Last updated: 2026-04-20

Chevrolet Bolt

1 Chevrolet Bolt Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Bolt average of 59/100

The Chevrolet Bolt years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 52/100. The best Chevrolet Bolt year to buy is 2023 64/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt scores significantly below the model average of 59/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 52/100 due to electrical system (75) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 61/100.

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

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 168 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (75), Steering (39), Fuel Propulsion System (16).

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?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Bolt model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

188 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

STEERING

104 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

POWER TRAIN

53 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

41 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

35 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

20 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2022, 2023

Best Chevrolet Bolt Year to Buy Instead

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Bolt

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (29), Power Train (10), Steering (8).

Score: 61/100 (Good)5 recalls66 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Chevrolet Bolt year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Bolt Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Chevrolet Bolt Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2023 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Bolt years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Bolt years: 2019 (score: 52/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Bolt average of 59/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Bolt?
The best year for the Chevrolet Bolt is 2023, with a reliability score of 64/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 146 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Bolt have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Bolt has a total of 30 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Bolt worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 64/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 59/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Bolt problems?
The most common Chevrolet Bolt problems are electrical system (188 complaints), steering (104 complaints), power train (53 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Bolt reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Bolt has an average reliability score of 59/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Chevrolet Bolt generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Bolt generation is the First generation (2016) with an average score of 59/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 64/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 146 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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