Last updated: 2026-04-20
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Report
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt scores 52/100 ("Mixed"). With 6 recalls and 168 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
6
Complaints
168
Complaint Rate
102.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$649
EV Range
238 mi
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (75)
- STEERING (39)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 3 of the First generation (2016).
- Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 1st generation Bolt (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2017: First generation (2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 3 of the First generation (2016).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt?
A 52/100 score puts the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2019 is year 3 of the First generation (2016).
Complaint volume sits above average at 168 owner complaints alongside 6 recalls. Issues in electrical system (75) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (75) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt, which scored 9 points higher. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (75 complaints)
- −10 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2019 Chevrolet Bolt With
2019 Nissan Murano
Reliability: 77/100
2019 Lexus NX
Reliability: 77/100
2019 Lexus UX
Reliability: 77/100
2019 KIA Soul
Reliability: 76/100
2019 Mazda CX-5
Reliability: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (75)
- STEERING (39)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
102.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
10
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Bolt? Check its history first
Every 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Chevrolet Bolt NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet BoltRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based 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.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| 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 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Bolt.
Inspect steering for stiffness or failure to return to center
Check for any recall completion related to battery fire risks
Test for sudden loss of propulsion or power reduction
Verify infotainment system functions without freezing or loud static
Ensure no water infiltration in trunk affecting electronics
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Common Problems by Component
168 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
75 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to the electrical system, notably concerning recall repairs that remain incomplete due to unavailable parts. Many complaints involve problems with charging, such as charging ports not locking or allowing charging, and the need for frequent dealer resets. A significant number of complaints highlight fire risks, with some owners instructed not to park indoors or charge overnight. These issues often occur regardless of mileage, and the delay in recall repairs exacerbates concerns about vehicle safety. Additionally, water infiltration affecting the sound system and electrical components is mentioned by multiple owners.
STEERING
39 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently experiences issues with the steering system, particularly the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn. Complaints consistently describe the need for excessive force to manually guide the wheel back to center, which is often accompanied by stiffness or binding. This problem typically arises between 24,000 and 50,000 miles, with some owners noting clunking noises and steering gear or rack failures. The failure to return to center poses potential safety risks, as it can lead to unexpected handling characteristics and requires continuous driver attention to avoid drifting or overcorrecting. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may necessitate costly repairs and affect vehicle control.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to battery fires and propulsion system failures. Many complaints describe the high voltage battery's potential to catch fire, especially during or after charging, which has led to property damage and safety concerns. Additionally, several owners experience sudden loss of propulsion or power reduction while driving, often at highway speeds, resulting in unsafe driving conditions. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include fire hazards and the risk of being stranded on highways, which are critical considerations for potential buyers.
POWER TRAIN (13 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the powertrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, with the most common being unexpected loss of propulsion while driving, often accompanied by error messages such as "Unable to Initialize Propulsion System" and "Service high voltage battery system." Complaints frequently mention these incidents occurring at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks due to sudden loss of power in traffic. Some cases involve the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to "Park" mode or being unable to shift gears, typically at mileage ranging from 10,000 to 19,000 miles. One report details a fire following a propulsion issue, highlighting potential safety hazards. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of these powertrain issues, especially in vehicles with similar mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to battery safety and infotainment malfunctions. Multiple complaints highlight concerns about battery fire risks, with owners describing limitations on charging capacity and usage, such as not charging above 90% or below 30%, and avoiding overnight charging or parking near structures. These concerns often stem from recalls and ongoing safety measures that have not been fully resolved, leaving owners uncertain about the vehicle's safety. Additionally, some owners report infotainment system problems, such as screens freezing and emitting loud static noises, which could potentially distract drivers. Safety implications are significant, as these issues include potential fire hazards and driver distraction, with some owners expressing fear for their safety and that of their property.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the seat belts of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, notably the passenger rear middle seatbelt failing to retract and self-adjust. Complaints frequently mention that despite a recall being issued, remedies are not always available when vehicles are brought in for repair, leading to unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, one owner describes multiple issues occurring at once, including sporadic engagement of the parking brake, which sometimes produces a loud grinding noise, and changes to the reverse camera display. These issues are noted without specific mileage but are presented as ongoing concerns that may affect the vehicle's safety features.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt report issues related to airbag deployment and dashboard integrity. One complaint describes a collision with a deer at 45 mph where the airbag system initiated but the steering wheel airbag did not fully deploy, though igniter fumes and smoke were present. Another report highlights persistent loosening of dashboard components after dealer repairs, with concerns that these parts could become projectiles if airbags deploy during an accident. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly in the event of a crash.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, specifically concerning the automatic emergency braking and warning systems. One complaint describes the system applying brakes unexpectedly and heavily without any proximity warning, despite no immediate threat from the vehicle ahead, raising concerns about potential rear-end collisions. Another owner notes the system's failure to activate when a vehicle suddenly cuts in, despite clear weather and road conditions, followed by unwarranted warnings at lower speeds. These complaints highlight inconsistencies in the system's performance, which could pose safety risks, particularly in high-speed or traffic situations.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt report issues with windshield glare, particularly under sunny conditions. Complaints frequently mention that light-colored dashboards cause significant reflection, making it difficult to see clearly through the windshield and side mirrors. One report involves a crash resulting in three injuries, where extreme glare caused the windshield to appear white, obscuring the driver's view of oncoming traffic. These issues appear to arise soon after taking possession of the vehicle, especially on clear, sunny days. Potential buyers should be aware of these visibility challenges, as they may impact driving safety.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintRainwater leaks through the rear windshield wiper grommet and runs down into the trunk shorting out the amplifier that is located at the bottom underneath the tire change kit. Collision alert sounds and turn signal sounds do not function because the amplifier is shorted out. There is no visible sign of water leak unless you disassemble and entirely remove 1) the top trunk cargo liner, 2) lower trunk charger compartment liner, and 3) large styrofoam tray with tire change kit. Water pools around the amplifier corroding terminals and shorting out the amplifier creating an electrical shock hazard. There are no drainage holes in the trunk well so rainwater has no way of draining.
When Do 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Bolt Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Bolt Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Bolt year is 2023 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (61/100) and 2021 (61/100).
Chevrolet Bolt Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Bolt year is 2019 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to electrical system (75) issues.
2019
(Current Model)
Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Bolt reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 62/100 compared to 56/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 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
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
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
Shifting problem
Where is the input turbine speed sensor located on a 2007 Chevrolet avalanche
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt?
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt have?
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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