NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 5 recalls, 85 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 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.
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The vehicle earned five stars in side crash, rollover, and side pole tests. It received four stars in frontal crash testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a vehicle redesign occurs, so this rating covers the Bolt through subsequent model years until a major redesign was introduced.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is by far the dominant complaint pattern for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt, accounting for the largest share of owner reports. Owners frequently describe the steering wheel failing to return to center after turns, with many noting the problem occurs at both low and highway speeds. Related symptoms include stiff or heavy steering during slow maneuvers, a clunking sensation during low-speed turns, and a shimmy at highway speeds on uneven pavement. Several owners report the condition worsens progressively over time, and at least one points to a broken steering gear as the diagnosed cause. The electrical system is the second most-reported area, though complaints there are less concentrated around a single symptom. The steering complaints specifically stand out for their consistency, owners across multiple reports describe the same failure mode of the wheel staying in a turned position without self-correcting.
85
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt has 5 recalls, the most serious being two fire risks: the high-voltage battery can catch fire when charged to full or near-full capacity, and the seatbelt pretensioners can ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar after a crash.
The battery fire risk was the subject of an earlier recall that did not fully resolve the issue, so an additional campaign was filed covering vehicles that received the prior repair. Both the original and follow-up recall carry the same real-world consequence: the battery pack can overheat and catch fire while the car is charging, with no collision required to trigger it. The pretensioner fire risk works similarly, where the hot exhaust gases released when the seatbelt tightens during a crash can set the carpet along the center pillar alight. As with the battery issue, a prior repair attempt on some vehicles was found to be incomplete, and those vehicles are included in the updated recall. On the braking side, the rear brake caliper pistons may have developed internal gas pockets that reduce their clamping force, which can extend stopping distances and raise the risk of a collision.
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
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
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.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons may have inadequate coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.