repaired · 2026 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Park outsideRisk. A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 67 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-812 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: 4300streetcar, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has problems
67 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
15Fuel/propulsion system
10Power train2 crash/fire/injury
9Steering
4Engine
3Vehicle speed control
3Service brakes
2Suspension
2Air bags
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 33 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 2 |
| Steering | 9 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Propulsion system: traction battery
Park outsideRisk. A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk. A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2025 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Park outsideRisk. A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Bolt EV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Bolt EV median. How we score
'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV safety ratings
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Bolt EV owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2021 Chevy Bolt keeps showing a battery or power-Propulsion warning light related to the high-voltage system. The warning keeps coming back even after multiple repairs. The first repair was on April 28, 2025, the second was on December 17, 2025, and it is scheduled again for another repair on…
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company. This 2021 GM Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier trim vehicle experienced a sudden uncommanded extreme acceleration when I selected "D" (drive) mode on the transmission selector after using "R" (reverse) to back out of a parking lot parking space. The…
12v battery warning light and ion Lucian battery light came on manufacture does not want to buy back and apple car play keeps breaking.
Own a 2021 Bolt EV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.