Owners have reported 17 crashes, 2 fires and 8 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints33
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, with common failures including loss of motive power, regenerative braking malfunctions, and issues with door locks and infotainment systems. Symptoms frequently described involve sudden vehicle shutdowns, warning lights, and unresponsive electronic features. Complaints often occur at low mileages, such as around 3,350 and 5,144 miles, and include safety implications like crashes, fires, and loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their possible impact on vehicle safety and reliability.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints23
STEERING
Owners report that the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt frequently experiences steering issues, primarily involving the steering wheel's failure to return to the center position after making turns. Complaints typically describe symptoms such as increased stiffness in the steering, clunking or clicking noises, and the need for manual input to re-center the wheel. These issues are often noted around or after 40,000 to 55,000 miles, with some reports indicating problems as early as 25,000 miles. The failure of the steering rack and pinion is commonly identified, with several owners mentioning potential safety risks, including unintended lane departure and increased difficulty in controlling the vehicle during turns. Buyers considering a used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt should be aware of these reported steering concerns and the potential costs associated with repairs, particularly if the vehicle is out of warranty coverage.
Owner complaints15
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt frequently report issues with the visibility of the rear brake and turn signal lights, which are mounted low on the bumper. Complaints often describe these lights as difficult to see, particularly for drivers of larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, and note that the more traditionally located mid-section lights do not function as brake or turn signals. Several reports indicate that this design has led to near misses and crashes, with at least three incidents involving rear-end collisions. These issues are noted by owners shortly after purchase, with some reporting problems within the first few hundred miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these visibility concerns, as they may impact safety in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints15
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt's forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected and unnecessary activation of the automatic emergency braking feature. Symptoms typically include sudden braking with no apparent obstacles, often described as "phantom braking," occurring at various speeds from as low as 3 mph to highway speeds of 70 mph. These incidents are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,400 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three crashes and one injury reported, highlighting risks of rear-end collisions when the system activates unexpectedly. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle with higher mileage or one that has not been serviced for this problem.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, primarily involving electronic and technological malfunctions. Multiple complaints describe the rear backup camera intermittently failing to display on the infotainment screen, with some noting that software updates temporarily resolve but do not permanently fix the issue. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle becoming immobilized with the message "Conditions Not Correct for Shift" appearing on the screen, leaving drivers stranded for varying periods. Some owners also mention unresponsive steering wheel media control buttons and excessive glare from chrome-colored vents causing distractions. These issues occur at various times and conditions, with no specific mileage range consistently noted. While no crashes or fires are reported, the malfunctioning backup camera and immobilization incidents have potential safety implications.
Owner complaints11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt's vehicle speed control, specifically related to sudden unintended acceleration and problems with the adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise systems. Complaints frequently mention unexpected acceleration when reversing or parking, sometimes resulting in crashes, though typically at lower speeds. Issues with adaptive cruise control include abrupt braking or failure to maintain speed under certain conditions, such as hilly terrain or when disengaging the system. Additionally, some owners experience propulsion system errors that limit speed, often around the first few thousand miles. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and minor collisions.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners report two primary issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt's power train: sudden power loss and transmission shifting failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle losing power unexpectedly, sometimes limiting speed to 30 mph and displaying a "Propulsion Power is Reduced" warning, often linked to error code P2797 and potential issues with the transmission fluid pump. Additionally, multiple owners describe being unable to shift gears, with error messages like "Conditions not correct for shift" preventing gear changes. These issues occur at varied mileages, with some reports at under 10,000 miles and others around 28,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash resulting in two injuries due to unintended acceleration, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints9
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the braking system of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt. A common problem involves the automatic braking system engaging without apparent cause, leading to unexpected stops and minor injuries from seatbelt restraint. Additionally, some owners describe a delay or softness in the brake pedal response, particularly when switching from regenerative to traditional braking, which has been linked to at least one crash with injuries. Complaints also frequently mention poor visibility of brake lights, which may increase the risk of rear-end collisions. These issues are typically reported without prior warning indicators, and some owners have experienced them multiple times, suggesting a pattern of recurring problems.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt's fuel/propulsion system, primarily involving sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected deceleration. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly when coming to a stop, even with features like brake assist engaged. Another common issue involves the car abruptly slowing down to 30 mph accompanied by a propulsion system warning, posing a potential safety risk, particularly with surrounding traffic. Additionally, one report mentions an electronic drive unit fault requiring the replacement of the auxiliary transmission pump. These issues are noted in new vehicles, indicating they may occur early in the vehicle's life.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, with symptoms including the "service airbag system" warning and airbag light illumination. These issues appear at low mileages, with one owner experiencing a warning at just 291 miles. Complaints frequently mention the airbag light coming on intermittently, sometimes accompanied by a chime and message display, though the issue can be dismissed and does not always reappear during the drive. Notably, in two crash incidents, airbags did not deploy, including one case where a passenger sustained a neck injury. The pattern of airbag warning lights and non-deployment during crashes suggests potential safety implications for buyers considering this vehicle.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
