2022 Chevrolet Bolt Euv Safety Report

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and complaint data highlight significant concerns. The vehicle has been subject to four recalls, three of which are critically related to the high-voltage battery's propensity to catch fire, increasing the risk of injury. This issue has been a persistent problem for Bolt models, leading to multiple recall iterations. Additionally, one recall addresses a potentially missing fastener for the driver's frontal airbag, which could impair deployment and increase injury risk in a crash. NHTSA complaint data, though totaling only 20 complaints, reveals a concerning pattern with steering issues being the most frequently reported component, accounting for 7 complaints. Owners describe problems such as stiff steering at lower speeds, failure to return to center, knocking noises, and grinding, often requiring steering rack replacement. This suggests a potential manufacturing defect in the steering system. Other notable complaints include 'phantom braking' from the forward collision avoidance system (3 complaints) and unexpected acceleration, which poses a direct crash risk. While there are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the complaint data, the nature of the battery fire recalls and steering issues warrants careful consideration. The overall safety picture is strong in terms of passive safety (crashworthiness) but is significantly undermined by active safety and reliability concerns, particularly the severe battery fire risk and the widespread steering problems. The low number of total complaints (20) for a relatively new model year should be interpreted with caution, as issues may not yet be fully reported or recognized by all owners. The recurring battery fire recalls indicate a fundamental design or manufacturing challenge that GM has been working to address.

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash ratings but serious battery fire recalls and common steering issues, ensure all recall remedies, especially for the battery, have been completed and thoroughly inspect the steering system before purchase.