Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet Bolt Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2018–2023) · model average 59/100

Skip the 2019 Bolt. Owners report battery fires, often while parked or charging, along with steering that binds and power that cuts out suddenly. The 2023 is the year to buy, though it has its own steering and braking complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 52/100
Buy
2023 64/100
Model average
59/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Bolt Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Bolt average of 59/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201952/100Mixed6168Electrical System (75)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Chevrolet Bolt

Battery fire reports set this year apart. Owners describe smoke from the rear underbody while parked or charging, and fires that reached garages and homes. It also has a complaint rate of 102.3 per 10,000 sold, far above the other years, plus binding steering gears and power that cuts out at highway speed.

6 recalls168 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (75), Steering (39), Fuel Propulsion System (16), Power Train (13), Unknown Or Other (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Bolt Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

188 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2023, 2021

2019: Battery fires dominate these reports.

STEERING

104 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2023

2019: The wheel stops returning to center after a turn, and the steering feels stiff or sticky.

POWER TRAIN

53 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2023

2019: The car loses propulsion while moving.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

35 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2023

2019: Power cuts out suddenly, sometimes at highway speed.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

30 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2019, 2021

2022: These reports cover a mix of problems.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

20 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2022, 2019

2023: Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing in the road.

Best Chevrolet Bolt Year to Buy Instead

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Chevrolet Bolt

The 2023 has the fewest recalls of the years listed, at 3, and a complaint rate of 23.5 per 10,000 sold against 102.3 for the 2019. It lacks the cluster of garage fire reports that mark the 2019. It is not clean, though: owners report steering binding, sudden power loss, and false emergency braking.

Score: 64/100 (Good)3 recalls146 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt has 3 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Bolt Years by Generation

Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Bolt year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. It has 168 owner complaints, the most fire reports at 10, and a complaint rate far above the other years. Owners describe battery fires in garages, steering that binds, and power that cuts out suddenly. The 2023 is the better buy.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt a good used car?
It is a mixed choice. The 2018 is among the two lowest-rated years, but it is not on the avoid list. Its complaint rate is 40.5 per 10,000 sold, well under the 2019. Steering and electrical issues lead the reports, so inspect both.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt a safe year to buy?
It is the site's pick, with fewer recalls and fewer complaints per car than the 2019. It is not problem-free. Owners report sudden power loss, steering binding near 42,000 to 55,000 miles, and automatic braking with nothing ahead. Two fire reports also exist.
Which Chevrolet Bolt years have steering problems?
Steering is a top-three complaint in every year listed, from 2018 to 2023. The 2019 has 39 complaints, and the 2023 has 23. Owners describe a wheel that stays off center and grows stiff, usually with no warning light.
Is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt better than the 2019?
Yes. The 2022 is rated good, with a complaint rate of 20.5 per 10,000 sold, against 102.3 for the 2019. It has 11 recalls, the most of any year listed, so confirm that all recall work is complete.

How we score every Chevrolet Bolt model year

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue