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2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
57 owner complaints · 3 recalls · data verified July 13, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
3 recall campaigns (3 safety-critical). Confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the seller's VIN.
Steering problems dominate (30% of complaints, typically reported near 50k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 10%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (16) · Brakes (6) · Lights (6) · Fuel system (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Steering
30%17 complaints · typically near 50k mi · 17 in the last 2 years
“Steering rack failure, does not return to center most of the time. Every once in a while it will. Loud clunking in steering, started right around 36k mile warranty exp…”
Electrical system
28%16 complaints · 9 in the last 2 years
“Vehicle infotainment system on 2023 Chevrolet Bolt completely stopped functioning in May of May of 2026. Screen/radio/bluetooth and associated components had no functi…”
Brakes
11%6 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“The brake/turn signal lights on all of the bolts, including mine, are barely visible during the day. It needs to be recalled. The lights are tiny.”
Lights
11%6 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“The brake/turn signal lights on all of the bolts, including mine, are barely visible during the day. It needs to be recalled. The lights are tiny.”
Recalls (3)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Structure · 23V845000
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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags · 23V567000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.
Structure · 22V930000
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.
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2023 Chevrolet BOLT EV beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2023? See how every Bolt EV model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.