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2018 Chevrolet Bolt VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt has mixed reliability. There are 5 recalls and 73 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (24), Electrical System (23), Power Train (11).

Bolt reliability snapshot

59/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Chevrolet Bolt before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Bolt issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Steering24
  • Electrical System23
  • Power Train11
  • Fuel Propulsion System4
  • Service Brakes3
  • Unknown Or Other3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test steering for stiffness or failure to return to center
  • Check battery range and charging capability after recall repairs
  • Inspect brake components for wear or dragging
  • Verify recall repairs have been completed, especially for battery
  • Test for any unusual vibrations or propulsion power warnings

2018 Bolt recalls (5)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Bolt. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. STRUCTURE, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 23V845000Dec 14, 2023

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

    Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  2. STRUCTURE, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V930000Dec 15, 2022

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.

    Consequence: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V560000Jul 23, 2021
    Park outside until repaired

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 20V701000Nov 13, 2020
    Park outside until repaired

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  5. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

    Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt on the road

18,020 2018 Chevrolet Bolt units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt exhibits reliability that falls below the segment average, with a score of 59 out of 100. This indicates an elevated risk for potential buyers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the steering and electrical system categories, suggesting these areas may require closer attention. The power train also presents a moderate level of concern, though less pronounced than the top two issues.

The model's five recalls point to an elevated recall frequency, which could indicate persistent issues that have required manufacturer intervention. As the second year of its generation, one might expect improvements, yet the data suggests that reliability challenges remain.

Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its peers, warranting careful consideration of potential issues.

What you get in a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Chevrolet Bolt — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt exhibits reliability that falls below the segment average, with a score of 59 out of 100. This indicates an elevated risk for potential buyers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the steering and electrical system categories, suggesting these areas may require closer attention. The power train also presents a moderate level of concern, though less pronounced than the top two issues.

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt have?

5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Bolt problems?

The most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Bolt problem areas are: Steering (24), Electrical System (23), Power Train (11).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Chevrolet Bolt, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.