Used Car Checklists

Used Chevrolet Bolt: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 531 complaints across these 5 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Chevrolet Bolt

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Bolt from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area20182019202120222023Total
Electrical2375292833188
Steering243981023104
Transmission11131091053

Bolt generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. First generation

    2017–2023

    2022 update: Front and rear styling revisions; Revised interior with upgraded seats; New electronic systems

Mileages where Bolt problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
200–400 milesAuxiliary transmission pump faults2023
1,800–2,700 milesEarly sudden loss of propulsion2021
2,400–10,000 milesPhantom automatic emergency braking2023
3,350–5,144 milesLoss of drive power, towing2023
25,000–40,000 milesSteering binds, won't self-center2018
26,861–50,000 milesSteering won't return to center2019
38,000–41,000 milesSteering not returning to center2022
42,000–55,000 milesSteering wheel not returning center2023

Every Bolt recall to confirm

11 recalls cover the Boltyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 9 campaigns span more than one model year. 5 told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.

Show 1 more recall

Cars shoppers compare with the Bolt

Before you shortlist a Bolt