Chevrolet Bolt EV Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Bolt EV model year (2017–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 15
3 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 9
3 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 9
Best Chevrolet Bolt EV Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
Found the right year? Verify that specific Bolt EV with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Bolt EV — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Good |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Caution |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 15 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Caution |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Bolt EV models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Bolt EV units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Bolt EV should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV if possible. It has 5 recalls, 0 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 15 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Bolt EV to buy?+
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Bolt EV has the fewest problems?+
The 2023, 2017, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Bolt EV Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Bolt EV VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →