Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 61/100 (GOOD)

2021 Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Report

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt rates good for reliability, but battery fire-risk recalls have left owners capping charging and parking outside.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

26.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$649

EV Range

259 mi

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity54/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact55/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and sits among the stronger Bolt years, but three park-outside battery recalls and reports of sudden loss of drive set it apart.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
POWER TRAIN (10)
STEERING (8)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

2021 is year 5 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.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 5 of the First generation (2016).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt?

Reliability is good for this model year, and it ranks among the stronger of the five scored Bolt years. Against other 2021 SUVs it falls below average. The 2022 Bolt rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge on standing.

Battery fire risk is the main concern. Federal recall records list five recalls, and three of them call for parking outside. Owners say they cap charging at 90 percent, park away from buildings, and lose range while they wait, in some cases almost 2 years, for replacement battery parts. Some cars also lose drive at speed, then refuse to restart or shift and need a tow. Early cases appear at 1,800 to 2,700 miles. Steering that binds and gets heavier over time shows up too.

Check the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof that the battery work was done. Ask whether the car has had propulsion warnings or high-voltage warning lights. The 2022 car has more complaints and recalls on record, so it is not a clean escape.

Compared to the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+5-star NHTSA crash rating
+Well-established generation

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Battery fire risk and the limits that come with it dominate these reports (29 complaints)
−Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Bolt With

2021 Volkswagen ID.4

Reliability: 46/100

Mixed

2021 Tesla Model Y

Reliability: 46/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
POWER TRAIN (10)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2021 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

26.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

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.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V8120002024-10-31Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, 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: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N242470160.

24V4810002024-06-27Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.

Consequence

A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 1, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's numbers for this recall are N242443000 and N242443002.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 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

2021 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 (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)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.

2021 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

259 mi range

Fuel cost: $650/yr

Fuel only

28.663 kWh/100mi · 10 hrs @ 240V

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Electric trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	Range	kWh/100mi	Fuel Cost
Bolt EV	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	259 mi	28.7	$650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt.

Run the VIN for open recalls and get dealer paperwork for any high-voltage battery work.
Charge to full and compare the shown range with what a healthy car should show.
Accelerate hard onto a highway and watch for shuddering, power loss, or a reduced propulsion power warning.
Shift through P, R, N, D, and L at a stop, and confirm each gear engages and none gets stuck.
Turn the wheel fully both ways, and check that it returns to center without groaning, binding, or stiffness.
Check the dash and the Chevy app for high-voltage, propulsion, or airbag warnings, and ask for repair history.
Ask for service records that show repeat repairs for warning lights, wiring harness, or drive system faults.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt Common Problems by Component

66 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)POWER TRAIN (10)STEERING (8)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)AIR BAGS (2)TIRES (1)LANE DEPARTURE (1)Other (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 complaints

Battery fire risk and the limits that come with it dominate these reports. Most owners describe waiting a long time, in some cases almost 2 years, for replacement battery parts. In the meantime they cap charging at 90 percent, park outside and away from buildings, and lose range. Some reports describe actual failures. Cars lose propulsion at speed. One stalled near 2,700 miles with an "Emergency Power Failure" message, and the cause was a failed battery disconnect lever. Other owners see high-voltage warning lights that keep coming back after repeated dealer repairs.

29 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

10 complaintsSafety-related

Sudden loss of drive and unexpected movement are the main patterns. Several cars lose propulsion while accelerating or merging. They then won't restart or won't shift out of neutral, and they need a tow. Some failures follow DC fast-charging sessions. Two crash-related reports describe the car lunging or accelerating on its own while parking, one near 2,700 miles. Other owners report the car shifting itself into park while moving, or the shifter selecting reverse instead of L. Dealers blamed a wiring harness in one case and a blown fuse with a disconnected manual lever in another. That harness repair cost about $3200 in labor.

10 complaints total2 crashes

STEERING

8 complaints

Binding that keeps the wheel from returning to center is the main complaint, and the effort to turn gets heavier over time. Owners also describe groaning or squeaking when turning, slow response, and occasional clunks from the front end over bumps. Reports range from 3,500 to 38,000 miles. One dealer quoted $2,700 to replace the rack and pinion. A separate report describes the car pulling left or right even after alignments. Another describes sudden loss of power steering along with a cluster of dash warnings and a speedometer reading 0 MPH while driving.

8 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Battery fire worries drive most of these reports, not new mechanical failures. Owners describe waiting more than a year for a battery fix. They also report heavy range loss from charging limits, poor communication from dealers and the manufacturer, and frustration with buyback and trade-in terms. Two other problems also appear. In one, the shift selector failed and locked the car in park, with no power steering or AC. In the other, no door would open when the key was locked in the rear cargo area while the car was running. With child locks on, that could trap children inside.

7 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

The car suddenly shows a "propulsion power is reduced" warning and slows down sharply at highway speed. In one case it dropped to 20 mph on a freeway with plenty of charge left, and the driver had to cross traffic to reach the shoulder. These failures happen very early, from a few miles to about 1800 on the odometer. One was traced to a bad transmission oil cooler pump. The other reports are about waiting for a battery replacement. Owners describe dealers that were not authorized to do the work or turned them away, and reduced range while they waited.

7 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Airbags fail to deploy in collisions in both reports, and both involve crashes. One was a hard side impact. In the other, the driver suffered facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel, and the owner's app later showed an airbag system warning. With only 2 complaints there is no mileage pattern. Still, airbags that stay off in a real crash are among the most serious failures a car can have.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2021-07-02

on 7/2/21 I hit a curb at two miles per hour which caused a gash in the passenger front tire sidewall. I purchased the 21 Chevrolet Bolt and these Michelins are Bolt specfic, Michelin A/S selfseal because I work in construction and had a lot of flat repairs so selfseal was a primary driver for the lease. The tires have the sealant already inside which makes the tires heavy and cumbersome in handling. The sidewalls feel like they are buckling because the weight is in the tread and around it. These low rolling resistance tires have bad traction especially in wet conditions. I had to leave my car in an unsafe location and it took GM Roadside Assistance four days to get the car to the dealer. The bolt has no spare or sealant kit. I complained to GM and they offered me goodwill GM points which they later reneged on.

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

2021-04-12

The blind spot warning system fails to work adequately. It triggers both false negative and false positives on both sides of the vehicle. It is available for inspection upon request. Even when there are no cars within a quarter mile of me, the lights may come on, alerting me to a non-existent car in my blind spot. If the light turns on properly, it doesn't always turn off when the car leaves my blind spot, just staying on indefinitely. It fails to detect approximately 50% of cars accurately when they enter or leave my blind spot. This defect puts others at risk, increasing the possibility of a side collision when the blind spot warning system fails to adequately inform the driver of an accurate blind spot status. The vehicle was taken to a dealership with an appointment, they refused to inspect or diagnose the problem, stating that myself, the driver, should read the manual and tinker with the vehicle settings. I informed them that I had already read the manual, it stated it may take some time to calibrate and it didn't mention any user accessible settings menu, but I had over 100 miles on the new vehicle at this point and was unable to locate any user settings. The dealership still refused to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle has only been inspected by myself. Besides the false negatives and false positives of the blind spot warning system, no other error messages have occurred. This issue propped up the day I was driving the new vehicle home from the dealership after purchasing. I have attempted to personally improve the performance of the blind spot warning system using documentation found online regarding previous models of my vehicle having similar issues, I have had moderate success with using metal tape akin to duct tape on the rear of the radar sensor that powers the blind spot warning system.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2021-05-07

my bolt 2021 had break locking issue within 20 days had to get it to dealer n after 12 days they return the car without fixing this particular issue but fixed some 25 other faults..and after two days again same issue happened and now after more than 2 weeks they asked me to take car back but not giving assurance that same issue reproduced n fixed.. fortunately both times issue happened in parking lot but i am afraid about it that while on freeway if that happens so dont want to take chance i requested dealer for replacement vehicle which is thoroughly inspected but they asked to deal that with GM directly and i opened case with GM but there is little to no communication from them

When Do 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Problems Start?

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

1,800–2,700 milesEarly sudden loss of propulsion

Best & Worst Chevrolet Bolt Years

Best Chevrolet Bolt Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

3Recalls

146Complaints

Good

2022

11Recalls

78Complaints

Good

2021

(Current Model)

5Recalls

66Complaints

Chevrolet Bolt Years to Avoid

Mixed

2019

6Recalls

168Complaints

See full Chevrolet Bolt years-to-avoid analysis

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(selected)	61/100	+9	Good	5	66
2019	52/100	-7	Mixed	6	168
2018	59/100	—	Mixed	5	73

2021 Chevrolet Bolt Common Questions

10 questions from 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?

Its reliability standing is good, and it is among the stronger of the five scored Bolt years. It is below average against other 2021 SUVs, though. Owners filed 66 complaints, and the battery recalls add real limits on how you charge and where you park.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt?

Electrical system complaints lead, at 29 of 66, mostly about battery fire risk and long waits for parts. Power train follows with 10, mainly sudden loss of drive. Steering has 8, mostly binding and heavy effort. Fuel/propulsion has 7, mostly reduced-power warnings at highway speed.

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt have battery fire recalls?

Yes. Federal recall records show five recalls for this year, and three are park-outside recalls tied to fire risk. Owners report capping charging at 90 percent, parking away from buildings, and losing range while waiting for replacement battery parts.

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt lose power while driving?

Some do. Owners describe a "propulsion power is reduced" warning and sharp slowing at highway speed, in one case down to 20 mph. Other cars lose drive while accelerating, then won't restart or shift. Early reports start between 1,800 and 2,700 miles.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt better than the 2022?

Not clearly. Both years rate good and about the same. The 2022 has 78 complaints and 11 recalls on record, against 66 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2021. Whichever you pick, check the VIN for open recalls.

Don’t buy a 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Bolt

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on complaint severity (54/100). 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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