This 2021 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 5 recallsโabove the CHEVROLET averageโcentered on the electrical system.
Key Factor:elevated electrical system issues
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average CHEVROLET vehicle (0.9). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle0.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Battery
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.9)
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Summary:
Safety & Reliability Score
52/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-3.15
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV
Model Year2021
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelBolt EV
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more โ
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
โ ๏ธ
Most Reported Issue
27 complaints (43% of total)
โก๏ธ
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 63 consumer complaints by severity level.
๐ High
15(24%)
๐กMedium
11(17%)
๐ขLow
37(59%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
โ๏ธEngineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 8,111 miles.
๐ Mileage data extracted from 11 of 63 complaints (17% coverage)
0-20k
9 reports (82%)
20k-40k
2 reports (18%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. 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. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 1, 2021 and June 23, 2023. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall 21V-560. GM's number for this recall is N212345940.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V930000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
โผ
Summary
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V845000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
โผ
Summary
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Bolt EV.
INV-2021-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Bolt EV performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 30,924
Consumer Complaints
63 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Bolt EV.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Battery43%
Warning21%
Fire19%
Stall11%
Acceleration Issues10%
Burn6%
Accident5%
Display5%
Steering/Suspension๐ต Low
STEERING
The steering wheel will not return to center and feels like its binding on something, sometimes its tough to steer other times not. Does not feel safe. No warning lamps and nobody has inspected or worked on it yet.
Steering/Suspension๐ต Low
STEERING
Steering gear is bound up due to a documented manufacturing error. Steering is increasingly stiff at speed, and will not return to center without significant driver input. This is a widespread issue that has been documented and causes a major safety concern to Chevy Bolt owners and should be addressed and repaired by the manufacturer.
Steering/Suspension๐ต Low
STEERING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack. Steering wont return to center at 38,000 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car handles unpredictably posing safety risk to others and myself. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Quoted $2,700 to replace rack and pinion. I refused service as vehicle has less than 40k miles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
Engine/Powertrain๐ถ Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company. This 2021 GM Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier trim vehicle experienced a sudden uncommanded extreme acceleration when I selected "D" (drive) mode on the transmission selector after using "R" (reverse) to back out of a parking lot parking space. The vehicle, despite my stomping and holding the brake pedal down and repeatedly selecting a different mode on the transmission selector, could not be stopped and still wanted to accelerate. The vehicle traveled an estimated 250 feet through a parking lot, crossing a street, hitting the curbs at high speed and through a field. The vehicle stopped against some concrete debris in the field pushing in the bumper slightly but with no airbag deployment. The mishap incident was video recorded and thankfully, there were no passengers or public / private property damages / injuries.
Electrical๐ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12v battery warning light and ion Lucian battery light came on manufacture does not want to buy back and apple car play keeps breaking.
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Steering/Suspension๐ต Low
STEERING
STEERING GEER HAVING ISSUES OF THE STEERING WHEEL COMING BACK TO CENTER AFTER THE TURN. NOW NEED TO REPLACE STEERING GEER
Other๐ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shift selector failed. Could no shift into gear Drive, low or Reverse. Locked in park but could shift to neutral. no power steering or AC. If this design flaw failure occurred while the car was on the highway, it could cause an accident. I have contacted General Motors and reported the potential safety issue and awaiting there response.
Engine/Powertrain๐ถ Medium
POWER TRAIN
Car stalled suddenly on road. Canโt change to any driving gear, only neutral. Towed to dealer, diagnose indicated wiring harness was the cause. Expensive fix for ~$400 part with ~$3200 labor cost in addition to dangerous sudden stall.
Electrical๐ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as needed, and struck a pole. The contact stated that the Forward Collison Avoidance feature failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Forward Collision Avoidance was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to get the Forward Collision Avoidance system repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact received no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Electrical๐ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the "Reduced Propulsion Power" warning light illuminated, and a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The contact called a local dealer who advised her not to drive the vehicle and to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer was unsure if the battery could be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) and stated that the system was to monitor the condition of the battery and related the failure to the safety campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV has 5 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS.
Is the 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV safe to drive?
The 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV has 5 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 CHEVROLET Bolt EV has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local CHEVROLET dealer.
๐Year-over-Year Context
๐Improving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 37%.
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Electrical system
Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
๐
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:21V65000024V48100024V812000
2
Structure
Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm structure recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
๐
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all structure recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:22V93000023V845000
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your CHEVROLET dealer to verify recall completion status.
๐งญWhat This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
๐
If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 5 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your CHEVROLET dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐
If You're Buying Used
Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.