Chevrolet Bolt EV Complaints (2017)

350 consumer complaints on file.

#11426181July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The unrepaired recall for Chevrolet's Bolt batteries is a serious issue that could represent thousands of dollars in property damage, but more importantly, death.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426199July 23, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Bolt EV range is advertised as 248 miles. Due to GM’s current limitations due to risk of battery fire, the vehicle has a 30% less range. Not only is this inconvenient, but there is no time estimate given for the current fix. Till then the vehicle remains a dangerous fire hazard which could burn the vehicle, occupant and surrounding buildings. GM has not given out any sort of over the air update in order to ensure that the battery charging guidelines given by them are followed. GM has also established a history now of refusing buybacks to those with affected vehicles. They are responsible for removing these vehicles off the road and providing loaner ones till the fix can be applied. They were not prompt in a final fix to the multiple vehicle fires that have occurred. In addition to being a fire hazard, it also posed an environmental risk as the lithium battery could put off very toxic gases should it catch fire. My vehicle has received both previous recalls, yet is still posing a serious danger. The battery fire hazard has no warning, except for when it is happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426215July 23, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Manufacturer (GM) 2 days ago recommended to not charge the car unattended and at night. This makes it impossible to use vehicle. This is an electric car, the whole point of it is to charge it at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426220July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I own a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt which is part of the recall announced today by GM. This is the second recall in less than a year for the same battery-related issue. It was supposed to have been fixed with a software update that I had completed in June. This software was supposed to identify defective batteries but it has not been successful as evidenced by the mounting number of fires that have happened after the “fix”. As such, we are now under a recall a second time. As a result of their own manufacturing issue, we are now limited to how we charge our vehicles, where we park and even the mileage range that we paid for, while GM attempts another fix. GM stated today that they will again be using software to identify defective cells in our batteries and only the ones that are deternined to be defective will have those cells or battery packs replaced. As you can imagine, I no longer trust GM to be able to successfully identify whether or not my battery is defective. This is a serious safety issue. Myself, my livelihood and even people I park next to while out in public are at risk. GM must be forced to replace the entire battery pack in every vehicle affected by this recall. They must also provide loaner vehicles, or details on reimbursement for rental cars, to those who need them due to the fact that their vehicle is virtually unusable while they clean up their mess.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426225July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
With the potential for a fire I am no longer able to charge my vehicle at home overnight. This makes the car useless to me. Also, I was told by my dealer my car needs a part related to the better/charging system that is on nation wide back order. This also makes the car unusable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426228July 23, 2021
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt which is part of the recall announced today by GM. This is the second recall in less than a year for the same battery-related issue. It was supposed to have been fixed with a software update in June. This software was supposed to identify defective batteries but it has not been successful as evidenced by the mounting number of fires that have happened after the “fix”. As such, we are now under a recall a second time. As a result of their own manufacturing issue, we are now limited to how we charge our vehicles, where we park and even the mileage range that we paid for, while GM attempts another fix. GM stated today that they will again be using software to identify defective cells in our batteries and only the ones that are deternined to be defective will have those cells or battery packs replaced. As you can imagine, I no longer trust GM to be able to successfully identify whether or not my battery is defective. I’m extremely disappointed by the fact that GM continues to cut corners in an effort to save money, despite such a serious safety issue that can affect so many. Myself, my livelihood and even people I park next to while out in public are at risk. GM must be forced to replace the entire battery pack in every vehicle affected by this recall. They must also provide loaner vehicles, or details on reimbursement for rental cars, to those who need them due to the fact that their vehicle is virtually unusable while they clean up their mess.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425951July 22, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received an email from GM acknowledging that the last recall had not been entirely successful in fixing the Bolt EV battery problem. After contracting Myasthenia Gravis, I had given away my (GM) gasoline vehicle because I was unable to maintain it with my disability. I purchased a Bolt EV because they assured me it would be relatively worry free and much easier to maintain. Since it's purchase I have been continually informed that it might be a rolling death trap. I no longer have the physiological ability to fight the corporate giants. Calls to GM have proven fruitless. Please do something that effects an actual change in my pursuit of happiness. Thank you: Eric W Biggio
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426013July 22, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There have been more vehicle fires after the safety recall "fix". General Motors has not said anything yet, and I am afraid to use my car or leave it near anything because of fire risk. This is a great safety concern for myself and others around me. I would like GM to say something.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426030July 22, 2021
STEERING
The car has displayed a minor loss of steering power from when I received it as well as some tapping/banging from the underneath. I only recently reported it to the dealer since I thought that the loss of power was just electrical load issues under certain conditions. The dealer investigated and reported a broken steering gear. They found NO evidence that there was external damage causing this and told me to not drive the car until it is repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425665July 20, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am concerned that GM has not remedied the Chevy Bolt combustion issues and it is not acceptable to instruct customers of recent model year vehicles to keep them parked in the driveway and not to charge them. Furthermore the recalls appear risky since there have been fires after dealers attempted to make repairs to the battery packs in the course of the recall service. There is no confidence in GM's handling of this situation.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425579July 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’m just reporting GMs persistent negligence in dealing with defective battery cells for 2017-2019 Bolts. Upon tear down these cells will not and do not meet GM quality standards and GMs delayed response and paltry response demonstrate what little concern Gm has in regard to the situation. This is an issue that will compound with time. My car has not caught fire - I just have an early build 2017 and am frustrated with GMs handling / mishandling of this situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425324July 18, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car is Cheavy Bolt electric car 2017. It is recalled for battery fire explosion on or about July 2021. I took the car to dealership for recall only on 17 July 2021. After 2 hours they returned the car to me with no explanation on my receipt about recall. I think they did not do anything to the car since no report shows on my receipt. When I asked manager of service they told me ignore warnings on recall. You can park on garage and can charge the car normally. It appears they did not fix my battery problem and I am afraid of my safety. It appears they do not have protocol to fix the car battery.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425352July 18, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV which is part of GMs November recall due to battery fires. I have followed all the requests by GM to fix the problems, but there are still fires being reported even with the "fixes" GM has provided. At the end of May, I filed a request for a buyback of my Bolt with Chevrolet Engagement Center (case # 9-6747476536) which was denied over the phone in early July even after 2 additional incidents of fires in Bolts recently update with GM's "fixes". GM will not send me any written statement on why my request was denied and I was told that their decision was final and I couldn't request a review or reinstatement my request for a buyback even if further information is uncovered. Now through GM press releases I am told that I shouldn't charge my 2017 Bolt in my garage and should park it away from my house on the street. Since my charging station is in my garage, I can't charge my car using my existing home charging setup. GM has not contacted me directly regarding this new directive and once again has not provided me with written documentation of this directive. GM's process is complete opaque. I haven't been able to use my 2017 Bolt for over 7 months in the manner in which it was advertised and sold to me when new. Since I apparently have exhausted my options with GM to resolve this fire issue, I request that NHTSA vigorously pursue a remedy from GM effectively deals with these Bolt fire issues and that makes owners like myself whole. It seems only governmental action will get GM's attention before someone is injured or killed by one of these Bolt battery fires. If I can be helpful in an inquiry into this issue, please contact me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425089July 16, 2021
STEERING
The electronic steering has stopped automatically returning to center after turning - mostly right hand turns. Have seen other similar complaints on a Bolt forum where the entire steering mechanism had to be replaced. Our Chevy mechanic knew nothing about this but told us that this type of repair is out of warranty & would cost well over $1,000 to replace the components.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425102July 16, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle was recalled due to spontaneous battery fire risk. Two stages of recall work were performed, both related to the vehicle computer and battery monitoring system. Neither has fixed the underlying cause of the problem, so the recall cannot be considered to be complete. The battery remains at risk of fire based on NHTSA notice on 7/14/2021 and numerous press reports, after at least two fires while at rest after charging were reported in vehicles that had the recall work completed. The recall must be extended and amended to include battery replacement with a unit that is not subject to the current spontaneous fire risk. Without that, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and possess due to fire risk, and has zero value as a tradein or onward sale. Alternatively, even though the vehicle was purchased used (with battery warranty still in force, with a purchased extended warranty, and with no disclosure at the time of a recall or battery fire risk), an exchange for an equivalent new Bolt (2020 or newer) would be acceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425125July 16, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing this complaint as a general complaint about Chevy's handling of the numerous fires associated with the 2017-2019 Bolt. I own the vehicle listed in this report and fortunately it has not caught on fire. Chevy is using software to try and identify hardware problems and it clearly does not work. There have now been several additional battery fires after their "final fix" was applied. They are telling owners not to put their vehicles inside a garage and only charge them outside. This is completely unacceptable and there should be a full recall for all affected vehicles. Either replace the entire battery or repurchase the car. These batteries are a significant health and safety risk and need to be removed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424895July 15, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
Parking button may not fully engage when pressed causing vehicle to roll forward in drive gear or while in reverse causing vehicle to collide. Vehicle will automatically go into park when driver door is opened, but button can take deep press to fully engage into park. If driver removes foot from brake petal before vehicle is in Park car moves.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424896July 15, 2021
STEERING, SUSPENSION
Steering wheel does not return easily to stationary position after being turned. As a result, wheel must be manually turned in order to straighten steering. This can be particularly cumbersome when in a deep curve or while maneuvering around parking lots, U-turn, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424964July 15, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car has not personally caught fire, yet. But there is a physical manufacturing defect with the high voltage battery system that causes these cars to catch fire while parked and charging. GM "fixed" the issue with a software update and multiple cars have still managed to catch fire despite being "fixed" and assured that the vehicles were safe to own and operate. It's only a matter of time before one of these cars kills someone and GM clearly is unwilling to do the right thing for the safety of their customers. You can not "fix" a manufacturing defect with a software update. GM clearly is incapable of doing the wright thing on their own and NHTSA needs to force them to take this safety issue seriously.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424975July 15, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated received a recall notification from the manufacturer however, the NHTSA number was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, and the mechanic reset the battery. The contact stated upon receiving a second recall notification, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair and an unknown reprogram was performed. The contact stated after the vehicle was reprogrammed, the battery failed, and the computer screen remained on. The service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed that there were no issues found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 62,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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