Chevrolet Bolt Ev Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Chevrolet Bolt Ev we've analyzed (9 years), these are the 3 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other Bolt Ev years.
Proceed with caution
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a smart, cost-effective electric vehicle that offers impressive range and low running costs. However, its significant battery fire recall casts a long shadow over its reliability, necessitating meticulous verification of recall completion before purchase. If the battery service has been fully performed, it transforms into a much more dependable proposition.
Why this year scores low
Risk of thermal events (fires) due to manufacturing defects in battery modules. GM issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign 21V-560/22V-700) for module replacement or software limitation on charging. Unaddressed, this is a severe safety and reliability concern.
Owners frequently report the infotainment screen freezing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity issues, and slow response. This often requires a system reset or software updates, but persistent issues are common.
Though less widespread than the battery, some owners experience issues with the charging port latch, intermittent DC fast charging (DCFC) handshake failures, or error messages preventing charging. Often related to specific charging stations but sometimes internal vehicle components.
Proceed with caution
2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, a pioneer in affordable long-range EVs, represents a compelling value proposition, *provided* its critical battery recall has been fully addressed. With its impressive electric powertrain and inherently low maintenance, it offers a generally reliable daily driver, but buyers must proceed with caution to ensure proper remediation of its most significant known flaw.
Why this year scores low
Risk of battery fires due to manufacturing defects in specific battery cells. This led to a widespread recall (N212345970) requiring battery module replacement. Failure to complete this recall is critical.
Reports of the AC compressor failing prematurely, leading to a loss of air conditioning and potentially heating (as EVs use the AC system for heat pump functionality). Repairs are costly.
Various minor electrical gremlins including blank infotainment screens, software glitches, charging port issues, and occasional phantom warnings. These are often frustrating but not always critical.
Proceed with caution
2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV stands as an excellent choice for a used electric vehicle, offering robust performance and remarkable efficiency, *provided* its critical battery recall has been fully addressed. With the battery fix, it transforms into a highly dependable and exceptionally cost-effective commuter, making it one of the smartest used EV buys on the market.
Why this year scores low
The 2020 Bolt EV falls under a critical recall (NHTSA Recall 21V-560, GM Recall P638421) due to manufacturing defects in battery modules that can lead to fire. Resolution typically involves battery module replacement or a software update limiting charging. Unaddressed, this is a major safety hazard.
Some owners have reported premature failure of the AC compressor, leading to a loss of air conditioning function. This can be an expensive repair and is a known weak point in some early Bolt models, though less prevalent by 2020.
The infotainment system can suffer from freezing, lagging, or occasional refusal to boot. While often resolved with a system reset or software update, it can be a persistent nuisance for some owners and detracts from the user experience.