Chevrolet Bolt ev problems
The Chevrolet Bolt EV (marketed in Europe as Opel Ampera-e) is a battery electric subcompact hatchback produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque. The Bolt was produced from late 2016 to mid-2021, subsequently restarting in early 2022, until late 2023. In mid-2023, GM officials said they would cancel the car, then three months later announced plans but no date for a next-generation model.
The first generation was developed and manufactured with LG Corporation. Sales of the 2017 Bolt began in California in December 2016, it was released nationwide and international markets release in 2017. A rebadged European variant was marketed as the Opel Ampera-e in mainland Europe.
In 2017, the Bolt was the second-best-selling plug-in car in the United States. It was named the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2017 North American Car of the Year, an Automobile magazine 2017 All Star, and was listed in Time magazine's Best 25 Inventions of 2016. The Ampera-e was discontinued after 2018. By the end of 2020, GM had sold 112,000 Bolt and Ampera-e cars worldwide.
The first-generation Bolt has been subject to at least three recalls. At least 16 Bolts have caught fire, leading to a recall to fix or replace battery components and GM's August 2021 advisory to park in open areas, at least 50 feet (15 m) away from other vehicles.
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Chevrolet Bolt ev model years
Common Chevrolet Bolt ev problems
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has been associated with several common problems, primarily related to its battery, in-car electronics, and suspension.
- In-Car Electronics: The Bolt EV has experienced issues with its infotainment system, including problems with the audio, GPS, phone, rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, and head-up display. These issues can lead to a less reliable driving experience, with complaints about the system freezing or not functioning properly.
- Suspension Clunk: Some Bolt EV owners have reported a rear suspension clunk, which is caused by a bad axle. This issue is particularly noticeable in L driving mode, where getting on and off the throttle can cause the rear suspension to clunk. This problem can affect the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle.
- Steering Rack Binding: Another common problem with the Bolt EV is the steering rack binding up and needing to be replaced. This issue is characterized by the wheel not returning to center when released, which can affect the vehicle's handling and control.
- 12V Battery Dying: Some Bolt EV owners have experienced issues with their 12V battery dying prematurely, causing various electrical issues until the problem is diagnosed and resolved.
- Gasket Near the Back Hatch Coming Out: There have been reports of the gasket near the back hatch coming out, which can lead to water leaks and other potential problems.
While many Bolt EV owners have not experienced any issues, these common problems can significantly impact the driving experience and overall satisfaction with the vehicle. It is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
What is the issue with the Chevy Bolt?
However, the Bolt has had its troubles. Chevy had to issue two recalls for the Bolts in recent years over concerns that battery issues could cause the cars to catch fire. Bolt owners were advised to park their vehicles outdoors once the battery was charged.
What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Bolt?
The battery in the Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV is guaranteed to get at least 8 years or 100,000 miles out of a new battery.
Is Chevy Bolt dependable?
We expect the 2023 Bolt EUV will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car.
How much is a Chevy Bolt battery replacement?
We'd estimate that the lowest out-of-pocket cost for an uncomplicated battery pack replacement on the Chevy Bolt would be from $16,775-$17,775 ($16,000-17,000 for the battery, $100-200 for related parts, and $675 for the HV-certified labor).
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Bolt ev years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Bolt ev cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Bolt ev model years:
- Chevrolet Bolt ev 2019
- Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Chevrolet Bolt ev 2021
- Chevrolet Bolt ev 2022
- Chevrolet Bolt ev 2023
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Bolt ev model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Bolt ev years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Bolt ev car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Bolt ev , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Bolt ev vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Bolt ev model years
A total of 17 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Bolt ev model years
There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Bolt ev model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 416 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Bolt ev . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Bolt ev vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1G1FY6S0XM4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING GEER HAVING ISSUES OF THE STEERING WHEEL COMING BACK TO CENTER AFTER THE TURN. NOW NEED TO REPLACE STEERING GEER
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S08L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My backup camera started working intermittently for about a year and now has just stopped working completely. Searching online, this is a very widespread issue with Bolt EV and EUV owners, happening as early as immediately after the car was purchased.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S01L4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rear/front camera sometimes stop working or froze and have to turn off the car, to reset, usually happens when it rains
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S06L4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Pulls to the right when accelerating too much. Even after alignment.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S06L4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The cameras for the 360° view, front to sides and back, keep going out. It's been a repair now five times and it still came back. The dealership is running out of ideas of what to do to fix this. I think it's just a known issue that they can't seem to fix. The main issue is the front camera goes out completely and then on mine, the left side camera goes out and is just black where the front camera will be green and not functioning. I think the module that processes data isn't properly made to handle the amount of video inputs coming in and it bugs out. It seems that it's worse when the temperature swing is too much. Currently it's the temperature of hot above 90° the car gets very warm obviously.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S03L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The reverse camera (and all cameras) is no longer working. This is a required safety feature and thousands of Bolt owners have reported this on Chevy forums and Reddit groups.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 1G1FY6S03M4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Shift selector failed. Could no shift into gear Drive, low or Reverse. Locked in park but could shift to neutral. no power steering or AC. If this design flaw failure occurred while the car was on the highway, it could cause an accident. I have contacted General Motors and reported the potential safety issue and awaiting there response.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S04K4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering wheel is very stiff; if you turn left or right, when you complete the turn, if you were to release the wheel, it does not counter-turn back towards the center. Put differently - in an open parking lot, you could turn the wheel all the way to one side, release the wheel, press the accelerator --- and you'd go in circles. This has been happening for some time, but just recently had it pointed out that it is not normal. I feel its a meaningful safety risk. I researched the issue online and it seems that it is common for this model but GM has been unresponsive.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-07
- VIN: 1G1FY6S01L4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering wheel does not return to the center on its own and keep stuck in which direction it is turned. The steering wheel also produces types of clunking noises when the car is standing or at a slow speed, and if you move the steering wheel left and right, it gives clunk clang clank clunk noise. it is very much a safety issue and can create a big accident. I have not taken it to the dealer, but will make an appointment to see what the dealer says. It’s been like this for over a month but now it’s getting a little louder
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S05L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 4 MPH and exiting the driveway, the check engine warning light and the check gear shifter warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the negative 12V battery cable had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 1G1FY6S0XL4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1FZ6S09L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I narrowly escaped a home and vehicle fire when my vehicle charging port received extensive damage from a Mustart SAE J1772 Level 2 EVSE Portable Electric Vehicle Charger. The charging plug overheated and experienced meltdown. The Mustart unit became so hot that my vehicle charging port charred and fused to the Mustart charging plug. The charging head became very brittle, cracked exposing seals, and leaked oil down the vehicle charging port. Even though the charging head is now melted and broken, the charger does not register a fault, and still shows a green light if plugged into the wall. My first warning of a problem was the smell of burning plastic, oil leaking and what looked like smoke coming from the charging head. I immediately unplugged the charger from the wall, but could not remove the charging head from the vehicle charging port because it was fused to the car. I tried to shift the vehicle out of Park and into neutral to move the vehicle away from my home, but the vehicle would not shift with the plug still attached. Even though unplugged from the wall, the Bolt kept beeping, indicating an issue with the charger/port. Fearing a physical short in the charging circuitry of the vehicle, the burning smell and potential for fire, I forcefully removed the charger from the vehicle by pulling on the charging handle with full human stregnth until separated. The plastic parts of both the charger and charging port were burnt and broken. My Chevy Bolt was repaired by a licensed technician at the dealer, who blamed me for the charging fault and damages. GM alleged the damage I caused to the charging unit during removal was pre-existing, causing a loose connection and short circuit. GM refused to repair the damaged charging port under warranty, claiming user error and abuse. I sent a request for refund and reimbursement of damages to Mustart on 8/05/2024 and will update this complaint after their official response.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 1GBJF1G08K4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn, it must be turned back manually. If left unfixed this can cause the steering to lock up entirely when the steering gear fails.
Chevrolet Bolt ev 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 1G1FY6S09K4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering doesn't return to center when driving around 40mph on turns. You must manually move it back.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Bolt ev
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 35 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Bolt ev.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Bolt ev 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Bolt ev 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Bolt ev 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-14
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Bolt ev 2018
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-14
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary: 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.
Latest negative Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2021
The Bolt EV is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an affordable and practical electric vehicle that is also fun to drive. I absolutely love my blue Premier Bolt and have found it to be incredibly spacious and packed with safety features such as parking assist, blind spot monitor, bird’s eye view, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert, pedestrian alert and more. The CarPlay integration is excellent and there is plenty of data available on driving. Despite what some may say, I find the seats to be very comfortable. If you are in the market for a reliable and practical EV with great build quality, I highly recommend the Bolt. In my opinion, it is the best choice out there due to its price, features and reliability.
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Vehicle year: 2020
The EPA rates my Bolt EV at 259, but I have been consistently hitting 270 miles per charge with a mix of 70 highway miles and 40 urban miles. I find the car comfortable and cool looking, and it has proven to be a wonderful and reliable vehicle. Best of all, I love passing by gas stations!
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Vehicle year: 2018
What an amazing car! I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Bolt EV on Chevy's website since there is very little advertising for it. I had been considering the Tesla Model 3, but after test driving it, I decided to keep looking. That's when I found the Bolt EV and was blown away! It has almost everything the Tesla has, minus the hands-free driving which isn't legal anywhere anyway. But it also has support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. The Tesla doesn't offer any of those features. Plus, with an estimated range of 238 miles, it's very similar to the Tesla Model 3. In fact, I've found that the estimation is actually underestimated, as I'm getting closer to 260-280 miles per charge. I did have some range anxiety at first, especially on my first long cross-state trip, but I learned some valuable lessons and now I have no hesitation taking pretty much any trip across the country. GM is also rolling out 20 new electric cars in the next 5 years, which is very exciting. Additionally, they are mandating all GM dealers to install DC Fast chargers that are FREE to GM EV owners! I charged for free at several of them on my trip. The Bolt's performance is amazing, with instant torque and no more
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Vehicle year: 2020
I've been using this car as my commuting/work vehicle for the past 2 years and it has been a perfect fit for me! For instance, my nearest gas station is in the opposite direction of the highway, but with this car, I don't have to worry about that anymore. It has saved me both time and money, making my life less stressful. The HOV access has also been a lifesaver, saving me hours of driving every week. With a battery range that allows me to easily commute 100 miles a day, I only have to charge after 2 full days of driving. The cargo area, combined with the folding rear seats, makes it easy for me to load all sorts of oddly shaped items. The ride is comfortable and the standard technology package provides all the essentials. Overall, I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a practical car to get around town. I can't imagine ever going back to a gas vehicle for this purpose again.
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Vehicle year: 2022
Our new 2022 Bolt EV sounds like a great car! It's solid, gets good range, has comfortable seats, handles well (which I love), is quiet, has plenty of passenger room, and the bright blue metallic paint is beautiful. Plus, the Regen function often adds miles to the range unless going uphill. Overall, it seems like a fantastic choice!
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Bolt ev?
Vicente Keeling 2025-07-24
Vehicle year: 2021
After the first recall to limit the charge and the subsequent 'fix', my 12-volt battery died and needed a jumpstart. I have also noticed that the computer screen stays on after the car is locked, which I believe may have contributed to the battery issue. Additionally, a service light has appeared. I am concerned about the reliability of the Chevrolet Bolt, especially since I drive on the interstate daily. I have reached out to Chevrolet about their buyback program. Can you please provide me with more information on this? Thank you.
Mason Dietrich 2025-06-19
Vehicle year: 2020
My husband was really excited about getting this car and we invested in a high output charging system for our home. While the Bolt rides well, the front seat comfort leaves a lot to be desired. After sitting in it for an hour, we need to get out and stretch. On the bright side, the AC is amazing and perfect for the hot Florida weather. However, we have concerns about the battery and the risk of fire, so we no longer park it near our house unless it's being charged. We hope that GM will take these issues seriously and not rush cars into the market like they have in the past. Despite these concerns, we are considering selling the car back to GM.
Orval Feil 2025-05-26
Vehicle year: 2017
I had a scary experience with my Chevrolet Bolt 2017 when it briefly displayed a message saying 'propulsion may be reduced' and then stopped in the middle of the freeway, forcing me to have it towed away. The battery indicator also showed some unusual readings. I was lucky to be alone in the car at the time, but it was still a frightening experience. The dealership took a week to replace the battery, but unfortunately, the new battery only has a capacity of 154 miles instead of the expected 220 miles. It's important to be aware of these potential glitches with the Bolt to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Antwon Hettinger 2025-05-11
Vehicle year: 2021
My 2020 Bolt is back in the shop for steering wheel grinding noises. This is a known issue with Bolts that has resulted in lemon law buy-backs.
Elmer Olson 2025-05-10
Vehicle year: 2020
Since purchasing the car last March, I have noticed a decrease in mileage on every charge. I use the 240 charger and despite having only 3910 miles on the car, a full charge now only gives me 203 miles. One full charge was only 171 miles. I returned the car to the dealer in October and they did a diagnostic, which showed that everything was working properly, including the batteries. I am concerned about the continued loss of mileage at each charge and wonder what the mileage on a full charge will be in 3 years. Perhaps there are others experiencing this issue or do I have a lemon? When I returned the vehicle, I asked the dealer for a full refund, but unfortunately, they refused. I really needed the full charge mileage of 259 miles to travel to a VA clinic that is 172 miles round trip. It's impossible to make that distance on a full charge of 171 miles. What should I do?