2023 Chevrolet Bolt Euv

Routine

Owners filed 118 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. No safety recall has been issued.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering23
000
Electrical System18
010
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking13
201
Service Brakes10
300
Exterior Lighting10
100
Unknown or Other8
100
Vehicle Speed Control7
102
Power Train5
000
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control5
301

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 15, 2026CA

While driving my 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV at approximately 136,594 miles, the vehicle suddenly began making severe mechanical clacking/grinding noises and vibrating heavily. I could no longer safely drive the vehicle at normal road speed and was only able to move it very slowly. Fortunately, this occurred when traffic around me was light. If this failure had occurred in heavy or high-speed traffic, the sudden loss of normal drivability could have created a serious safety risk to me and other motorists. The vehicle was towed to Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine for diagnosis. The Chevrolet dealer found a large hole in the transmission/transaxle case and confirmed that the unit had lost all of its fluid. Diagnostic code P17C8 was also present. The dealer described this as an unusual failure. I specifically asked whether an external impact or road debris caused the damage. The dealer stated that there were no visible signs of impact to the undercarriage other than the hole in the transmission case itself and that they could not determine the exact cause. I did not shift the vehicle into Park while it was moving, and I do not recall striking any road debris or other object that could explain this catastrophic damage. I am reporting this because a sudden catastrophic drive-unit/transaxle failure while a vehicle is in motion may present a significant safety risk. I believe this failure should be documented and reviewed to determine whether similar failures have occurred in other Chevrolet

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2026VA

The electric power steering / steering gear assembly exhibits mechanical binding ("sticky steering") and completely fails to return to center. When going around a curve in the road, the steering wheel "memorizes" or holds the turned angle and will not unwind or self-center like it used to and as I would expect it to. I'm having to apply continuous, deliberate manual counter-steering to bring the vehicle back to straight. The steering also has a distinct "notchy" or sticking sensation when making small steering adjustments that make clear audible clicking or knocking sounds at lower speeds. The issue began intermittently from my recollection around early 2026 and has grown progressively worse. It's most certainly progressed to feeling like a serious safety hazard by potentially causing significant driver fatigue, over-correction, and difficulty maintaining lane discipline, increasing the risk of lane departure or an inability to complete emergency evasive maneuvers. I will have a teenage driver soon and would not feel comfortable with her driving this vehicle in its current state. I verified that all "driver assistance" features were disabled and were not the cause of the mechanical resistance. No warning lights or error codes have illuminated. I need to get it fixed, but for the time being, the vehicle and its original steering components are available for inspection if that is useful.

Steering
Filed Sep 2, 2026TN

The electric power steering (EPS) rack has developed an internal binding at times, causing the steering wheel to sometimes fail to naturally return to the center position after completing both low-speed and highway-rate turns. Instead of self-centering, the wheel holds its turned angle, forcing me to manually pull it back to straight-line navigation. This creates a serious safety hazard, as it requires unnatural steering corrections and can lead to overcorrection or unintended lane departure. No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) have appeared on the dashboard. This is a well-documented issue across Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV models. Dozens of owners on public forums and in existing NHTSA complaint filings report identical symptoms—often occurring between 30,000 and 60,000 miles—where internal gear binding or degraded factory lubrication inside the steering rack requires a complete, costly rack-and-pinion replacement to resolve safely.

Steering
Filed Sep 1, 2026VA

Steering Rack: The internal components of the rack bind up and create heavy resistance, causing the wheel to lock into a turned position rather than gliding back on its own to maintain control. This issue forces you to manually pull the steering wheel back straight after every turn, making high-speed and everyday driving unpredictable and dangerous. Power train: The powertrain is loose when moving forward and backward potentially causing a risk to others when leaving the vehicle in park.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Aug 29, 2026MD

Collision warning failed to warn driver and automatic emergency braking failed to engage, causing an accident.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Aug 26, 2026CA

Was initially stopped at a red light heading northbound while in the right turn lane. The cross street had two lanes of traffic heading in each direction separated by a median divider to the west and a left turn lane to the east. After cross traffic cleared from the nearest eastbound lane, but cars continuing to travel in the far eastbound lane, I began a ‘right turn on red’ into the nearest eastbound lane. Somewhere near, but short of completing the entire 90° turn, the AEB system violently slammed on the brakes causing strong vibrations like I had hit or been hit by another car. My estimated speed at the time was approx. 15 mph. Not positive, but I believe the collision alert beeped and red dot HUD activated at the same time indicating an impending collision. Believing I had been hit, I think I applied the brake pedal to ensure the vehicle completely stopped rolling. After visually checking my surroundings, I saw no other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects anywhere near or around my vehicle. Concerned I had possibly run over something instead, I slowly proceeded forward to visually check the road surface to see if anything was in the road behind. The vehicle operated normally, I saw no debris, and pulled over to the side of the road to visually check for damage. Seeing none, I continued my travel without further incident. The vehicle has not been inspected or has the problem been reproduced, but it is available upon request. This is the first occurrence of phantom breaking s

Steering
Filed Aug 23, 2026NC

After completing a turn, the car's steering wheel does not fully return to center. It remains at 30 degrees under 10mph, 10-15 degrees at 20mph. Dealer has claimed it is behaving as intended.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency BrakingCrash
Filed Aug 14, 2026NC

I was taking a left turn from [XXX] onto [XXX] in the outer (right) lane. As I was exiting the turn, the AEB went off suddenly without warning -- the car came to a sudden and complete stop. There were no cars or obstacles in the road ahead of us in either lane and so it is unclear what would cause the braking event. Due to the sudden stop, a man driving a moped was not able to stop in time--he was able to swerve to avoid a head on collision, but he collided with our rear passenger bumper. While, fortunately, there were no injuries, both vehicles sustained minor damage. This is the second incident of "phantom braking" I have experienced with this car. The first incident was within the first year of owning it driving on a 35 MPH road when it mistakenly thought a car was veering into our lane (oncoming traffic) -- in this case the phantom braking was brief and did not bring the vehicle to a stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2026IL

When driving and turning, the steering wheel does not come back to center and the car keeps turning after releasing the steering wheel causing the car to veer off the road if not turned back manually. This is very unexpected and an unsuspecting driver might not realize this until too late. I am in the process of contacting the dealer I bought the car from. But, searching the internet it seems to be a know problem.

Steering
Filed Aug 7, 2026VA

Steering gear box failure diagnosis from dealer

Steering
Filed Aug 2, 2026TX

Steering fails to return to center after turning. This is unexpected behavior and creates a danger when turning and releasing the steering wheel. There are no warnings or messages that coincide with this issue.

Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2026FL

The steering is heavier on the car and does not return to center after turning. This causes danger while driving if someone cuts off in front of me or I have to stop suddenly due to an animal or any other conditions. I am also assuming this will be dangerous to drive in wet weather as well. I took it to the dealer to check it, and it was diagnosed as a failing steering system; the rack and pinion need to be replaced.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2026CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle displayed a Service ESC warning, indicating a possible malfunction in the electronic stability control system. I have had difficulty reproducing the issue, but the vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction may have reduced the vehicle’s stability and traction assistance, which could increase the risk of losing control while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have taken the vehicle to the dealer three times. The first time, the dealer replaced the battery. The second time, the dealer installed a software update. The third time, they were unable to reproduce the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. No inspection by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties has occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The Service ESC warning first appeared while driving on July 19, 2026 and May 22, 2026. I did notice the service light turn on before then, but do not have a picture to send at this time.

Steering
Filed Jul 17, 2026CA

Rattling noise started coming from the steering wheel, it can be felt through the steering wheel. Doing an inspection it's coming from the the U joint area and steering wheel. The steering wheel also doesn't properly turn back into place when turning at lower speeds. Issue started around 40k miles. Searching the online the issue lots of people are having the same issue. Per Chevy Dealership, In need of roughly $2,850 repair parts are Steering Gear, Steering Shaft, Steering ujoin

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 14, 2026VA

I was driving on the highway with GM Super Cruise engaged. I was within the speed limit on a straight road with my hands near the wheel. Without warning, the steering turned sharply to the left on its own and locked — I was unable to correct it or override the system. The vehicle left the road, spun, and was totaled. I walked away with minor injuries. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle has been inspected by police (report exists) and insurance representatives. The vehicle is currently at a dealership and is available for inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. I believe the Super Cruise system malfunctioned and caused the steering to lock in a direction I could not override.

Steering
Filed May 30, 2026TX

I have a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, and I'm experiencing a steering issue. When making left or right turn, the steering wheel does not return to center automatically. This problem has been present since the beginning, and it has gradually been getting worse.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 27, 2026OR

Clear day and dry conditions. Pulling into a parking space going 4-5mph with foot hovering brake. Car then accelerated on its own into a building.

Steering
Filed May 6, 2026MO

Steering wheel does not return to center; likely due to failing steering gear or rack due to faulty lubrication at factory.

Steering
Filed Apr 14, 2026OK

Steering rack failure (wheel does not return to center, crunchy steering with increasingly more resistance over time).

Steering
Filed Feb 25, 2026CA

Steering gear assembly malfunction. Internal rack & pinion failure is present. Rack is binding/seized. When making a turn on the vehicle, the steering wheel does not return to center, creating a highly dangerous situation where if the steering wheel is not manually returned to center it can cause a motor vehicle accident. In other words, once a turn is initiated the car will remain in a turned state unless the steering wheel is wrestled with to return to traveling in a straight line. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative, or others outside of an independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior the failure. The failure appeared starting at about 25,000 miles and gradually became worse to just under 40,000 miles which is the mileage on the car now.

20 of 118 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2023
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2023 — this page118010Routine
202226400Routine

Compare every Bolt Euv year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.