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ProblemsByVin File / 2019-CHEVROLET-BOLT-EV NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2019 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Bolt EV problems

173 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2019 Bolt EV?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

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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Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
75 reports · fails ~16,113 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
43 reports · fails ~31,333 mi · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
13 reports · fails ~8,677 mi · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
3 reports · fails ~10,230 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2019 Bolt EV's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2019 Bolt EV?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2019 Bolt EV · electrical
FIRE RISK. Chevy Bolts are known and have an active recall on a fire risk. They did one fix, which reduced my vehicle range. It has shown that fix did not work, and they further reduced our range, plus told us not to park inside or charge overnight, which decreases the…
2019 Bolt EV · steering
As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.
2019 Bolt EV · brakes
The bolt EV has a dangerous design problem when using regenerative braking. You don't have to use the brake pedal to slow or stop. The car slows in relation to how quickly you release the accelerator pedal. The brake light only comes on when the accelerator pedal is fully…
12/16/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11161857.0
2019 Bolt EV · steering
Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.
View all 173 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 21V560000 July 23, 2021

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.
severe NHTSA 20V701000 November 13, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles

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.

Common questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

On the NHTSA data, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 8 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 75 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 16,113 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 16,113 miles. 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 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 173 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Bolt EV. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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