2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls and problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 5 safety recalls and 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls
Recall 23V-845: Seat Belts, Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V-930: Seat Belts, Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-560: Electrical System
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) 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. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.
Recall 20V-701: Electrical System
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.
Recall 18V-576: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 38 | |
| Electrical System | 30 | |
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Bolt EV years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV: 23V-845 (seat belts, structure), 22V-930 (seat belts, structure), 21V-560 (electrical system), 20V-701 (electrical system), 18V-576 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Owners report steering problems most often (38 reports), followed by electrical system (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.