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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-CHEVROLET-BOLT-EVNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 5 active recall campaigns on file and only 6 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 6 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 6 complaints (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 6 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 5 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Bolt EV?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 5 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2018-chevrolet-bolt-ev/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 Bolt EV· steering
I purchased this car at 15,000 miles in October 2021. It’s my first electric car, and I just assumed that the stiffness in the steering wheel was part of the electric car experience. Big mistake! I took it into the dealer last week and they want $3500 to replace the steering…
This car has only 33,000 miles and has been driven gently, mostly on the highway. My wife took her car into the dealer to have the computer software updated (from the battery fiasco-it has never worked correctly since the batteries were changed) and the dealer advised that the…
Steering has resistance and will not to return to center/neutral position without driver manipulation. I've never experienced this probelm with another car and See many other Chevrolet Bolt owners have experienced the same problem. IT definitely seems to be a design and /or…
The steering binds up while turning and the steering wheel does not return to its center neutral position. This is a major safety issue because it takes significant effort to get the car to go straight again. I have nearly gone off the road because of the car’s unpredictable…
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General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701
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.
Limited NHTSA data. Only 6 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Only 6 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 5 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 6 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 6 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Bolt EV has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 6 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Bolt EV.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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