2018 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 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?

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.

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.

2018-08-30

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

Kennedy Heaney 2025-03-29

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 stop working 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 great. 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. Unfortunately, this has significantly affected my perception of the car and GM.
Savion Feest 2025-01-19

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.
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.

Positive 2018 Chevrolet Bolt ev car reviews

Esteban O'Reilly 2025-07-28

I was considering replacing my Ford Escape Hybrid with a Volt, but I found the Volt to be too tight for my liking. However, I discovered the Bolts at the dealership and realized it was a much better fit for me. Despite being a subcompact, the car is very comfortable and surprisingly roomy compared to the Ford Escape. The 200 Hp engine is almost too powerful, and the low gear for hill driving is created by increasing the power flow back to the battery, allowing you to drive without using the brake. The large monitor in the car allows you to connect your smartphone and access all kinds of apps, including high-level navigation, for free. With a 240-mile range, you don't have to worry about fuel, and there are public chargers all over, mostly free, so you don't even need them. Charging at home for 1/4 the price of gas gives you 120 mpg equivalent. I believe that this new level of driving experience is something that 98% of the country should consider switching to.
Dillon Wolf 2025-07-27

I really love this car! It's much roomier than I expected, even my well-built 6 foot tall husband has plenty of head and elbow room. We are absolutely in love with this car and plan to keep it forever. I have been asked to update my review and I can say that after nearly 2 years of owning the Bolt, we love it just as much if not more than when we first got it. We have never even come close to running out of charge on the battery, even during the brutal winter of 2019 in our area. The interior and exterior still look brand new!
Jedidiah Marvin 2025-07-25

I've owned this car for a year and have put 40,000 miles on the clock. I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single issue with it. The battery is still going strong with no signs of degradation, and the cost to operate it is surprisingly low. In fact, when you factor in the lack of maintenance costs and the difference in gas vs. electricity, it's actually cheaper to own than a regular Camry! Unlike the Leaf, range is not an issue with this car. And get this - the first real maintenance isn't even needed until 150,000 miles! When you consider all the maintenance costs of a gas car to get to that point, the higher initial cost of the Bolt quickly becomes a non-issue. Plus, with the $7,500 tax credit and $2,500 state credit, the Bolt is a steal. Even if I didn't have the tax credit, I would still buy this car again. As an update, I just passed 60,000 miles in March 2019 and there's still no noticeable degradation or need for service visits. And as of my latest update on 9/23/2019, I've passed 80,000 miles and still no dealer visits or battery changes.
Demarcus McGlynn 2025-07-19

The lease deals on this car were too good to miss, so I decided to try an EV while keeping my 15-year-old clunker as a backup. However, my mistake was that the clunker hasn't been required in months, and ironically, its battery keeps draining from lack of use. The Bolt is an awesome vehicle that accelerates and handles more like a sports car, has interior space comparable to an SUV, but costs less to run than an econobox. One-pedal driving is addictive, and the brake pedal becomes just a footrest for stop lights. The interior is elegant, though not really refined, but the front seats can be uncomfortably narrow. Outside visibility is great, except for rear quarter views where the C/D pillars cause large blind spots, so make sure to get the blind spot monitor option. Around town mileage is normally around 5 miles/KWh, giving a calculated range of over 300 miles on a full charge, but it drops considerably at speed (often to less than 3 miles/KWh at 70mph), and long-distance freeway trips need to be planned accordingly. The Fast charger option is a MUST if you have any aspirations to travel more than 50 miles from home. I'm not sure why they even sell the car without it? A/C uses about 5% of the battery, and heating uses 20%. The heated steering wheel and seats can mitigate this slightly, but I'm not sure it'd be a viable car for cold climates. iPhone integration (and presumably Android too) for maps, traffic, and music is seamless, but the car itself has no GPS awareness and can't tell if it's at home or not. This is a problem if you have the car set to charge only overnight and plug into a public charger. Unless you remember to press the
Kyle Langworth 2025-07-13

This is a great compact commuter car. The ride is comfortable and the controls are intuitive. It feels awesome to never have to stop for gas or change the oil. With a level two charger, you just plug it in at night and it's ready for action the next morning. An electric vehicle without sacrifice!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 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 ...

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 ...

Does the 2023 bolt ev come with a lot of issues? : r/BoltEV

https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/comments/1274rhu/does_the_2023_bolt_ev_come_with_a_lot_of_issues/

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

https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/do-bolts-have-a-lot-of-problems.52312/

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 ...

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

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...