The Lemon Index2021 Chevrolet Bolt.
The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 58 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 272, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, and it has 5 recalls. The best Chevrolet Bolt year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 67 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Bolt year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 8K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- electrical 2024
The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed.
- electrical 2024
The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
- body structure 2023
This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930.
Show all 5 recalls
- body structure 2022
After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
- electrical 2021
The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 506 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $650 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
propulsion power is reduced on my new 2021 Chev Bolt. The battery recall problem has not been addressed yet now I just lost my on propulsion power is reduce problem. My car is in the shop and can not be driven.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt owner · NHTSA complaint 11467442
More owner reports
In nearly exactly the same fashion as Tesla, Chevrolet has reduced my battery range by 15-20% and they don't have any idea when or if they will restore what I've paid for.
NHTSA complaint 11537801
2021 Chevrolet Bolt ev. Consumer writes in regard to battery recall.
NHTSA complaint 11505975
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 272; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Bolt year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Bolt problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (52%), fuel or ev drive system (24%) and transmission & drivetrain (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt have?
5 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt cost in fuel a year?
About $650 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Chevrolet Bolt year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2021 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works