2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Safety Report
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (166) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 12 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev with 44 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Bolt Ev Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Bolt Ev years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 160 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 66 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 57 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 44 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
49 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlySteering
35 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Electrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Reliability Score
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering System Failure Steering wheel does not return to center after turns, leading to unexpected handling. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Traction Battery Recall Multiple recalls due to safety concerns with the traction battery. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Door Latch Issues Door latches have been identified as a potential issue, though less frequently reported. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brake Caliper Failure Service brake calipers have been identified as a potential issue, though less frequently reported. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev:
Steering wheel does not return to center after turns, leading to unexpected handling.
Recall Details for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev by NHTSA:
Summary: General 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.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and wi...
Summary: General 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.
Consequence: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective batt...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate eith...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.
Consequence: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The steering on my car is sticking and failing. When I make a turn, the steering wheel does not go back to the center on its own. I have to physically pull it back, otherwise the car will keep turning. When driving straight, the steering wheel gets "stuck." I have to use extra force to make small adjustments, which makes the car jerk. The steering also makes clunking noises. This is extremely dang...
Water has infiltrated the lower trunk area and fried the sound amplifier. The result is no sounds can be heard from the speakers. This includes sounds and warnings from the safety systems. Seat belt, ADAS, BLIS, OnStar, Turn Signals, Radio. The rear hatch seals seem to be intact and it is unclear how water is entering this lower area as there is no evidence of water anywhere else in the rear car...
As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.
Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.
Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.
The steering wheel does not return to center. This appears to be a common issue on Chevy Bolts based on various forums, for example https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/steering-wont-return-to-center-bad-steering-gear-steering-sticking-in-one-direction.42988/. One has to be very aware of the steering issue as it requires the driver to actively force the steering wheel to return to center. This can...
So I bought a used Bolt and the steering is sticking, at moderate speed (50mph) sweeping corners it lightly wants to pull harder into the corner and won't return to center if you let off the wheel, regardless of direction, you must always forcefully guide the steering wheel back to center. This is wrong, if your Bolt does this your steering rack is likely failing. This is a malfunction, in the G...
Steering rack is binding, not returning to center after completing a turn. Only 50,000 miles on it.
Steering wheel does not return to center after making sharp turns. Steering wheel must be manually returned to center to avoid crashing.
Power steering fails go return to center intermittently causing unexpected handling characteristics while turning that could cause to over/undershoot a turn. Haven't taken it to the dealer to check and there are no warnings or lights.
I am filing this urgent safety complaint regarding a critical failure of the steering system in my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which began experiencing problems at approximately 40,000 miles. This is not an isolated incident; numerous identical reports exist from other Bolt EV owners on public forums like Reddit ([XXX]) and [XXX], often occurring at similarly low mileage (typically 30,000-60,000 miles...
Low mileage vehicle purchased preowned with only 32,166 miles, and steering wheel (steering rack & pinion) is stiff and will not return wheel to center after turning more than a quarter turn.
Steering not returning to center when coming out of turns. Many have reported this issue with the steering rack. Concerned that steering will bind and cause an accident
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after turning to the left or the right. The contact used excessive force to manually return the steering wheel to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. ...
The steering wheel is very stiff; if you turn left or right, when you complete the turn, if you were to release the wheel, it does not counter-turn back towards the center. Put differently - in an open parking lot, you could turn the wheel all the way to one side, release the wheel, press the accelerator --- and you'd go in circles. This has been happening for some time, but just recently had it p...
Steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn, it must be turned back manually. If left unfixed this can cause the steering to lock up entirely when the steering gear fails.
Steering doesn't return to center when driving around 40mph on turns. You must manually move it back.
Around 46,000 miles this 5 yr old car began making popping sounds in the steering. Took into dealer and diagnosed steering rack failure and intermediate shaft. Cost to repair was close to $3,000. Looking into this, this is a common issue with Chevy Bolts due to poorly designed boots on the rack. This should be covered by a recall when failing so early. Happened to my previous 2018 Bolt too bu...
Vehicle steering does not return to center when exiting a gradual turn. This occurs intermittently. On line research indicates that this problem is likely the result of a faulty steering rack and that many other owners have experienced this behavior; as this could result in a dangerous situation I am reporting. The vehicle has about 43,000 miles on it. I have not had it repaired as yet.
This is concerning a 2019 Chevy Bolt purchased new on [XXX] from Stewart Chevrolet in Colma, CA. Around January 2024, we realized the vehicle's steering wheel was not returning to center on its own, and it took more force than usual to turn the wheel -- it would stick as you turned it. The vehicle had about 26,861 miles when we noticed this steering issue. When performing a turn (at low speeds a...
Showing 20 of 166 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System
Opened 2020-10-09 · Closed 2022-02-07
In October 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2017-2020 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Bolt vehicles based on complaints received alleging that the vehicles caught fire under the seating area while parked and unattended. At the time, ODI had received 2 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and several field reports. All complaints alleged vehicles caught fire during or after electrical charging.ODI's review found vehicle thermal events occurred durin...
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System
Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2023-08-07
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Has the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
The 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 166 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV involve electrical system (49 complaints), steering (35 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (16 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other, power train,electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV out of 166 total complaints (1.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
There are 10 fire reports for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV out of 166 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV is acceptable with caveats. It has 166 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (49 complaints), 2. STEERING (35 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 49 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Be cautious of steering issues and water infiltration problems. Consider a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the vehicle has been in a crash. The 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 166 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 166 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 12 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering System Failure and Traction Battery Recall.
What are the known issues with the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Known issues with the 2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV include: Steering System Failure, Traction Battery Recall, Door Latch Issues, Service Brake Caliper Failure. These are based on patterns found across 166 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Yes, there have been multiple recalls related to the traction battery and steering system.
What are the common steering issues reported?
The steering wheel does not return to center after turns, leading to unexpected handling.
Are there any electrical system issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Yes, water infiltration has caused electrical system failures, leading to no sound from the speakers.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering issues and water infiltration problems. Consider a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the vehicle has been in a crash.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. The data includes 166 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 10 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14