2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Complaints

STEERING — Filed 07/10/2026

Steering wheel does not return to center on turns when driving at low speeds.

STEERING — Filed 10/30/2025

Steering wheel does not return to center after making a turn. Over time the steering rack fails leading to a steering wheel that will not return to center even when force is applied to wheel. The dealership is charging $3-4k to fix this safety issue.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/17/2026

when driving my car from the airport at Bradley International in CT (parked for a week), I experienced a terrible vibration in the steering wheel which has been intermittent. The vibration went away at lower speeds. I brought the car in to the shop on 5/18/2026 with 74,000 miles on the car. They told me I had to replace rotors, brakes, calipers, brake fluid, and do a front end alignment because the rotors have failed internally. The EV doe not use braking as frequently and this was taken from the Chevy forum: ISSUE: Frozen or Seized Calipers The Issue: Because Bolt drivers heavily rely on regenerative braking, the physical brake pads and calipers are used far less frequently than in gas-powered cars. This can cause rust and debris to build up, leading to frozen calipers, uneven pad wear, or a sticking/grabbing brakes. The Fix: Have a trusted mechanic or a dealer regularly inspect and service the friction brakes. Regular preventive maintenance like flushing the brake fluid every few years is highly recommended to prevent moisture accumulation and seized calipers. The resultant failure is a safety issue and Chevy has decided to call it a PM problem. This is not acceptable and is all over the forums as an issue for these cars. I saved all parts and had them record everything on the car, except for the fluid. There are other recalls for this component. I would like it investigated and determination made on the issue. The invoices will be in my possession tonight.

STEERING — Filed 05/11/2026

The steering wheel takes more effort to turn than it should and does not return to center after making a turn. It has been like this since I bought the car used, and I did not realize until recently that it should not be like this. Comments on some online forums indicate that this is a common issue with Chevy Bolts, usually requiring a steering rack replacement. This is a complex operation requiring certified EV technicians (I am told) and very expensive. I am not sure if GM has addressed this issue in any way.

STEERING — Filed 04/01/2026

The steering wheel locks and stiffens on turns to the left or right refusing to come back to center on its own. In the middle of the turn the wheel locks up. Been told by multiple dealerships and forums I've read online it's a known issue with the car needing a steering gear replacement. A job that costs $4-5k per GM based on labor. There's no warning lights. GM has reproduced issue And based on this forum multiple accounts of this have happened to others [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/05/2026

Issue: Total failure of Frontview Camera ADAS sensor, disabling Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Technical Evidence: GDS2 telemetry confirms a "No Communication" status for the camera hardware. Core safety modules including the Electronic Brake Control (EBCM) and the Inflatable Restraint (Airbag) Sensing Module report active communication failures (DTC U026A/U216A). These safety-critical modules are currently unable to receive the sensor data required for crash avoidance and occupant protection. Forensic Timeline: Vehicle NVRAM reveals a manual "Clear Codes" event occurred at 46,838.3 miles—exactly 0.4 miles after the sale contract was signed. The fault reappeared with a 0 km offset (immediate return) and has been active for 162 ignition cycles, proving the defect existed throughout the dealership's possession. Dealer Response: The selling dealer delivered the vehicle with an unsigned 125-Point Inspection. Despite being presented with GDS2 telemetry proof of the braking and airbag communication blackout, management refused repair, mischaracterizing the disabled emergency braking system as a "luxury feature" and claiming the vehicle is "safe" to drive. Symptoms: "Service Front Camera" warning, intermittent loss of HVAC controls, and gear display (PRNDL) blackout due to systemic serial data bus interference caused by the hardware failure.

STEERING — Filed 03/01/2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering gear in this vehicle began to fail around 40K miles. It clunks at low speed, doesn't roll out of turns, and recently has begun to oscillate during straight driving. I will keep the old part for inspection once replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The cars steering does not return to center during a turn. Now, the steering is shaking violently during driving. It will likely seize if left unfixed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I also have video. 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? This is a well documented issue with Chevy steering. I will include an AI overview screenshot.

STEERING — Filed 03/01/2026

Steering gear and torque sensor failure at 39,000 miles. Car is unsafe to drive and costs over $3500 to fix. The problem has been diagnosed at a dealership. No warning lights or codes apparent, problem is worsening and the car is becoming unsafe to drive. Steering gear or rack could be available for inspection.

STEERING — Filed 03/21/2026

Vehicle steering wheel fails to return to center after sweeping turn. Found it’s a common issue and is incredibly dangerous and should be recalled!

STEERING — Filed 03/10/2026

The steering on my car is sticking and failing. When I make a turn, the steering wheel does not go back to the center on its own. I have to physically pull it back, otherwise the car will keep turning. When driving straight, the steering wheel gets "stuck." I have to use extra force to make small adjustments, which makes the car jerk. The steering also makes clunking noises. This is extremely dangerous because it makes the car very hard to control, and I could easily drift into another lane, overcorrect, or crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 12/02/2025

Water has infiltrated the lower trunk area and fried the sound amplifier. The result is no sounds can be heard from the speakers. This includes sounds and warnings from the safety systems. Seat belt, ADAS, BLIS, OnStar, Turn Signals, Radio. The rear hatch seals seem to be intact and it is unclear how water is entering this lower area as there is no evidence of water anywhere else in the rear cargo area. A google search reveals many other Bolt owners are experiencing the same issue

STEERING — Filed 12/16/2025

As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.

STEERING — Filed 12/10/2025

Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/05/2022

collided with a deer at 45mph. enough force for airbag deployment. airbag attempted to deploy. I can smell igniter fumes and have smoke in the vehicle however the actual steering wheel bag did not deploy.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/25/2021

Vehicle was driving in DRIVE mode, and began to surge as if it was regenerating hard (Felt as if downshifted quickly in a manual), which was odd since it was in DRIVE not LOW. Pulled over and placed the car in PARK. Car began to smoke (First noticed from the front underbody). Exited the vehicle and got far away. Called 911 and gave the dispatcher the information. The car lit on fire. Called 911 let them know the fire had begun. Car fully burned by the time the fire department was able to put out the fire. -What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Unknown, and it will be available for inspection if requested. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The fire could have easily killed someone and having to stand on the shoulder of a multilane highway next to a blaze was dangerous. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There is no vehicle left after the fire (Total loss confirmed by insurance) -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Insurance Co. has. GM will be -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights appeared at any time

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/25/2021

The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage on the charger when the contact heard the vehicle's horn. The contact entered the garage and saw white smoke coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The contact was able to unplug the vehicle. The contact’s son called 911. The contact stated that when the fire department arrived at his home the passenger rear on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The contact was treated for smoke inhalation. Additionally, while the contact’s wife was attempting to exit the residence, she broke three toes and was taken to urgent care the following day. The fire department inspected the vehicle but was unsure if the fire was due to the battery. The insurance company had the vehicle towed from the residence and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 11/01/2020

I currently lease a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt which is part of the recall announced today by GM. This is the second recall in less than a year for the same battery-related issue. It was supposed to have been fixed with a software update that I had completed in March. This software was supposed to identify defective batteries but it has not been successful as evidenced by the mounting number of fires that have happened after the “fix”. As such, we are now under a recall a second time. As a result of their own manufacturing issue, we are now limited to how we charge our vehicles, where we park and even the mileage range that we paid for, while GM attempts another fix. GM stated that they will again be using software to identify defective cells in our batteries and only the ones that are deternined to be defective will have those cells or battery packs replaced. As you can imagine, I no longer trust GM to be able to successfully identify whether or not my battery is defective. This is a serious safety issue. My family, my property and even people I park next to while out in public are at risk. GM must be forced to either replace the entire battery pack in every vehicle affected by this recall or replace them with newer models containing safer batteries. They must also provide loaner vehicles, or details on reimbursement for rental cars, to those who need them due to the fact that their vehicle is virtually unusable until GM provides a complete, effective solution.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/29/2020

The car battery lit on fire and the car burned.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/02/2021

Component: We don't know for sure. The was a recall on the battery, and several other of these cars have had thier batteries explode in similar fashion. The primary remnants of the car are missing and are being investigated as being stolen and are unavailable for inspection. The melted remnants of the car left in the driveway are still available. Safety: We inhaled toxic vapors. Our home has been severely damaged. If the incident had happened in the middle of the night instead of in the morning, our neighbors wouldn't have been awake to call 911 and my wife and I could have died when the fire spread to the house. Has the problem been reproduced? Unknown, though this is a known issue that has happened to other cars. Has the compenent been inspected? No. The wreckage is missing and presumed stolen. Were there any warning messages: I do not believe so. My wife claims she heard a car alarm when we we awakened by the first loud noise. She does not know if the alarm came from our car. In the early AM of 7/2/2021 I awoke to smell an acrid smell. Our neighborhood often has an odd smell, so I went back to sleep. About 6 AM on 7/2/2021 my wife and I were awakend by a loud bang originating outside the house. I investigated and noted a police officer outside my home using a fire extinguisher on my 2019 Chevy Bolt. I saw flames coming from the right passenger side. The police officer asked us to exit our home. I told my wife that the house was on fire, because I believed that's what was happening. When we left the home, I noticed that, at first, it was only the car. The fire got worse very quickly., and the police officer asked us to move farther back.We heard and saw several explosions.The fire spread to the house. At some point the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, but not before the car was completely consumed and significant damage was done to our home. My wife, I and our pets were all examined for smoke inhalation and the cats were treated.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/01/2021

AROUND 11:00AM ON 5/1/21 SATURDAY MORNING NOTICED THICK SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE REAR SIDE OF THE CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND IT WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE CHARGER AND SHOUTED AT MY FAMILY & KIDS TO COME OUT OF THE HOUSE AND WHEN I OPENED THE GARAGE SHUTTERS I SAW FIRE IN THE REAR OF CAR FROM BENEATH AND THE REAR SEATS, WHICH MY NEIGHBORS WITNESSED TOO WE CALLED 911 MEANWHILE WE TRIED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE USING THE KITCHEN FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHICH DID NOT HELP AT ALL AND IT TURNED INTO A BIG BLAZE AND SET THE WHOLE GARAGE ON FIRE AND BURNING THE MOTOR CYCLE AND SNOW THROWER PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND ALSO GOT TO THE NISSAN AMADA SUV PARKED RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND THE FIRE WENT INTO THE MASTER BED ROOM UPSTAIRS AND FIRE TEAM LATER PUT OFF THE FIRE BUT THE CAR BATTERY WAS STILL SMOKING UNTIL 2-2:30PM. THE CAR WAS SERVICED ON 3/25/2021 AT POHANKA CHEVY, CHANTILLY AND THEY DID APPLY THE SAFETY RECALL-HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY MAY MELT OR BURN HYBRID POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE 2 REPROGRAMMING WITH SPS AND ATTACHED IS COPY OF INVOICE STATING THE SAME.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/06/2020

AT APPROXIMATELY 4 AM ON 10/6/2020, WE (MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN) WOKE UP TO AN EXPLOSION. I RAN TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS AND SAW SMOKE ENTERING OUR HOME UNDER THE DOOR GOING OUT TO THE GARAGE. I GRABBED MY CHILDREN AND GOT OUT OF THE HOUSE AS FAST AS I COULD. WHEN I OPENED THE FRONT DOOR OF MY HOUSE TO GO OUTSIDE, THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND THE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WE RAN ACROSS THE STREET TO OUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE AND I CALLED 911, BY THIS TIME, OUR ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. OUR 2019 CHEVY BOLT WAS PLUGGED IN CHARGING IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT, AS I HAVE DONE REGULARLY SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2019 WITHOUT ISSUE. AFTER CALLING 911, THERE CONTINUED TO BE A BUNCH OF LOUD 'POP' SOUNDS AND ANOTHER SMALLER EXPLOSION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, AND WHILE THEY WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE PRIOR TO THE FLAMES SPREADING TO THE REST OF THE HOUSE, OUR ENTIRE HOUSE IS A TOTAL LOSS FROM SEVERE SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE AND BLACK SOOT COVERING EVERY INCH OF THE HOUSE. ALSO, MY DAUGHTER'S ROOM THAT 'SHARES' THE GARAGE WALL WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE SMELL IN THE ENTIRE HOUSE IS INDESCRIBABLE, I IMAGINE WORSE THAN A 'REGULAR' HOUSE FIRE BECAUSE IT HAS A CHEMICAL SMELL TO IT. THE COUNTY FIRE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THE ORIGINATION WAS IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, AND SINCE THE INCIDENT, THERE HAS BEEN AN INVESTIGATION WHERE MULTIPLE FIRE INVESTIGATORS, ENGINEERS FROM GM AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NHTSA ALL WERE PRESENT TO INVESTIGATE AND REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE GARAGE. WE, PERSONALLY, HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS FROM THIS EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION TO THE CAUSE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/21/2020

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF OCTOBER 21ST, AROUND 3AM, WE WERE WOKEN UP BY SMOKE/FIRE ALARMS. WE STARTED RUNNING AROUND OUR HOME TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE ALARM. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF SEARCHING INSIDE THE HOME AND FINDING NOTHING, WE REALIZED THAT THERE WAS SOME SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE AND WHEN THE MUDROOM DOOR WHICH LEADS TO THE GARAGE WAS OPENED, WE FOUND THAT THE CHEVY BOLT WAS ON FIRE AND THERE WAS LOT OF SMOKE IN THE GARAGE. THE CHEVY BOLT WAS PARKED/STATIONARY IN DOOR 3 SECTION OF THE GARAGE AND OUR OTHER CAR WAS PARKED IN DOOR 1 SECTION OF THE GARAGE. THE DOOR 2 SECTION OF THE GARAGE WAS EMPTY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. WITH CHEVY BOLT ON FIRE, WE SAW THAT THE DOOR 3 SECTION OF THE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND FILLED WITH SMOKE. WE TRIED TO USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT-OFF THE FIRE BUT COULD NOT CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE FIRE. THE CHEVY BOLT WAS KEPT FOR CHARGING OVERNIGHT , AS HAS BEEN THE GENERAL PRACTICE THAT WE HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING FOR AROUND 2 YEARS. WE CALLED 911 AS SOON AS WE SAW THE GARAGE IN FLAMES AND FIRE ENGINES ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES BUT THE FIRE HAD SPREAD WIDELY AND CAUSED RAMPANT DAMAGES TO THE ENTIRE GARAGE INCLUDING THE OTHER CAR, BEDROOM ON THE TOP OF THE GARAGE IN THE SECOND FLOOR AND THE BEDROOM ADJOINING THE GARAGE IN THE FIRST FLOOR. WHILE ALL THE OCCUPANTS OF THE HOME GOT OUT WITHIN AROUND 8 MINUTES OF HEARING THE FIRE ALARM, THE FIRE AND HEAT/SMOKE SPREAD QUICKLY TO WASHER/DRYER SECTION, EAT IN DINING, KITCHEN, FAMILY ROOM AND FORMAL DINING ROOM. THE OTHER SECTIONS OF THE HOME INCLUDING THE FOYER, OFFICE ROOM, SUN ROOM AND ALL OF THE BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS WERE QUICKLY FILLED BY SMOKE AND SOOT. THE HEAT INSIDE THE HOME WAS SO MUCH THAT ONE CAN LITERALLY SEE THE FRAMING STUDS. THE TOWNSHIP FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED PROMPTLY ON THE SCENE AND HAVE BEEN DILIGENTLY FOLLOWING UP ON THE INVESTIGATION.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/16/2020

CHEVY BOLT FINISHED CHANGING AND THEN STARTED TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE CAR. THE SOUND OF POPPING NOISES WERE HEARD AND THEN 10 MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CARS BATTERY PACK STARTING POPPING THEN EXPLODED IN FLAMES.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/04/2020

MY 2019 CHEVY BOLT WAS FULLY CHARGED AND DRIVEN FOR 12 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION, A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH PRIVATE OUTDOOR OPEN PARKING. WE ARRIVED AROUND 7:30PM, PARKED IT AND TURNED IT OFF. 20 MINS LATER A NEIGHBOR RANG OUR DOORBELL BECAUSE THERE WAS 20 FOOT HIGH HEAVY WHITE/GRAY SMOKE CLOUD COMING OUT THE BACK OF THE CAR. I CALLED 911 AND FIREFIGHTERS DOUSED THE CAR WITH WATER FOR AN HOUR AFTER SMASHING THE REAR WINDOW TO GET ACCESS TO THE SMOKING AREA.THEY LEFT, LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER I CALLED 911 AGAIN B/C THE SMOKE RESTARTED. SMOLDERING WAS SO HOT IT PARTLY BURNED THE BACKSEAT. ONCE THE CAR WAS COOL ENOUGH IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. THERE IT BEGAN TO SMOKE AGAIN. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIREFIGHTERS PUT OUT THE SMOKE ONCE AGAIN. THIS TIME THE SMOKE WAS SMALL AND STARTED ON THE AREA WHERE THE BACKSEAT WAS PREVIOUSLY LOCATED; MINUTES LATER THE SAME HEAVY SMOKE CAME OUT FAST FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE WERE THERE TO WITNESS THAT INCIDENT. IT WAS AROUND MIDNIGHT THEN. 3 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTIONS IN 4 HOURS; DOOR CAMERA VIDEOS DIDN'T PICK UP MOVEMENT BETWEEN OUR ARRIVAL AND THE NEIGHBOR RINGING THE BELL; ONSTAR REPORTS DON'T SHOW ANYTHING ELECTRICALLY WRONG WITH THE CAR; NO ALTERATIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO IT; AND THE DASHBOARD DIDN'T SHOW ANY WARNINGS DURING THAT ONE LAST TRIP. BASED ON THE ABOVE, I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY RUNAWAY THERMAL EVENT. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS STILL UNDER GM'S WARRANTY, THEY REFUSE TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE WE CALLED OUR INSURANCE FIRST INSTEAD OF GM (PER GM'S PRODUCT ASSISTANCE CLAIM TEAM). THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT AIIA AND GM COULD GO INVESTIGATE. BUT THEY WON'T. HOW MANY OTHER BOLTS ARE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTING AND PEOPLE GETTING HURT? HOW MANY WILL IT TAKE FOR GM TO CARE? THIS CAR'S DAMAGE LOOKS SIMILAR TO MINE ('LOSS: FIRE') IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/36707410

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 06/21/2019

I EXPERIENCED EXTREME WINDSHIELD GLARE WHILE DRIVING MY NEW CHEVY BOLT AT MIDDAY ON A VERY SUNNY DAY. THE GLARE WAS MANAGEABLE AT FIRST, AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AS I ENTERED THE INTERSECTION, THE WINDSHIELD SEEMED TO TURN WHITE. I LOST MY VIEW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WAS HIT BY AN SUV. THIS WAS THE FIRST REALLY SUNNY DAY AFTER I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE BOLT. PRIOR TO THAT DAY, THE WEATHER HAD BEEN PARTLY/MOSTLY CLOUDY. I HAVE DRIVEN THROUGH THIS INTERSECTION MANY TIMES BEFORE UNDER VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MY OLD ACURA TSX WITHOUT INCIDENT. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS AMOUNT OF GLARE ON A WINDSHIELD AT THIS TIME OF DAY BEFORE.