NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 5 recalls, 66 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt.
118 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.
Electrical system complaints dominate reports for the 2021 Bolt, with owners frequently describing high-voltage battery warning lights that return repeatedly even after dealer visits. Many describe the same warning cycling back across multiple service appointments, often affecting how the car drives or how much confidence owners have in its range and reliability. The propulsion system draws similar complaints, with owners reporting power-related warnings and reduced performance tied to the high-voltage system. A cluster of steering complaints also stands out: owners describe the steering rack binding progressively over time, the wheel refusing to return to center after turns, and occasional clunking from the front end over bumps. Several of these reports mention the condition worsening gradually and feeling unpredictable, with stiffness varying between driving sessions.
66
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt has 5 recalls, the most serious being a high-voltage battery that can catch fire when charged to full or near-full capacity, posing a fire risk to the vehicle and anyone nearby.
The battery fire risk spans multiple recalls that are best understood as one ongoing issue. The original defect allowed the battery to ignite under high charge conditions. A subsequent software fix was meant to install advanced diagnostic software capable of detecting defective battery modules before they could cause a fire, but that software was in some cases installed incorrectly or failed to install at all, leaving affected vehicles without the intended protection. The result across all these filings is the same: a battery that can catch fire when charged to a high state of charge.
There is also a separate fire concern tied to crash events. When the seatbelt pretensioner deploys in a collision, hot exhaust gases from the pretensioner mechanism can ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, the structural pillar between the front and rear doors. This can cause a fire to start inside the cabin after a crash, at a moment when occupants may already be dealing with injuries or be unable to exit quickly. Earlier repair attempts under a prior recall did not fully resolve this issue, and certain vehicles that went through that repair remain affected.
At a glance
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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 →
What can fail
Advanced diagnostic software may not have installed correctly during a previous repair. This can allow the high voltage battery to overheat and catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software at no cost to restore proper battery monitoring and fire prevention.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, which could result in a battery fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software at no cost to identify and address defective battery modules.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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.
What the fix does
Defective battery modules will be replaced at no charge. Until replacement, limit charging to 90%, charge more often, keep battery above 70-mile range, and park outside after charging.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.