This page covers 4 recalls, 334 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
119 MPGe combined
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Steering complaints dominate owner reports for the 2017 Bolt, with the most common description being a failure of the wheel to self-center after a turn. Owners report that at low speeds the steering rack produces a clunking noise, and at higher speeds the wheel stays in a turned position rather than returning to center on its own, requiring manual input to bring it back. Electrical system complaints are the next largest group, covering a range of issues including regenerative braking that cuts out intermittently, leaving owners with reduced stopping power and unexpected lurching. The propulsion system draws a notable share of reports as well, with owners describing sudden surging or deceleration without any input, followed by a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning and complete loss of forward power. High-voltage battery cell imbalance codes appear in a subset of those propulsion reports.
334
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt has 4 recalls, all centered on fire risk: the high-voltage battery can catch fire when charged to full or near-full capacity, and the seatbelt pretensioner can ignite carpet near the B-pillar after a crash.
The battery fire risk has been the subject of prior repair attempts that did not fully resolve the issue, meaning some vehicles that were previously serviced under an earlier recall remain affected. The concern applies when the battery is charged to its full or near-full level, and a fire can develop while the vehicle is parked or in use. On the restraint side, when the seatbelt pretensioner deploys in a crash, hot exhaust gases from the pretensioner mechanism can reach carpet fibers at the base of the door pillar and ignite them, starting a fire inside the cabin after the initial impact. As with the battery recall, a prior repair attempt under an earlier campaign did not fully address this defect for all affected vehicles, and some previously serviced Bolts are included in the current remedy.
At a glance
What can fail
After a crash that deploys the seat belt pretensioner, hot exhaust from the pretensioner can ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and install metal foil at the carpet near the exhaust. Some vehicles will also receive a pretensioner cover.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
After a crash, the seat belt pretensioner releases hot exhaust that may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install metal foil under the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust and add a pretensioner cover to prevent ignition.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high voltage battery can catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity in certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
What the fix does
GM will replace defective battery modules at no cost. Until replacement, limit charging to 90% using Hill Top Reserve (2017-2018) or Target Charge Level (2019), charge more often, keep battery above 70-mile range, park outside after charging, and do not charge indoors overnight.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high voltage battery can catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module to limit maximum charge to 90%.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
