2018 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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Common 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an all-electric four-door hatchback that has been praised for its driving dynamics, technology, and utility. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the issues that have been reported:
- Charging system problems: Some owners have reported issues with the Bolt's charging system, including problems with charging at home, with some public chargers, and with the charge connection and charge port door.
- Software issues: Some owners have reported software issues with the Bolt, including problems with the Boost, which can make a popping sound with braking and may be failing.
- Battery recall: In 2021, GM announced a recall of every Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV that it had made due to a risk of battery fires.
- Suspension clunk: Some owners have reported a rear suspension clunk, which can be caused by a bad axle or steering rack binding up and needing to be replaced.
- 12V battery dying: Some owners have reported that the 12V battery in their Bolt can die prematurely, causing weird issues until it is diagnosed and replaced.
- Gasket near the back hatch coming out: There is a recall for this issue, which can cause water to leak into the car.
Overall, while the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has been praised for its driving dynamics, technology, and utility, it is not without its share of common problems. Owners have reported issues with the charging system, software, battery recall, suspension clunk, 12V battery, and gasket near the back hatch coming out. However, many owners have reported that their cars have been reliable and trouble-free, and that they have been happy with their purchase.
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.
Which Chevy bolts are recalled?
Electrical system. Recall no. 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.
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.
Is Chevy Bolt a reliable car?
We expect the 2023 Bolt EUV will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car.
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.
Is Chevy Bolt EV safe?
2023 Bolt EV Safety
The 2022 and 2023 variants have only been tested for their rollover prevention capabilities, scoring four stars. The IIHS has also completed a partial evaluation, rating it Good for roof strength and head restraints & seats.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Negative 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews
Positive 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews
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After comparing the Chevy Bolt to the upcoming Tesla 3, I decided to purchase the Bolt. One of the reasons for my decision was the Bolt's hatchback and folding rear seats, which provide versatility that the Tesla's trunk opening does not. Additionally, the Bolt's range is at least as good as the comparably-priced Tesla. The Bolt is currently available on dealer lots, and I did not want to wait to go electric. While the Supercharger network is not free for Model 3 vehicles to recharge, it is identical to the Bolt. I prefer having knobs on my dashboard for frequent adjustments like temperature, and the Bolt has those. The car also has great visibility and 360° cameras, level-2 active safety devices for braking and lane departure, and a very normal driving feel getting on the freeway and driving around town. My family and I are really enjoying this car. By going electric and charging at night, we're paying about 3.5¢/mile, which is a significant savings compared to my old gas guzzler that was costing me over 18¢/mile, not including oil changes. We were able to take advantage of several rebates and incentives, including a $7500 federal tax credit, $2500 CA rebate, $450 So Cal Edison rebate, and carpool lane stickers. It's really nice not having to get gas every week, and we're saving $150/month just by plugging in our car, like a cell phone! As an Engineer who has worked in car plants, I can attest that this vehicle is engineered really well. If I had to suggest any improvements, the seat side bolsters could be wider or softer, and I'd like to see the steering ratio tighten up when you push the Sport mode button. The drive selector took me a bit to get used to after driving regular cars for so many years, but I understand why they chose the way it works. They want selecting Reverse to be a deliberate action, not accidental. Overall, I highly recommend the Chevy Bolt. It's a great car that provides significant savings and a fun driving experience.We put on 18,000 miles our first year. The tires were rotated during their included service visit.
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Why doesn't everyone own one of these? This car has great value, performance, design, and comfort. It's a fantastic car in every way!
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As you enter, you'll notice that this little EV seems to expand. To get going, simply put your foot on the brake, release the parking brake, and punch the big blue button. It's a real pocket rocket, with no lag on acceleration! While there's a slight learning curve in the first week, YouTube videos explain everything. The only downside is the size of the seats - another inch or two would have been nice. Some people have also mentioned the lack of wood and leather, but this is a minor issue when you consider the generous back seats and the most efficient instrument layout of all the EV's I drove.
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EVs are always smoother, quieter, more responsive, and more reliable. The Bolt EV is also open and upright - spacious and friendly inside, practical for family drives and fetching cargo. It is the most affordable model with the kind of range that makes long distance drives possible, even where charging infrastructure isn't built up yet. With a little planning, you can go up to 690 miles with an overnight stay. It's a great option for those who want to travel long distances without worrying about fuel costs or emissions.
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There has been a lot of excitement surrounding EVs lately, and while I'm eagerly awaiting my Tesla 3, I recently had the opportunity to test drive a Chevy Bolt. The model I drove had a list price of $42,000 and came with leather seats and some great features. The exterior is a sleek hatchback that may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely a step up from a Prius in my opinion. The driving experience was fantastic - the car had great acceleration and torque, and I was able to go 238 miles on a single charge. It felt like driving a sports car! I also appreciated the high driving position, which made me feel like I was in an SUV. The only downside was the interior, which I would rate as a C+. The seats were a bit thin and there was only manual seat adjustment available. The dashboard was made of hard plastic, which was a bit disappointing. If the interior had been as impressive as the driving experience, I would have bought the car on the spot. As it stands, I was still very impressed with the Bolt and will either wait for my Tesla or keep an eye out for improvements to the Bolt's interior.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev problems:
Common problems with a Chevy Bolt? : r/BoltEV
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 ...
Common issues? | Chevy Bolt EV Forum
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 ...
Does the 2023 bolt ev come with a lot of issues? : r/BoltEV
Mar 31, 2023 ... Had the battery replaced in my 21 when my turn was up. Zero issues since. Honestly Chevy shocked me when I had error codes right before. They ...
Do Bolts Have A Lot of Problems? | Chevy Bolt EV Forum
Sep 26, 2023 ... There are only two somewhat annoying/bad problems with the Bolts - The DC charge speed is really slow, and the big lights on the back don't work ...
When is a Chevy Volt problem "Common' or "Widespread"? | GM ...
Oct 14, 2021 ... My dealership topped it off for me for free. 2018 ... Car drove on electric and the gas engine never started, and said engine unavailable...
Other years of Chevrolet Bolt ev
Are you having problems with your 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev?
Wilfred Connelly 2024-05-18
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
King Ledner 2024-02-14
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. It is unfortunate that my car died after only 2200 miles, and the dealer has been unable to diagnose the problem in close to a month. Apparently, trouble logging and technical support are just not up to the task on this car yet. 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.