2021 Chevrolet BOLT EV problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
67 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
2,700 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 31 of 67 complaints (46.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 37 | 55.2% |
| Steering behavior | 10 | 14.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 7.5% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 4.5% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 3.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Power Train | 10 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
Electrical System: 31; Fuel/Propulsion System: 15; Unknown Or Other: 12; Power Train: 10; Steering: 9; Engine: 4; Service Brakes: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 61 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2021: 25; 2022: 15; 2023: 13; 2024: 5; 2025: 5; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 37 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 10 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11418808 · 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)
I recently purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV (VIN [XXX]) with current mileage about 1800 on odometer. Two days ago my wife was driving on the 91 freeway going at normal highway speed when all of a sudden the car just decelerated ABRUPTLY to 20 mph with an error “propulsion power is reduced”. Two Ford F-150 trucks immediately behind her had to veer quickly around her (but this could’ve easily caused other accidents as well). She had to cross three lanes of traffic to get on to the shoulder while only able to drive at 20 mph. There was still 131…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11418808 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11421259 · 2021-06-17 (June 17, 2021)
Backup camera on while driving at freeway speeds: While driving on the highway, the infotainment system started having trouble. First my Carplay disconnected and I couldn't reconnect. When trying to fix it, I hit the 'home' button. Then the backup camera displayed on the display covering all other functions (battery info, temperature, etc). I was driving at freeway speeds with the backup camera stuck on. When I was able to stop, putting it in park, briefly turning off the car with the door open did not correct the problem. Only when the …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11421259 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11423219 · 2021-07-02 (July 2, 2021)
Groan, Squeak or Rubbing Type Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. Vehicle turning sluggish, is a safety hazard. Sounds like premature failure of steering parts on vehicle at 3500 miles. Others are having the same problem on the Internet forums.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11423219 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11433306 · 2021-09-17 (September 17, 2021)
At random times even while driving: First and most importantly, speed will read 0 MPH while driving. Second the following errors will appear on the dash: "Steering Assist Reduced Drive with Care" "Pedestrian Friendly Alert System" Also, the following lights in the dash light up: Brake System Warning Light Service Vehicle Soon Light Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Service Electric Parking Brake Light Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light If this happens while driving I have experienced the following: If turning, the steer…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433306 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11415186 · 2021-05-04 (May 4, 2021)
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW FROM DIAMOND CHEVROLET ON APRIL 17 THE 2021 CHEVY BOLT HAD 3 MILES ON THE ODO I DROVE THE BOLT 3 MORE MILES AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND REDUCED SPEED ON THE FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE DISPLAY FLASHED A WARNING OF REDUCED POWER AND THE BOLT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE REQUIRING THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. AFTER TEN DAYS AT DEALERSHIP PROBLEM WAS A BAD TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER PUMP. I THINK A DEFECTIVE PUMP LASTING ONLY 6 MILES IS A SAFETY CONCERN
Owner-reported narrative. 6 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415186 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11430440 · 2021-08-25 (August 25, 2021)
Driver had pulled up and stopped at red light with vehicle in D mode (normal drive). Driver had placed hand on gear shift lever and went to shift into L mode (one pedal driving) by using normally accepted procedure of pulling gear shift lever one click back to engage L mode or switch back to D mode. Hand or finger was apparently resting too far on top of gear shift lever push button and without knowing, vehicle shifted into R (reverse) instead of L mode (one pedal driving). When driver pushed accelerator pedal, vehicle lurched backward. Driver …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11430440 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11437636 · 2021-10-21 (October 21, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The warning message " Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the battery disconnect lever had failed. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer has notified the failure and offered the con…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11437636 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11589044 · 2024-05-16 (May 16, 2024)
Car stalled suddenly on road. Can’t change to any driving gear, only neutral. Towed to dealer, diagnose indicated wiring harness was the cause. Expensive fix for ~$400 part with ~$3200 labor cost in addition to dangerous sudden stall.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11589044 at NHTSA ↗