2023 CHEVROLET Bolt EV

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified39ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV faces significant reliability concerns due to multiple recalls related to structural issues and airbags. Coupled with a troubling trend of failures occurring predominantly within the first 20,000 miles, this raises red flags for potential owners.

Key Factor:Multiple recalls issued

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The structural recall regarding the B-pillar indicates a serious safety risk where, after an accident, a fire could ignite from the seat belt pretensioner. Additionally, with airbags potentially failing to deploy correctly, occupants might not receive crucial protection in a collision. These issues are particularly alarming in an electric vehicle like the Bolt EV that aims to attract safety-conscious buyers seeking innovative technology alongside reliability.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.9)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Considering the number of recalls and reported complaints, the reliability outlook for the 2023 Bolt EV is below expectations for a new model year. While Chevrolet has generally been perceived as aiming for solid engineering quality, these recent developments suggest that there are notable risks that could compromise both passenger safety and vehicle function.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

69/100
Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-1.95
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 CHEVROLET Bolt EV

Model Year2023
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelBolt EV
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Nov22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Oct23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

7 complaints (18% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 39 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
3(8%)
🟑Medium
14(36%)
🟒Low
22(56%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With peak failures occurring between 0-20k miles, it's evident that early ownership may be fraught with issues for this vehicle. So if you're considering the Bolt EV or already own one, be vigilant during those initial miles as problems seem to arise soon after purchase.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 2 of 39 complaints (5% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (50%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (50%)
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.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

STRUCTUREAIR BAGS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: Potential airbag deployment failure.

βœ…

Contact your dealer immediately to verify any outstanding recalls and ensure proper airbag functionality.

πŸ”

Check if all recall repairs have been addressed before finalizing your purchase.

Campaigns:
2

Structure: B-Pillar

Issue: Risk of fire due to seat belt pretensioner deployment after a crash.

βœ…

Have your vehicle inspected for any prior recall work performed correctly to mitigate fire hazards.

πŸ”

Request documentation on all recall repairs related to structure before buying this model.

Campaigns:
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your CHEVROLET dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 22V930000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 23V567000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.

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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 23V845000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Bolt EV.

INV-2023-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Bolt EV performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 10,258

Consumer Complaints

39 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Bolt EV.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning18%
Acceleration Issues15%
Stall10%
Accident10%
Noise8%
Crash/Accident8%
Burn5%
Fire5%
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS VEHICLE JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, NOT GIVING ME TIME TO PULL OVER. THE SCREEN JUST SAID, "SERVICE MODE", AND WOULD NOT GO INTO NEUTRAL TO ENABLE THE CAR TO BE PUSHED TO A SAFE SPOT. HIGHWAY PETROL HAD TO STOP TRAFFIC AND HAVE IT TOWED OFF. THIS WAS ENDANGERING EVERYONE INVOLVED. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER CHEVY BOLTS, IT DEFINITELY NEEDS ADDRESSING.

Dec 17, 2025Open
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The seatbelt grinds away the frame around it.

Dec 14, 2025Open
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

After around 55,000 miles, the steering column began making noise during slow speed corning. When the vehicle is not in motion, the driver can replicate this issue by turning the steering wheel into the 45 degrees position. The repair out of warranty is subject to around $3,000 and this typically is always the case as only the bumper-to-bumper warranty will cover this repair and is limited to 36,000 miles and is not enough time for this issue to arise.

Nov 2, 2025Open
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

The steering system has developed a progressively worse clunking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right when stopped, or at slow speeds. Additionally, the steering wheel will no longer return to center when exiting a turn. (In other words, it requires effort from the driver to return the steering wheel to center)

Oct 8, 2025Under Review
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

When I make a left or right turn, the steering wheel does not return to the center on its own. I have to manually bring it back to center in order to straighten the wheels after a turn.

Sep 22, 2025Under Review
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

Rack and Pinion steering rack is failing. The steering wheel is not returning to center, causing the vehicle to meander into oncoming traffic when executing left turns. Recently this forced a vehicle in oncoming traffic to ditch onto the shoulder. Luckily there was no incident (to their vehicle or driver) after stopping to check with the other driver. Dealer has since confirmed the failure of the steering rack with a $3k cost to replace, and that this issue is "common" with 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolts.

Aug 19, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I own a 2023 Chevy Bolt EV. Around 9/27/24 at 5,144 miles, the vehicle began experiencing serious electrical and propulsion issues. It has been to the dealership six times, each requiring a tow due to total loss of function. Issues include blown fuses, charging failures, shifting problems, propulsion loss, and repeated warning messages. Repairs have involved fuse box replacements, a new wiring harness, and other electrical components. The car has spent over 100 hours inactive at the dealership. Problems have been confirmed by technicians, but persist despite repairs. Additional safety concerns include a defective impact sensor, airbag warning lights, and a burned-out headlamp. These compromise crash readiness and visibility. Due to ongoing issues, the vehicle has been parked and unused for months, as it is unsafe and unreliable to drive. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Based on repeated failures and unresolved safety risks, I believe this vehicle qualifies as a lemon and request further investigation.

Aug 6, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car will unexpectedly accelerate when car is coming to a stop. almost causing a crash a few times. (cruse control is not on)

Jul 25, 2025Under Review
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

The car had weird noise (clunky) when I make the turn either left or right since beginning in Apri 2025. On April 17 in the morning, I drove to work while exit on freeway. When I try to turn into other street at speed of 20 mph, the car is not turning as normal as expected. It went beyond the other lane even I just turn in regularly with normal angle within my lane. (with huge clunky noise and lose control to make a turn) I was almost hit the other car on my left side as those are parallel with 2 lanes. I immediately rush to local GM dealer next day (April 18) and drop off the car for inspection. The dealer identified and confirmed there is an issue with the steering gear. (No fix due to extremely costly) I have to keep driving at risk.

Apr 23, 2025Under Review
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

Camera works on and off showing icon ,when reversing rear cross traffic alert also not working.

Apr 3, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the safety recalls on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

'Safety recalls on the Bolt EV focus on potential airbag deployment issues and structural problems that could lead to fires after accidents. If you're considering this car, check with your dealer about whether these recalls have been addressed.'

'How do early mileage failures affect my experience with the Chevy Bolt EV?'

'Early mileage failures can significantly impact new owners' experiences as many reported issues arise within the first few months of ownership. This means you should be prepared for potential servicing needs very soon after purchase.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2022 issues. Recall frequency decreased 57%.

🧭What 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.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official CHEVROLET records to ensure no 3 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in CHEVROLET's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
βš–οΈ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2023 Toyota Camry
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2023 Honda CR-V
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2023 Ford F-150
View Analysis→

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.