2019 Chevrolet Bolt VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 168 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (75), Steering (39), Fuel Propulsion System (16).

Bolt reliability snapshot

52/100

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.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year

Most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Bolt issues

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

Electrical System75
Steering39
Fuel Propulsion System16
Power Train13
Unknown Or Other10
Forward Collision Avoidance2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt

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

Inspect steering for stiffness or failure to return to center
Check for any recall completion related to battery fire risks
Test for sudden loss of propulsion or power reduction
Verify infotainment system functions without freezing or loud static
Ensure no water infiltration in trunk affecting electronics

What owners reported

2019 Chevrolet Bolt owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 2 crashes, 10 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints75

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to the electrical system, notably concerning recall repairs that remain incomplete due to unavailable parts. Many complaints involve problems with charging, such as charging ports not locking or allowing charging, and the need for frequent dealer resets. A significant number of complaints highlight fire risks, with some owners instructed not to park indoors or charge overnight. These issues often occur regardless of mileage, and the delay in recall repairs exacerbates concerns about vehicle safety. Additionally, water infiltration affecting the sound system and electrical components is mentioned by multiple owners.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 8 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints39

STEERING

Owners report that the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently experiences issues with the steering system, particularly the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn. Complaints consistently describe the need for excessive force to manually guide the wheel back to center, which is often accompanied by stiffness or binding. This problem typically arises between 24,000 and 50,000 miles, with some owners noting clunking noises and steering gear or rack failures. The failure to return to center poses potential safety risks, as it can lead to unexpected handling characteristics and requires continuous driver attention to avoid drifting or overcorrecting. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may necessitate costly repairs and affect vehicle control.

Owner complaints16

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to battery fires and propulsion system failures. Many complaints describe the high voltage battery's potential to catch fire, especially during or after charging, which has led to property damage and safety concerns. Additionally, several owners experience sudden loss of propulsion or power reduction while driving, often at highway speeds, resulting in unsafe driving conditions. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include fire hazards and the risk of being stranded on highways, which are critical considerations for potential buyers.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints13

POWER TRAIN

Owners report several issues with the powertrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, with the most common being unexpected loss of propulsion while driving, often accompanied by error messages such as "Unable to Initialize Propulsion System" and "Service high voltage battery system." Complaints frequently mention these incidents occurring at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks due to sudden loss of power in traffic. Some cases involve the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to "Park" mode or being unable to shift gears, typically at mileage ranging from 10,000 to 19,000 miles. One report details a fire following a propulsion issue, highlighting potential safety hazards. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of these powertrain issues, especially in vehicles with similar mileage.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues related to battery safety and infotainment malfunctions. Multiple complaints highlight concerns about battery fire risks, with owners describing limitations on charging capacity and usage, such as not charging above 90% or below 30%, and avoiding overnight charging or parking near structures. These concerns often stem from recalls and ongoing safety measures that have not been fully resolved, leaving owners uncertain about the vehicle's safety. Additionally, some owners report infotainment system problems, such as screens freezing and emitting loud static noises, which could potentially distract drivers. Safety implications are significant, as these issues include potential fire hazards and driver distraction, with some owners expressing fear for their safety and that of their property.

Owner complaints2

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, specifically concerning the automatic emergency braking and warning systems. One complaint describes the system applying brakes unexpectedly and heavily without any proximity warning, despite no immediate threat from the vehicle ahead, raising concerns about potential rear-end collisions. Another owner notes the system's failure to activate when a vehicle suddenly cuts in, despite clear weather and road conditions, followed by unwarranted warnings at lower speeds. These complaints highlight inconsistencies in the system's performance, which could pose safety risks, particularly in high-speed or traffic situations.

Owner complaints2

SEAT BELTS

Owners report issues with the seat belts of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, notably the passenger rear middle seatbelt failing to retract and self-adjust. Complaints frequently mention that despite a recall being issued, remedies are not always available when vehicles are brought in for repair, leading to unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, one owner describes multiple issues occurring at once, including sporadic engagement of the parking brake, which sometimes produces a loud grinding noise, and changes to the reverse camera display. These issues are noted without specific mileage but are presented as ongoing concerns that may affect the vehicle's safety features.

Owner complaints2

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt report issues related to airbag deployment and dashboard integrity. One complaint describes a collision with a deer at 45 mph where the airbag system initiated but the steering wheel airbag did not fully deploy, though igniter fumes and smoke were present. Another report highlights persistent loosening of dashboard components after dealer repairs, with concerns that these parts could become projectiles if airbags deploy during an accident. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly in the event of a crash.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt report issues with windshield glare, particularly under sunny conditions. Complaints frequently mention that light-colored dashboards cause significant reflection, making it difficult to see clearly through the windshield and side mirrors. One report involves a crash resulting in three injuries, where extreme glare caused the windshield to appear white, obscuring the driver's view of oncoming traffic. These issues appear to arise soon after taking possession of the vehicle, especially on clear, sunny days. Potential buyers should be aware of these visibility challenges, as they may impact driving safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

2019 Bolt recalls (6)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Bolt. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

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.
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.
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.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNHTSA 20V184000Mar 26, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.
Consequence: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.
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.

2019 Chevrolet Bolt on the road

16,419 2019 Chevrolet Bolt units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 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.

KIA EV6

Reliability: 58/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Volkswagen ID-4

Reliability: 59/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Tesla Model Y

Reliability: 70/100·Rivalry score: 80

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Hyundai Ioniq 5

Reliability: 63/100·Rivalry score: 75

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Reliability verdict for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt demonstrates a reliability score significantly below the segment average, indicating an elevated risk for potential buyers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the electrical system, which accounts for nearly half of all reported issues. This suggests a recurring problem area that could affect vehicle performance and owner satisfaction.

The recall count is elevated, further reinforcing concerns about the model's dependability. Issues with steering and the fuel/propulsion system also contribute to the overall reliability challenges, though to a lesser extent than the electrical system.

Given these factors, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt presents a higher-than-average reliability risk compared to its peers, warranting careful consideration for those prioritizing long-term dependability.

What you get in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt report

Available 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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2019 Chevrolet Bolt — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt have?

6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Bolt problems?

The most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Bolt problem areas are: Electrical System (75), Steering (39), Fuel Propulsion System (16).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.