Research · Small Station Wagons · 2 NHTSA variants

2017 Chevrolet BoltRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 326 owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Most complaints involve steering (112) and electrical system (111). The EPA rates it 119 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
119mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Dec 2023
Owner complaints
326
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

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.

Electrical systemReported Jul 23, 2021NHTSA 21V560000

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

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.

Electrical systemReported Nov 13, 2020NHTSA 20V701000

Structure: roof and pillars

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Dec 14, 2023NHTSA 23V845000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

326 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Steering112
  2. Electrical system111
  3. Fuel/propulsion system68
  4. Power train23
  5. Service brakes19
  6. Engine14
  7. Visibility/wiper10
  8. Suspension8
  9. Vehicle speed control8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Bolt model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2017326
201874
2019179
2020176
202167
202259
202363
20277
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

112 reports1 crash
“The steering wheel fails to return to center after turning and will stay stuck in the turned position. In looking through forums, it appears to be a common issue for Bolts that Chevrolet has not taken accountability for as no recall has been issued even though the complaints are quite numerous with the steering gear needing to be replaced, even at low mileage.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026SteeringODI 11774794

Electrical system

111 reports3 crashes4 fires
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2025Electrical systemODI 11670904

Fuel/propulsion system

68 reports2 crashes1 fire
“While driving the car it suddenly, and without warning, abruptly slowed to a stop and the display showed "propulsion power is reduced", then the "service soon" symbol came on. This could have happened in fast moving traffic, which definitely could cause multi-car collisions. The GM service bulletin (Document ID: 5409616, revised February 13, 2023- see attached copy) states that this is likely due to "a spread terminal on the vehicle harness connection X2 on the T12 transmission assembly. The terminals may not have been perfectly aligned during installation at the vehicle assembly plant." This is a known, dangerous, malfunction, and GM has not issued a recall for it. The "correction" is to replace the "engine wiring harness" which goes to the EV motor. GM is also not covering this repair under any extended warranty, although it's a safety issue and really should generate a recall. Please see attachment.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11641620
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
238 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Bolt EV
Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive
128110119$650—
  • Bolt EV
    Auto (A1)
    128 city · 110 hwy · $650/yr
    119
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 11532
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals vary widely by maker
12V battery—3–5 years
  • Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–4 years
  • Battery coolantPer manual
    Per manual
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Bolt questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Bolt problems?

Owners filed 326 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (112), electrical system (111), fuel/propulsion system (68). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt at 119 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026