2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV: common problems and reliability
An average Bolt EV year.
67 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Bolt EV?The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 67 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Bolt EV years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Bolt EV?
Across the 7 Bolt EV model years we track, complaint volume runs from 59 (2022) to 320 (2017). With 67 complaints, the 2021 Bolt EV sits about the same as the model's median of 74.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Bolt EV
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 21V650000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 22V930000General 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.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 23V845000General 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.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 24V481000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
Show 1 more recall
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 24V812000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, centered on exceptional value, low operating costs, and reliable daily practicality.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Bolt EV. See the full Bolt EV owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Bolt EV listings typically run $15,100–$19,439 across 2017 to 2023 model years.
Other Bolt EV model years
Compare every Bolt EV year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Bolt EV against its rivals
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