Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 59/100 (MIXED)

2018 Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Report

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt has mixed reliability, well below other 2018 SUVs, with a steering wheel that stops self-centering as its main problem.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

40.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$649

EV Range

238 mi

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity46/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact59/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Steering that binds and stops self-centering, often between 25,000 and 40,000 miles, plus two park-outside recalls, set this middle-ranked year apart.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (24)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23)
POWER TRAIN (11)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2018 is year 2 of the First generation (2016).

Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2022.
1st generation Bolt (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.

2017: First generation (2016) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 2 of the First generation (2016).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?

Mixed is the fair verdict here. Compared with other 2018 SUVs, this Bolt stands well below average, and it lands in the middle of the five scored Bolt years. The 2019 model rates worse, with 168 complaints and 6 recalls, so stepping up a year does not solve anything. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.

Steering is the problem to know. Owners say the wheel stops returning to center after a turn, then turns stiff and heavy until they pull it back by hand. Most reports fall between 25,000 and 40,000 miles. No warning light comes on, and some dealers missed it on short test drives. Quotes for a new steering gear ran as high as $4000. The electrical system brings the scariest report, a battery fire during home charging. Two recalls carry park-outside fire-risk instructions, and owners describe charge limits and long waits for replacement batteries.

Ask for proof that every recall was completed, including the park-outside ones, and for any steering repair records. On a test drive, take some tight turns and watch whether the wheel returns to center on its own.

Compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, which scored 7 points lower.

Pros

+5-star NHTSA crash rating
+Not a first-year model

Cons

−Below-average reliability score
−Moderate recall count
−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−STEERING: Wheel that stops returning to center after a turn is the core complaint (24 complaints)
−1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
−Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2018 Chevrolet Bolt With

2018 Nissan Murano

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

2018 Buick Encore

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

2018 Lexus NX

Reliability: 79/100

Good

2018 Acura RDX

Reliability: 79/100

Good

2018 Toyota RAV4

Reliability: 76/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (24)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

40.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh

High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V8450002023-12-14

STRUCTURE, SEAT BELTS

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.

22V9300002022-12-15

STRUCTURE, SEAT BELTS

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.

21V5600002021-07-23Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt? Check its history first

Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Chevrolet Bolt NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet BoltRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$649

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Fog Lamp Relay Replacement	$107 – $147
Transmission Leak Inspection	$61 – $90
Stabilizer Bar Link Kit Replacement	$107 – $144
Oil Pan Gasket Replacement	$740 – $1,038
Power Steering System Leak Inspection	$61 – $90
Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement	$858 – $995
Fuel Pump Replacement	$875 – $1,760
Wheel Lug Stud Replacement	$103 – $149
Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement	$471 – $534
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	$80 – $97

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Electric

238 mi range

Fuel cost: $650/yr

Fuel only

28.301 kWh/100mi · 9.3 hrs @ 240V

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Electric trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	Range	kWh/100mi	Fuel Cost
Bolt EV	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (A1)	238 mi	28.3	$650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt.

Make several left and right turns and confirm the wheel returns to center on its own, without stiffness, clicking, or creaking.
Have a Chevrolet dealer run the VIN and confirm all open recalls are completed, with paperwork for any battery work.
Charge fully and compare displayed range against what the seller claims; confirm the car accepts a charge without errors.
Drive at highway speed and watch for a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning, sudden slowing, or heavy vibration.
Drive in L mode and confirm regenerative braking slows the car consistently, and that the car does not lurch when creeping.
Inspect front pads and rotors for crumbling or scoring, and feel for a hot front wheel after a highway drive.
Use the infotainment screen throughout the drive; watch for restarts, a blank display, or a rear camera that stays on.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt Common Problems by Component

73 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (24)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23)POWER TRAIN (11)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)SERVICE BRAKES (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)Other (2)

STEERING

24 complaints

A wheel that stops returning to center after a turn is the core complaint. Drivers say it grows stiff and heavy until they must pull it back by hand. Some reports also mention clicking or creaking noises, or a car that drifts and will not track straight. Dealers often find a binding steering gear that needs replacing, with quotes as high as $4000. Most reports cluster between 25,000 and 40,000 miles, though some come later. No warning light comes on, and some dealers missed the problem on short test drives. Drivers describe near misses on curvy roads.

24 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

23 complaintsSafety-related

A battery fire during home charging is the most serious report here. Most complaints are about the high-voltage battery recall: charge limits, parking restrictions, replacement batteries on back order, and dealers without the tools or parts to do the work. Some owners say range dropped or a "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" warning appeared after the battery was replaced. Smaller patterns include a car that would not charge after sitting in cold weather, an infotainment display that switches on and off, and poor radio reception.

23 complaints total1 fire

POWER TRAIN

11 complaints

Sudden loss of power is the most serious pattern. Warnings such as "Propulsion power is reduced" or "System shutting down" appear, and the car slows sharply or stops in traffic. In one case the fix was a new drive module, inverter, and power cable. Other reports describe the car lurching forward while parking in L mode, heavy vibration that comes and goes and that dealers cannot reproduce, and a rear camera that stays on while driving. Range loss and charging limits tied to the battery recall also come up.

11 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Battery recall problems make up most of these few reports. Owners describe waiting close to two years for a replacement battery pack and losing about half their range under the temporary charging limits. One owner says a public charger kept charging past the limit the dealer had set. A "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning on the highway also appears, and a repair shop advised not driving the car until it was fixed.

4 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Front brakes break down from lack of use, and mechanics blame regenerative braking, which does most of the stopping. Reports describe a seized front caliper that keeps the brake applied. The wheel overheats and the steering shimmies at highway speed, which makes the car hard to control. Crumbling pads and scored rotors at 25,000 miles also appear, along with brake modules that need reprogramming.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaintsSafety-related

The car surging forward while creeping into a parking spot in Low led to one crash into a house. Another complaint says regenerative braking in L mode does not engage consistently on city streets or highways, which raises the risk of rear-end or pedestrian collisions. Six visits to two dealerships did not fix it. Charging and parking restrictions under the battery recall, with range cut to about 60%, round out the reports.

3 complaints total1 crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Front wipers freeze to the bottom of the windshield and stop moving while driving, cutting visibility, when it is around 25 degrees F outside. According to the complaint, warm air from the defroster does not reach the lowest part of the glass, where the wipers rest. A separate report describes vertical scratches on the outside of the driver's window glass, found just after the warranty ran out.

2 complaints total

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2023-05-21

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at night at an unknown speed, the regen on demand (Rod) was engaged but did not notice any rear illumination. On other occasions, the contact noticed that the vehicles behind were often beeping at her while driving. The vehicle was inspected vehicle while running and the regen on demand (RoD) paddle was activated; however, the rear lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2021-07-19Crash reported2 injuries

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that when the driver (his wife) drove at 45mph a vehicle failed to yield the right of way and made a left turn. The driver was unable to stop and crashed into the vehicle's front passenger side and bumper. The contact stated that the driver's air bag and the front passenger air bag failed to deploy causing the driver injuries to the neck, shoulder, sides, right leg, and back. The front passenger was a ten-year-old child who received injuries to the right shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2018-02-13

THE BOLT EV HAS A STEERING-WHEEL MOUNTED REGENERATIVE BREAKING PADDLE, WHICH APPLIES THE REGENERATIVE BREAKING, SLOWING THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, WHEN THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED, THIS PADDLE DOES NOTHING, WHICH HAS RESULTED IN SOME NEAR MISSES. A WARNING INDICATOR SHOULD BE PRESENT, OR THE DOCUMENTATION SHOULD SUGGEST ENABLING "HILLTOP RESERVE" TO PREVENT THIS FROM OCCURRING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CHEVY, BUT NO RESPONSES WERE RECEIVED.

When Do 2018 Chevrolet Bolt Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

25,000–40,000 milesSteering binds, won't self-center

Best & Worst Chevrolet Bolt Years

Best Chevrolet Bolt Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Bolt reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	59/100	Mixed
2019	52/100	Mixed
2021	61/100	Good
2022	61/100	Good
2023	64/100	Good

Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2023	64/100	+3	Good	3	146
2022	61/100	0	Good	11	78
2021	61/100	+9	Good	5	66
2019	52/100	-7	Mixed	6	168
2018(selected)	59/100	—	Mixed	5	73

2018 Chevrolet Bolt Common Questions

10 questions from 2018 Chevrolet Bolt owners.

2004 impala stumble and hestitation

2004 impala slight hesitation on take off sometimes and sometimes engine stumbles on decell other than that runs great plenty of power and getting good gas milage tps iac igm fpr coils plugs wires and lower intake have been done when it does itt on highway with scan tool can watch rpms go from 800 to 400 back and forth cold More than a month

VisitorApr 8, 2026

Camshaft sensore

I changed my camshaft position sensor in my 2013 Chevy Silverado ltz 1500 6.2 and notlw and now it will crank but no start None More than a week

VisitorApr 5, 2026

DIC lights, and radio and wall of buttons

I have 2022 Corvette Stingray and the last time I cranked it up all light display but then the immediately go out. The only information that I can see on all screens is the temperature gauge gas gauge and miles per hour gauge. Everything else is out, but if I turn the signal light on, I could see that all the bright lights I can see that where everything else is out on the DIC on the wall of buttons and on the radio screen, what could be the problem? It just started I drove it around the block and screen did not come back up Started today

VisitorApr 4, 2026

Shifting problem

Where is the input turbine speed sensor located on a 2007 Chevrolet avalanche

VisitorApr 3, 2026

P06DE

What is causing engine power reduced/p06de code? I have a 2013 Chevy Malibu. Engine power reduced code comes on randomly, and then goes away by itself. I have replaced the oil pressure solenoid and switch. I also got a P0341 code with the P06DE a few weeks ago. I wiggled the wiring that feeds the oil pressure solenoid while the vehicle was running to see if the engine started idling any differently, and it did not. When I replaced the oil pressure switch, the plastic connector had a crack in it but it was still connected and locked in. We have not gotten a oil pressure warning but I did read the active information on my OBD2 scanner and I am getting: Engine Oil Pressure var.1 0psi Engine Oil Pressure var.2 54psi Engine Oil Pressure var.3 38psi. I feel like I have gone through everything and I can not find the issue. The last thing I am leaning toward is the camshaft position sensor because of the P0341 code I received. I read that any VVT parts can cause p06de and engine power reduced More than a month

VisitorApr 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?

Reliability is mixed. Against other 2018 SUVs it stands well below average, and within the Bolt's scored years it sits in the middle of five. It has 73 owner complaints and 5 recalls. It did earn 5 of 5 stars in federal crash testing.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?

Steering leads with 24 complaints, followed by the electrical system with 23 and the power train with 11. Owners report a wheel that will not self-center, battery recall restrictions, and sudden loss of power with a "Propulsion power is reduced" warning.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt have steering problems?

Yes. Owners say the wheel stops returning to center after a turn and grows stiff until they must pull it back by hand. Reports cluster between 25,000 and 40,000 miles. No warning light appears, and dealers sometimes miss it. Quotes for replacing the steering gear reached $4000.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt have a fire risk?

Some risk is on record. One owner reported a battery fire during home charging, and federal records list 2 park-outside fire-risk recalls for this year. Ask the seller for proof that all recall work was done before you buy.

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt more reliable than the 2018?

No. The 2019 rates worse, with 168 complaints and 6 recalls, compared with 73 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2018. The 2018 still stands well below average among 2018 SUVs, so check recall and steering records on either year.

Don’t buy a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on complaint severity (46/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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