated that Bolt owners need to park 50’ away from other cars. This is all quite impossible. I bought this car brand new just 2 months ago and it’s now ruined for my use. I contacted GM on 8/24/21 and they stated that I could rent a car and submit the rental receipts and gas receipts to them for reimbursement. But, they would not commit to a timeframe for reimbursement. Anecdotally, people online who have gone this route have waited 6 months for reimbursement of their first month rental and gas. Which would mean that I would have to spend $12,000 before I would receive my first reimbursement check for the first months rental and gas. This I’m addition to the payments for the lemon I purchased. This is absurd. For a company that grossed $222 billion last year to expect their customers to spend that kind of money out of pocket. I bought the Bolt because it was the cheapest EV and I don’t have $12,000 to front GM. I recall in the not-too-distant past GM received a bailout with taxpayer dollars. The NHTSA should have the authority to force GM to pay for our rentals until they can fix their mess. It is clear that GM isn’t going to do the right thing. Just take a look at the case of the guy who’s Bolt burned up and GM said “fire invalidates the warranty” and refused to make him whole. GM told him if he didn’t like it then “he should sue”. Because they know just as the average Bolt buyer can’t shell out $12k for a rental he also can’t spend $15k for an Attorney to sue them. This is outrageous and GM shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.

NHTSA ODI #11433485

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2021
Electrical System

I have been advised, my vehicle, (2021 Chevrolet Bolt with less than 2,000 miles) may spontaniously burst into flame because a faulty battery. I'm supposed to park thr car outside, away from other vehicles for an indefinate time. No repair is being offered by the dealer or General Motors. I am 81 years old, unable to safely …

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I have been advised, my vehicle, (2021 Chevrolet Bolt with less than 2,000 miles) may spontaniously burst into flame because a faulty battery. I'm supposed to park thr car outside, away from other vehicles for an indefinate time. No repair is being offered by the dealer or General Motors. I am 81 years old, unable to safely acces my vehicle if is parked on the street in snowy weather. As a result, I am in danger due the weather conditions, let alone due to fires started in my garage while the Chevrolet Bolt is being charged. I demand immediate return of the money I paid for this worthless Chevrolet so I can buy another car.

NHTSA ODI #11433405

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Drivers have to follow unfair guidelines that cripple the car. I am not able to follow the GM guidelines without affecting my livelihood and how I use the car to commute and charging procedures overnight to achieve the needed range for daily commute. 1. Set your vehicle …

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How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Drivers have to follow unfair guidelines that cripple the car. I am not able to follow the GM guidelines without affecting my livelihood and how I use the car to commute and charging procedures overnight to achieve the needed range for daily commute. 1. Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 model years) or Target Charge Level (for 2019-2022 model years) mode. Instructions on how to do this are available in the videos below. If you unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM is asking you to visit your dealer to have these adjustments completed. 2. Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible. 3.Park your vehicle outside immediately after charging and do not leave your vehicle charging indoors overnight. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Nationwide recall confirmed by NHTSA Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, Appeared 8/20/21 according to NHTSA recall

NHTSA ODI #11433275

Official recalls

5

24V812000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software

Oct 31, 2024

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N242470160.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, 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: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N242470160.

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, 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: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N242470160.

24V481000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Jun 27, 2024

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 1, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's numbers for this recall are N242443000 and N242443002.

23V845000 · Seat Belts:pretensioner; Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Dec 14, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

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.

22V930000 · Seat Belts:pretensioner; Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Dec 15, 2022

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

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.

21V650000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Aug 20, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 1, 2021 and June 23, 2023. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall 21V-560. GM's number for this recall is N212345940.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.