This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV have filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Bolt EV (this page) | 45 |
| 2020 Bolt EV | 21 |
| 2021 Bolt EV | 8 |
| 2022 Bolt EV | 4 |
| 2023 Bolt EV | 17 |
When does it fail?
Of the 45 steering complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Chevrolet Bolt EV we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 45.
Owners have filed 45 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs describe a pervasive steering system failure in which the steering rack and pinion assembly deteriorates, preventing the steering wheel from returning to center automatically after a turn. Depending on severity, this requires anything from moderate extra effort to forceful manual steering input to straighten the vehicle. The symptom typically appears between 24,000 and 50,000 miles, with the majority of complaints clustering around 35,000–45,000 miles.
The failure often begins with clicking or clunking noises during low-speed turns, then progresses to poor return-to-center, stiffness, and eventually dangerous oscillation or binding. A few owners report sudden catastrophic separation of internal rack components, resulting in near-total loss of steering control. Multiple owners state they found the same complaint documented on Chevy Bolt forums, indicating a pattern.
Dealership diagnostics consistently identify steering rack failure, though some owners note that a single rack replacement does not fully resolve the issue—one owner required the rack replaced twice before being advised to replace the steering column. Repair costs range from approximately $2,000 to $3,500. Owners outside warranty face the full bill. Several note that GM has not issued a recall for this problem despite it appearing widely in owner communities online.
Same Chevrolet Bolt EV steering reports on nearby years: 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Rack/Gear Failure – Poor Return to Center
Steering rack and pinion assembly fails to return the steering wheel to center automatically after completing a turn. Requires manual force to straighten wheels, ranging from moderate extra effort to extreme force. This is the dominant failure mode across the narratives.
When: 24,000–50,000 miles; most commonly reported at 35,000–45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel remains in turned position after completing a turn; Requires manual steering input to return wheel to center; Excessive steering effort needed to straighten vehicle; Gradual or intermittent onset of poor return to center; Steering becomes progressively stiffer over time
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack/gear and pinion assembly replacement. Single replacement: $1,958–$3,500 depending on dealer and accompanying repairs. Multiple owners report two or more replacement attempts on same vehicle without full resolution. One owner required steering gear replaced twice plus steering column replacement recommended. Intermediate shaft and torque sensor replacement sometimes performed concurrently.
Steering Noise – Clicking and Clunking During Turns
Clicking, clunking, or popping sounds emanate from the steering system during low-speed turns or turning maneuvers. Sounds worsen over time and are associated with rack degradation.
When: 30,000–46,000 miles; some reported as early as 500 miles or within first month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise during left or right turns; Clunking sounds when turning, especially at low speeds; Popping sounds during sweeping turns; Noise increases in frequency and intensity over time; Jerking sensation accompanying the noise when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Typically associated with steering rack replacement; some cases also required tie-rod replacement. Costs range $1,958–$3,400 including labor.
Steering Rack Mechanical Separation
Internal components of the steering rack and pinion separate or bind internally, leading to partial or complete loss of steering control. Pinion gear and housing break free from rack housing.
When: Mileage varies; one reported at 40,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel must be turned excessively (up to 180 degrees back and forth) to maintain straight travel; Sudden catastrophic loss of steering control after separation occurs; Internal parts physically separate inside the assembly; Vehicle becomes barely controllable before final failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete steering rack and pinion replacement required. One owner also required replacement of airbag clockspring due to damage sustained while attempting to manually control vehicle during failure. Cost not specified in narratives for this failure mode.
Steering System Oscillation and Binding
Steering exhibits violent shaking or oscillation during straight-line driving, and steering wheel binds or sticks when attempting minor adjustments. Condition worsens without repair.
When: Approximately 40,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking/oscillation in steering during straight driving; Steering wheel sticks when making small adjustments; Extra force required for minor steering corrections; Vehicle jerks during steering adjustments; Owner reports steering may seize if left unrepaired
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replacement; cost not explicitly stated in narratives
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.
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.
Our 2019 Chevy Bolt experienced some of kind of steering issue where the car made a "clicking" type of noise when making slight or big turns to the left or the right. We brought the car to our Chevy dealer who diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering gear and tie rod with both parts needing to be replaced. The dealer told us that the Chevy Bolts are known to be "fragile" when it comes to this…
Odo, 500 miles, brand new vehicle. The vehicle makes a clicking noise at speeds of 0 - 25 MPH, or, when the vehicle coming to a stop, or, when the vehicle accelerates. Other owners complain about the same issue discussed here https://www.chevybolt.org/forum/178-2017-Chevy-bolt-EV-issues-problems/25985-clicking-noise-very-slow-speed.html
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after turning to the left or the right. The contact used excessive force to manually return the steering wheel to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly had failed and needed to be replaced.…
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.
The steering wheel does not return to center. This appears to be a common issue on Chevy Bolts based on various forums, for example https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/steering-wont-return-to-center-bad-steering-gear-steering-sticking-in-one-direction.42988/. One has to be very aware of the steering issue as it requires the driver to actively force the steering wheel to return to center. This…
Had steering trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 45 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 45 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 31,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Bolt EV.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.