2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev problems

General information about Chevrolet-Bolt ev
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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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Common 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev problems

The Chevrolet Bolt EV 2017 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the "click" sound coming from the front wheel, which could be due to a washer click, CV shaft clicking, or sway bar links. This problem has been reported to have affected several Bolt owners, but some have mentioned that it has resolved on its own over time.

Another issue that has been reported is the infotainment screen glitching out, which can cause the vehicle not to shut off entirely, leading to the 12V battery dying overnight. This problem has been reported to have occurred after the vehicle was driven for a while, and the owner had to charge the 12V battery with a power pack to get the car started again.

The rear suspension clunk has also been reported as a common problem in the 2017 Bolt EV. This issue is caused by a bad axle, and it occurs when the vehicle is in L driving mode, and the driver gets on and off the throttle. This problem has been reported to cause a clunking sound in the rear suspension, which can be quite noticeable.

The steering rack binding up and needing to be replaced has also been reported as a common problem in the 2017 Bolt EV. This issue can be identified by the steering wheel not returning to center when the driver lets go of it. This problem has been reported to affect several Bolt owners, including those who have had the problem for an extended period.

The coolant level being out of whack after the recall has also been reported as a common problem in the 2017 Bolt EV. This issue has been reported to occur due to the dealership not pulling the vacuum on the car as required during the recall procedure. This problem has been reported to affect several Bolt owners, and it can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's range and performance.

The 12V battery dying early and causing weird issues until it is diagnosed has also been reported as a common problem in the 2017 Bolt EV. This issue has been reported to occur due to the battery not being charged properly, leading to a decrease in the vehicle's performance and range. This problem has been reported to affect several Bolt owners, and it can be quite frustrating to deal with.

The gasket near the back hatch coming out has also been reported as a common problem in the 2017 Bolt EV. This issue has been reported to occur due to the gasket not being properly installed during the manufacturing process. This problem has been reported to affect several Bolt owners, and it can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's performance and range.

Overall, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV 2017 has been reported to have several common problems, many owners have reported that the car is reliable and meets their needs. However, it is essential to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly if they occur to ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.

What went wrong with Chevy Bolt?

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. This prediction is based on the 2022 and 2023 models.

How many miles can a 2017 Chevy Bolt go on one charge?

238 miles

Chevrolet's new Bolt EV can go 238 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. Is that enough to get from Monterey to Santa Barbara? Chevrolet has announced an EPA-approved range of 238 miles for its all-new, all-electric Bolt EV.

What went wrong with Chevy Bolt?

Is Chevy Bolt EV a good car?

Highs Tempting starting price, spacious interior for a mini-car, reasonable driving range. Lows No all-wheel-drive option, feels like the low-cost solution it is. Verdict The all-electric Bolt EV's low, low starting price makes it an attractive electrified alternative to sexier and more costly EVs.

How long do Chevy Bolt EV batteries last?

How long do Electric car batteries last? 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.

Why is Chevy killing the Bolt?

The sudden backpedaling came after the continued surge in Bolt sales and the production costs and expected selling price of the upcoming newer models continuing to increase. Meaning the Bolt would not be competing in the same price range. Sales picked up because they started to basically give them away in 2021.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev.

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.

2022-12-15

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: 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.

2021-07-23

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 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. 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: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) 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. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.

2020-11-13

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 all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. 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: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.

Negative 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews

Adam Gutkowski 2025-04-16

Hi there! I'm excited to share that I'm looking to purchase an all-electric car for my next vehicle. While I was initially interested in the Tesla 3, I found out that it's currently sold out, so I decided to explore other options. After reading some reviews, I headed to my local Chevy dealer to test drive the Bolt. Overall, I had a great experience driving the car - it has a sleek design, impressive electronics, and plenty of power. However, I did find the seats to be a bit uncomfortable. They're quite narrow and have minimal padding, which caused some discomfort in my upper back. Despite this, I still had a lot of fun driving the Bolt and would definitely recommend it to others. I'm looking forward to seeing what improvements are made in future versions!
Thad Mayert 2025-04-01

I noticed some issues that other reviews did not address. In August 2018, GM installed a software update that reduced my consistent range from 235 miles to 185 miles. GM explained that the change was due to weather and my driving habits. I live in So Cal and experienced two months of warm weather, followed by a month of mild weather, and then a month of cooler weather. I understand that battery conditioning for extreme temperatures can affect mileage, and I waited through seasonal changes to see if there was an effect. However, my range has not returned to the 235+ miles I had before the update. During my second trip to the dealership, the range dropped even further below 185 miles. I am considering legal action as GM has not addressed my complaint. Additionally, software updates are pushed to the car while driving, which can cause the backup camera, entertainment, and navigation functions to not operate for up to 10 minutes. For a car that costs $37K, the interior of the Bolt is not up to par with a $25K car. The hard plastics, hard seats, low-fidelity stereo, low-resolution backup camera, and flimsy rear cargo cover are disappointing. The panel fit is also not well thought out. I was told that my Bolt was one of the first 500 production models, and it shows. I had previously leased a BMW i3, which was not without fault, but it never failed to deliver the range I expected, regardless of the weather or my driving habits. I purchased the Bolt because it had a 235-mile range that I enjoyed for 1.5 years before GM's software update reduced it by 50 miles. This has significantly affected my perception of the car and GM.
Ervin Tillman 2025-03-06

I sold this car because the seats were cramped and uncomfortable. Although the resale value was abysmal, I was glad to be rid of it. However, upon reflection, I found that this car was lackluster in every way. The seats were bad, the big screen was only made useful thanks to Android Auto, and the built-in functionality was marginal at best. Additionally, there was no value for the money. The premier edition is a 42K car, but you can get a RWD Tesla Model 3 for $44k. I actually got an AWD Model 3 and it's like comparing a hot dog to a steak. Even the mid-range RWD Model 3 has more range and better acceleration, with the same interior as my AWD (full glass roof, power seats, actual padding in the seats, soft touch surfaces, a vastly superior sound system, and a much better integrated screen with functional UI). This blows away the hard touch plastic nightmare that was the Bolt. I highly recommend buying the Tesla 3 with confidence and avoiding the Bolt at all costs.
Donnie Farrell 2024-06-19

I used to own a Gen1 Volt which I loved and now I love my i3. However, I am interested in the Bolt due to its better range and improved drive and infotainment. I am considering purchasing this car after my lease is up on my BMW i3. I appreciate what Chevy has accomplished with most of this car, including better acceleration and ride than the i3. However, the seats are a deal breaker for me. As someone who is 6'3Also, the low-speed braking needs to be stronger for one-foot driving, like the BMW, which has the perfect amount. And no, I don't want to use the little steering wheel buttons and my fingers every time I want to bring the car to a stop. One-foot driving in the city is a miracle, and once you get the hang of it, you can't go back to a standard drive car. So, please make it perfect. Additionally, I have no way of testing this, but I hope the brake lights come on when you use regen braking with the car in low. My old Volt did not do this, but the BMW does. Furthermore, this car needs adaptive cruise control that goes down to low speed or to a stop and then starts moving again, like the BMW and many other cars now have. Even other GM cars have this, so I don't know why Chevy didn't go all the way with this option since they are charging more. Hopefully, this will appear in next year's model. This car could have been a
Roscoe Smitham 2024-02-07

The car has a mix of premium and basic features. Unfortunately, it does not have an adaptive cruise option, but the manufacturer has explained that adding it would require changing the braking system. However, the car's resistive cabin heating is a plus, as it warms up quickly and provides heat sooner than most gas engine cars. It's important to note that in cold weather, the range may be reduced by almost half, so it's essential to factor this in when planning your commute. While the car does not have a navigation system option, it does have Android Auto and CarPlay, both of which work well for navigation. This is a city car, so it will mostly be driven in areas with cell coverage. Some interior design decisions could have been better, such as the center touch screen being partly obscured and difficult to reach for smaller drivers. Additionally, the center console has a lot of wasted space for the 'shift lever,' which is a rather pointless item in an electric car. The cup holders are too close together due to the shifter taking up space. The cargo storage is in three 'layers,' making it clumsy to get to the lower deck items. Unfortunately, the car does not come with or offer a spare tire, but the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and Front Pedestrian Braking features are useful. Overall, the car has its pros and cons, but it's a great option for city driving.Lane keep assist does not have adaptive steering or bump you back toward the lane. Instead, it shows an icon on the screen if it thinks you are out of your lane, which is the case almost everywhere (our road markings in town are bad). The following distance indicator shows the number of seconds to the car in front of you, but only when you are already too close at highway speeds. The pedestrian braking feature just shows an icon of a person when it sees someone on the side of the road. Unfortunately, it did not detect a pedestrian that walked right out in front of the car, and it also fails to actually brake. The sad part is that mine died after only 2200 miles, and the dealer has been unable to diagnose the problem in close to a month. However, I believe that trouble logging and technical support will improve over time. Maybe this will be a viable car in the future, but for now, I would avoid it at all costs. There seem to be a number of online reports of similar issues.

Positive 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews

Devonte Moore 2025-03-23

If you're someone who prefers flying over driving, why contribute to air pollution? I used to own a Spark EV and there were a few instances where we had to use our gas car because we were travelling beyond 84 miles in one trip. However, with the Bolt EV's impressive 238-mile range, we can easily drive to wherever we want to go without the need for a gas car. The best part? Virtually no maintenance required! In the 3 years that I owned the Spark EV, I only had to rotate the tires once. I expect the Bolt EV to be just as low-maintenance. The only downside to the LT Bolt EV is the narrow front seats. If you're on the heavier side, you may find the sides of the seats uncomfortable after sitting for a while.
Lloyd Fisher 2025-03-19

I must say, my wife and I are really passionate about living a fossil carbon-free lifestyle, and the Bolt has brought us one step closer to achieving this goal. We are particularly impressed with how we can 'fuel' the Bolt from our home solar PV system. We took delivery of the Bolt on Feb 13, 2018, and it has been a reliable companion throughout the winter in north central Minnesota, even in temperatures as low as -14F and heavy snow. The Bolt's performance was excellent, and it continues to impress us even now, with over 3800 miles on the clock. Living in a rural area, we often have to make round trips to towns and small cities within a 150 mile range, and the Bolt has met this requirement with ease, even in the winter. We were hopeful that the Bolt would meet 100% of our local driving requirements, and it has exceeded our expectations. With the arrival of Spring, the Bolt has already provided a range well beyond its rated 238 miles, reaching close to 300 miles, which is fantastic. Admittedly, it took us some time to get used to the various push buttons and controls, such as the headlights, radio, heating/AC fan system, etc. Being Toyota owners since the early 1980s, we found that many of the controls were in different places. However, even at my mature age of 71, I have mastered the controls, and I now find them to be nearly intuitive. The only issue we have is with the cruise control, as I often have to look to find the button when engaging it initially or reengaging it. Nonetheless, the Bolt's acceleration from a stop is better than great, and acceleration to pass at highway speed is great. This car really goes!The Bolt is a fantastic car! The suspension provides a smooth ride with minimal sway on curves. The seats are comfortable, and the visibility is excellent. I especially appreciate the rearview camera screen and the blind spot alerts on the outside mirrors, which make me feel safe while driving. The headlights are the best I've ever had on a car. Overall, I have no complaints about the Bolt. I love driving it, and the fact that I don't have to worry about gas or oil changes is a huge plus. The only maintenance I've had to do so far is adding air to the tires and filling the washer tank. Although the tires are self-sealing, I did get a lug wrench and jack, with a donut tire I already had, to change a flat, just in case. I purchased a Level 2 - 240V/32A charger through the dealer, which I set to complete the charge by 4:00 am so that the Bolt is always ready for an early start day. I have used public DC fast chargers three times just to make sure I know how to use them, in the event the Bolt will take us on a longer journey. In short, I would definitely buy a Bolt again, unless the next Chevy EV, perhaps a Jolt, has a much longer range with towing capacity.
Kelvin Koss 2025-03-05

Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt. I absolutely love my Bolt for its long range and one pedal driving feature. It's amazing how I can exceed the 238 EPA rated mileage and routinely see 263 to 283 miles range. Plus, it's so easy to charge at home and wake up to a full 'tank' every morning. The best part is, I don't have to worry about engine tune-ups or replacing oil, filters, belts, coolant, transmission oil, and more. And with one pedal braking, there's virtually no wear or tear on the brakes. It's truly a joy to drive and I highly recommend it!
Ronny Walsh 2025-03-01

Firstly, I want to express my belief that Bolt EV and GM are fully committed to electrification, autonomy, and connectivity. The Bolt EV is a significant step forward in mainstreaming electrification for the masses, with its impressive performance, features, and capabilities. It's surprising to me that more people haven't taken advantage of this amazing car. Forget about the Model 3 or the new Prius, with their poor interfaces and ergonomics. The Bolt EV is the car you want because of its energy efficiency and driving performance. It requires hardly any maintenance, has no nasty oil or gas to service, and boasts great safety and insurance ratings. You sit up high with lots of visibility, like in an SUV, and it has great driver safety and convenience features. The ergonomics are fantastic, with a combination of hard and soft button controls, and it's incredibly quiet. This game-changing car is like a spacecraft, with its multi-material skeletal frame that looks like it's being made for space travel. Its computers, communication systems, and infotainment suite are wonderful and very useful. It's a stealth Tesla! Nobody really notices it parked. It's interesting and fun to drive, and not just in a novelty way, but in a game-changing way. Although there have been some complaints about the seats, glare, steering, and wintertime range, these issues don't really affect us as the car is used as a commuter car. I selected a Summit White Premier with DCFC, and mine came with black rubber heavy-duty floor mats. I don't have a problem with the hard plastic or the I'm happy to report that I haven't found any problems or defects with this vehicle. I've inspected it carefully and regularly, and yesterday I even took the time to rotate and balance the tires - it was a breeze with the computer balancer! The Bolt EV has great cross-country performance, and with more DC fast charging stations opening up on city-to-city interstate corridors, it now has quasi transcontinental capability for the first time. I mostly use it for my daily commute, and we have a level 2 EVSE at home, which is really convenient. Overall, I absolutely love it - even the seats are great!
Arnulfo Rosenbaum 2025-01-18

I'm so glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with the EV Bolt! It sounds like the battery is really impressive, especially with the top range you got in the summer. The car handles and drives like a dream, with a smooth, quiet, and agile ride. It's great to hear that the maintenance costs are so low, with only the possibility of needing new tires in a few years. The three ways of braking that help regenerate the battery are a really cool feature. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's clear that once you go EV Bolt, you never go back!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2017 Chevrolet Bolt ev problems:

Common problems with a Chevy Bolt? : r/BoltEV

https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/comments/z2emlv/common_problems_with_a_chevy_bolt/

Nov 23, 2022 ... I have a Chevy Volt (Gen 1) and don't like how some people say it's the most reliable car in the world, when common problems I've found include ...

2017 Bolt Woes. | Chevy Bolt EV Forum

https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/2017-bolt-woes.46164/

Sep 28, 2022 ... Anti-clicking washer needed replacing because it apparently rusted and makes clicking noises. (~$500) · Clunking noises from the power steering ...

Best Bolt model year? Issues with 2017? : r/BoltEV

https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/comments/srbql5/best_bolt_model_year_issues_with_2017/

Feb 13, 2022 ... 2017's have had a few transmission failures. We don't know how common that is yet. I'd probably try and grab a 2018 or higher though, if you can ...

Common issues? | Chevy Bolt EV Forum

https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/common-issues.35625/

Jun 12, 2020 ... The most common complaints seem to revolve around CarPlay or Android Auto integration, and people who think that a reduced range estimate means ...

When is a Chevy Volt problem "Common' or "Widespread"? | GM ...

https://www.gm-volt.com/threads/when-is-a-chevy-volt-problem-common-or-widespread.341140/

Oct 14, 2021 ... 2017 Bolt EV Silver Ice Metallic, Premium, Infotainment pkg, Driver Confidence 2, DC Fast Charge. 2011 Cyber Gray, Std Wheels, Black Leather/ ...