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
4 recalls · 202 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 224
8 recalls · 108 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 132
6 recalls · 104 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 128
Best Chevrolet Bolt EV Years to Buy
5 recalls · 55 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 72
5 recalls · 65 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 80
7 recalls · 66 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 87
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 | 3 | 111 | 4 | — | 128 | Caution |
| 2022 | 7 | 66 | — | — | 87 | Caution |
| 2021 | 5 | 55 | 1 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2020 | 8 | 108 | — | — | 132 | Caution |
| 2019 | 6 | 104 | 3 | — | 128 | Caution |
| 2018 | 5 | 65 | — | — | 80 | Caution |
| 2017 | 4 | 202 | 5 | — | 224 | Avoid |
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 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV if possible. It has 4 recalls, 202 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 224 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Bolt EV to buy?+
The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 72. It has only 5 recalls and 55 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Bolt EV has the fewest problems?+
The 2021, 2018, 2022 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.
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