First generation
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The most reported problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is dead battery, with 70 complaints, usually around 25,000 miles.
- 348owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 11involved a crash
- 27,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Bolt EV doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 348 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 348 for 2017 hatchbacks on this site. Of the 7 Bolt EV model years since 2017, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2018
- At 35 complaints for each year on the road, the 2017 runs 3.5 times the 2018 (10). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Dead battery leads with 70 of the 348 complaints (20%), ahead of sticky steering at 39. A quarter of the 16 owners who gave a mileage for dead battery saw it by about 8,000 miles, and half by about 25,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 18 of the 348 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 11 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 5 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Dead battery has a recall on the same system (20V-701 and 21V-560). Sticky steering and hybrid system have none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2021, with 118 complaints, 2.3 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 17 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: battery dies or the car will not start, 70 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
348 complaints is 1.3 times the median 2017 model on this site and about the median for a 2017 hatchback. Among the 3 Bolt EV model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet filed 1,056 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. 60 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Battery dies or the car will not start 18 bulletins · 70 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which fasteners used to secure an external connector to the high voltage battery pack may not have been torqued to specification. Dealers will secure all suspect connections to the appropriate torque specification.
16 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers on the process to be able to order a replacement High Voltage battery pack for a vehicle that has a High Voltage battery battery concern and is not on the current open recall list.
This bulletin provides information on conditions that may cause EV Range Loss and for dealers/technicians to determine/differentiate items which require battery repair versus which items are normal for the vehicle.
17297-04 Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the cells within the battery pack have low voltage. This condition is related to the state of charge of the cell group.
17297-03 Customer Satisfaction Program (Service Procedure Revised). Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the cells within the battery pack have low voltage. This condition is related to the state of charge of the cell group.
18097-03 Customer Satisfaction Program (Service Procedure Revised). Certain vehicles may have a condition where the calibration will not detect the difference in the state of charge between the cell groups of the battery.
18125-01 Customer Satisfaction Program (Service Procedure Revised). Certain vehicles may have a condition where the software will not detect the difference in the state of charge between the cell groups of the battery and over predict the indicated battery range.
18125 - Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles may have a condition where the software will not detect the difference in the state of charge between the cell groups of the battery and over predict the indicated battery range.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Engineering Information ? Vehicle No Start Due to Dead Battery
This bulletin provides a procedure to perform a HPCM2 update or install a Battery Energy Control Module if DTC P1AE6 returns.
This bulletin provides a procedure to perform a HPCM2 update or install a Battery Energy Control Module if DTCs P1AE6, P1FFF or P0ABB set.
Plus 6 older ones not listed here.
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 6 bulletins · 30 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates that Engineering is currently investigating the cause of P0A3F. Advising the dealers to check connections. If nothing less found replace the power inverter module, the under-hood "engine" harness, and the transmission
This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for information from the field on charge port receptacle Melting on the Vehicle condition.
4 more on this problem
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from the field on charge port receptacle Melting on the Vehicles Concerns. Engineering is determining a root cause and needs to gather information that will be used to develop/validate a Field Fix.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to program the Drive Motor Power Inverter Module and Chassis Control Module if the customers concern is the vehicle rolls on a slight angle.
Information on Chassis Control Module (CCM) and Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) Receives Invalid Data and Sets DTC U0422 The technician may find DTC U0422 set.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the Drive Motor Power Inverter Module Software to the latest calibrations to correct a condition of Propulsion Power Reduced Message Displayed and/or DTC B2A00 Set due to a calibration concern.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 22 complaints
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the EBCM to correct the customers concern of a Hiss noise when braking and Service Brakes message on.
1 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 20 complaints
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 24 bulletins · 19 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to check the rearview mirror coax connector for looseness by disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector to correct the customers concern for the rearview mirror video screen displaying blue.
This technical bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct customer concerns of Personalization Options Lost, Camera Icon Grayed Out, Camera Stays On, Time on Home Screen and Widget do Not Match, Intermittent Blank Display, Radio Reset after Bluetooth ...
22 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides Information on Using Voice Pass-Thru to Access Voice Recognition Commands on Cell Phone and how it does not work on models equipped with IOA and IOB radios.
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on locating and repairing water leaks in the rear cargo area, rear compartment well, possible loss of chime and/or radio functions.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to check the rearview mirror coax connector for looseness by disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector and to correct the customers concern for the rearview mirror video screen displaying blue.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
17386-02 Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles need to be reprogrammed with an updated software package. Depending on the vehicle?s configuration, it may require two updates.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the radio for vehicles with the condition of Personalization Options Lost, Camera Icon Grayed Out, Camera Stays On, Time on Home Screen and Widget do Not Match, Intermittent Blank Display, Radio Reset ...
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
This diagnostic tip advises the technician of a possibility that the radios antenna may be the cause of the DTC set and provides possible repairs to fix the DTC.
Plus 12 older ones not listed here.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 2 bulletins · 16 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles thatmay have Service Front Camera, Service Lane Departure Warning, and Service Lane Keep Assist Message.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
Seat belt or seat problems 5 bulletins · 8 complaints
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on front seat back cover(s) loose near side air bag cover.
This informational bulletin provides information on Surface Rust on Front Seat Bottom Frames.
3 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to disengage the jammed parts and release the gears for proper function caused by the mechanical of the height adjustment being jammed, not broken creating a condition of difficult to adjust the seat height and/or ...
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the seat back spring carrier or add felt to the seat back spring carrier to correct a condition of a squeak noise originating from the seat back area due to the carrier rubbing on the frame.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPOSITION THE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE FOR CONCERNS REGARDING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING OR LATCH PLATE COMING TWISTED.
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
This Bulletin provides procedures to correct a condition of Power Foldaway Mirror Glass Shake, Flutter at Normal Driving Speeds
Complaints filed by year
118 complaints came in 2021, 9.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
NHTSA summary
Electric vehicle battery fires. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-701.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Dead battery, with 70 of the 348 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 25,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems start?
Of the 98 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 12,000 miles and half by about 27,000.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV better or worse than the 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has more complaints than the 2018: 35 a year against 10.
How many 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
18 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for dead battery on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 20V-701 and 21V-560. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.