Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV Reliable?

2017–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other hybrids — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

60/100
Good

Reliability Score

27
Total Recalls
782
Owner Complaints
13
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths
Recall intensity (what drives the score)
3.9 recalls/yr vs. hybrid median 2.4/yr
Safety record (separate score)
Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 13 injuries on record

Own a Chevrolet Bolt EV? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Reliability by Year

Model YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliability ScoreRating
2026————Not enough data
2025————Not enough data
2024————Not enough data
202331434—
56
Fair
2022572——
67
Good
20213561—
70
Good
20206119——
59
Fair
201941123—
60
Good
2018367——
68
Good
201732135—
45
Fair

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the Bolt EV Compares to Similar Vehicles

Chevrolet Bolt EV60/100
Hybrid Category Average65/100

The Bolt EV scores 5 points below the average hybrid. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.

Known Chevrolet Bolt EV Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
198
STEERING
136
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
105
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
67
POWER TRAIN
53
SERVICE BRAKES
30

Based on 782 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?+

The Chevrolet Bolt EV scores 60/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 27 recall campaigns and 782 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year Bolt EV is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2021 Bolt EV achieved the highest reliability score of 70/100 with 3 recalls and 56 complaints.

How many miles does a Bolt EV last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Chevrolet Bolt EV owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Bolt EV will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Chevrolet Bolt EV Research

Check a Specific Chevrolet Bolt EV VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

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