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 ↗2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV have filed 21 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
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Bolt EV | 45 |
| 2020 Bolt EV (this page) | 21 |
| 2021 Bolt EV | 8 |
| 2022 Bolt EV | 4 |
| 2023 Bolt EV | 17 |
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Chevrolet Bolt EV in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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
Twenty owners report steering failures in the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV, with a clear pattern: the steering wheel will not return to center after turns or curves. Drivers must manually force it straight, which can cause lane departure and overcorrection on roads with traffic or poor weather. The problem shows up between 20,000 and 98,000 miles and gets worse over time. No warning lights precede it.
The underlying cause appears to be gearbox or steering rack failure. One owner's dealer confirmed binding at 43,000 miles; another paid $2,500 for gearbox replacement at 20,000 miles after the vehicle aged out of warranty. Owners cite internal grease breakdown in the gearbox as the likely culprit. A few dealers have reproduced the issue and confirmed abnormal steering behavior; one replaced the steering gear under warranty, but another initially denied coverage on a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle despite the defect. Some owners report that dealers are aware a new part number for replacement steering racks exists, suggesting the problem is known internally. Owners also note clunking or clicking sounds from the steering in cold weather and at low speeds. Despite the safety risk and prevalence of reports across Bolt forums, no recall or service bulletin has been issued.
Same Chevrolet Bolt EV steering reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel does not return to center
The steering wheel fails to automatically center itself after turns or curves. The driver must apply manual force to bring it back to center position. This occurs consistently in most cases and across all speed ranges, though some owners report it is more prominent at higher speeds or during sweeping turns.
When: Typically emerges between 20,000 and 60,000 miles; one case reported at 33,000 miles, another at 43,000 miles, and another at 20,000 miles. One owner reports the issue starting around 60,000 miles and worsening over a year to 98,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel remains in turned position after driver releases input; Requires manual correction to straighten vehicle; Occurs consistently during turns and sweeping curves; No warning lights or audible warnings; Steering may stick in left or right turn position specifically; Issue worsens over time and distance; Can cause unintended lane departure and overcorrection risk
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced steering rack under warranty. Another owner cited $2,500 replacement cost for steering gearbox after vehicle aged out of warranty (20,000 miles, just out of warranty). Owners reference new part number for replacement steering racks being sold. One owner reports dealer performed inspection and acknowledged abnormal steering behavior but initially denied warranty coverage on Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins issued as of complaint dates. One owner noted GM dealer reproduced the issue and diagnosed steering gear failure. Another owner received warranty replacement of steering gear under manufacturer coverage.
Steering binding and stiffness
The steering system exhibits binding, resistance, or stiffness that requires extra force to overcome. The steering may bind intermittently or consistently, affecting vehicle control, especially during turns and at low speeds.
When: Onset varies; one case describes issue starting around 60,000 miles. Binding is reported as ongoing and worsening over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel binds or jerks during turns; Excessive steering resistance or stiffness; Loss or inconsistency of electric power steering assist; Binding occurs at all speeds but may be more noticeable at low speeds; Intermittent loss of assist while turning; Steering becomes harder to control, especially during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Owners indicate steering gear or steering rack failure is the root cause. No specific repair costs cited for this failure mode beyond the $2,500 gearbox replacement mentioned elsewhere.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealer inspected and confirmed abnormal steering behavior in at least one case but initially declined warranty coverage. No recalls or TSBs documented in narratives.
Steering noise (clunking/clicking)
Clunking, clicking, or clanking noise originates from the steering system, typically when the steering wheel is moved or the vehicle traverses bumps. Noise increases over time.
When: One owner reports noise present for over a month at time of complaint and getting louder. Another mentions clicking noise in very cold weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking, clang, clanking sounds when steering wheel is moved left and right; Noise occurs at slow speeds or when vehicle is stationary; Clicking noise when vehicle goes over bumps; Noise increases in severity over time; May occur in very cold weather conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs cited for this symptom in the narratives.
Steering gear/gearbox internal failure (grease breakdown)
Internal steering gearbox failure caused by grease separation or breakdown within the gear assembly. This is a manufacturing or design defect that renders the gearbox inoperable and requires replacement.
When: Failure occurred at 20,000 miles on one vehicle, just outside the warranty period.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering control capability; Potential for steering to lock up entirely; Grease within gearbox separates or breaks down; Part fails prematurely despite minimal use
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gearbox replacement: $2,500 out-of-pocket on vehicle with 20,000 miles just past warranty expiration. Owner attributes failure to either bad design or defective manufacturing by parts supplier.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage for the vehicle in question (just past warranty). Owner states Chevy is aware of dangerous defect but will not fix it.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
steering wheel makes noise when you turn it. probable steering gear bad
Had steering trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2020/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.