Problems · by component

2018 Chevrolet Bolt electrical system problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt cite electrical system, 39% of all 74 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
29
39% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“HMI module failed. Distraction from road because the display pops on and off. Im not taking in my car because there are forums and forums discussing this issue. Not inspected by anybody either. There were no warnings, it just stopped working 2 weeks ago.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2025Electrical systemODI 11634452
“The radio antenna/receiver/reception in my 2018 Chevy Bolt is very poor. There are many areas I receive almost no radio stations, or stations are extremely fuzzy. The reception is getting worse over time. In searching for a solution to this, I have found that there are many accounts, complaints, and forums related to this issue in all model years of this vehicle. The greater community has not found a viable solution outside of buying a separate radio and hooking it up to the auxiliary input. Many others have brought their vehicle to get inspected repaired and told by the dealers that everything is functioning as it should. The quality and operation of this part pales in comparison to all other vehicles and devices I, and others as they describe, have owned. Understanding this is not a "life and death" safety concern, I hope that this issue can be addressed. This is a basic piece of equipment found in all vehicles, and it is important to have access to at minimum public radio in order to receive potential emergency alerts. It seems chevy has done a disservice to their customers in their failure to provide a properly functioning basic component in these vehicles.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11589769
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that after the dealer performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System), the new battery charge range allowed for up to 90 miles, whereas the older battery allowed for up to 150 miles before recharging. Additionally, the new battery failed to retain a complete charge, with the "Unable to Charge" message displayed while charging. The contact felt that the recall remedy was not a permanent fix but a temporary repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2023Electrical systemODI 11538393
“Dealer will not do recall : (The high voltage batteries in these vehicles may pose a risk of fire when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity. General Motors said that the bottom of the battery tray is damaged.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2023Electrical systemODI 11528909
“The battery in this vehicle was replaced pursuant to the current recall at the Morehart Murphy dealership in Durango, CO about two(2) months ago. On approximately June 5, 2022, the car began showing a "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" warning, despite the fact that the battery was approximately 3/4 fully charged and showing a range of 248 miles. We made arrangements to take the car into the dealership on June 9, 2022. Once the car was at the dealership, the EV technician reported that the dealership had just received a bulletin from GM about this problem on that same day, that the problem was with the replaced battery, that GM engineers were working on the problem, that the car was not safe to drive, and that the car would have to be left with the dealership until a solution was found. We have heard nothing from the dealership since that time. I called the dealership this morning (June 20, 2022). The dealership advised that GM had not responded to the calls from the dealership and that no solution to the problem has been offered. The dealership suggested that I call GM directly and "raise a stink." I called GM this morning and reported the problem. GM offered no…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2022Electrical systemODI 11470072
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the battery power had decreased by 25 percent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the battery was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 1. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2022Electrical systemODI 11467326

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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

Other 2018 Bolt problem areas