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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.

About this comparison →

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

15 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

While accelerating, the vehicle's drive system stopped functioning. The vehicle slowly came to a stop while displaying errors about the propulsion, and was no longer able to move under it's own power. All other systems were still working, however the hazard lights do not stay on when I had to try powering the vehicle off and bac…

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While accelerating, the vehicle's drive system stopped functioning. The vehicle slowly came to a stop while displaying errors about the propulsion, and was no longer able to move under it's own power. All other systems were still working, however the hazard lights do not stay on when I had to try powering the vehicle off and back on again. The vehicle has been towed to a Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis.

NHTSA ODI #11444427

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 · May 27, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

I recently purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV (VIN [XXX]) with current mileage about 1800 on odometer. Two days ago my wife was driving on the 91 freeway going at normal highway speed when all of a sudden the car just decelerated ABRUPTLY to 20 mph with an error “propulsion power is reduced”. Two Ford F-150 trucks immediately b…

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I recently purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV (VIN [XXX]) with current mileage about 1800 on odometer. Two days ago my wife was driving on the 91 freeway going at normal highway speed when all of a sudden the car just decelerated ABRUPTLY to 20 mph with an error “propulsion power is reduced”. Two Ford F-150 trucks immediately behind her had to veer quickly around her (but this could’ve easily caused other accidents as well). She had to cross three lanes of traffic to get on to the shoulder while only able to drive at 20 mph. There was still 131 miles of battery charge left so it wasn’t because of low battery. Overall it was an EXTREMELY dangerous situation whenever a car decelerates abruptly without any warning especially while driving on freeway. I don’t know how she escaped unscathed and was not rear-ended, but she is traumatized by the entire incident. I want to report this so that you are aware of the situation since this poses a serious public safety concern that could have fatal ramifications. Yours truly [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11418808

6 miles · May 4, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW FROM DIAMOND CHEVROLET ON APRIL 17 THE 2021 CHEVY BOLT HAD 3 MILES ON THE ODO I DROVE THE BOLT 3 MORE MILES AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND REDUCED SPEED ON THE FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE DISPLAY FLASHED A WARNING OF REDUCED POWER AND THE BOLT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE REQUIRING THE VEHICLE TO …

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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW FROM DIAMOND CHEVROLET ON APRIL 17 THE 2021 CHEVY BOLT HAD 3 MILES ON THE ODO I DROVE THE BOLT 3 MORE MILES AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND REDUCED SPEED ON THE FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE DISPLAY FLASHED A WARNING OF REDUCED POWER AND THE BOLT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE REQUIRING THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. AFTER TEN DAYS AT DEALERSHIP PROBLEM WAS A BAD TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER PUMP. I THINK A DEFECTIVE PUMP LASTING ONLY 6 MILES IS A SAFETY CONCERN

NHTSA ODI #11415186

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.