2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Safety Report
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (66) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | 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 | 2019 | Check the 2019 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 57 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 160 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 44 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 166 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlySteering
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traction Battery General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles due to a potential issue with the traction battery. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Gear There have been reports of the steering gear being bound up, causing the steering wheel to not return to center and feel stiff at speed. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Propulsion System Recalls have been issued for the propulsion system, specifically the traction battery, due to potential safety concerns. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags There have been reports of airbags not deploying during a crash, though this is less frequent. |
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 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev:
Issues with the electrical system, including the propulsion system, have been reported.
Problems with the steering, including the steering rack binding, have been reported.
Recalls have been issued for the propulsion system, specifically the traction battery.
There have been reports of airbags not deploying during a crash.
Recall Details for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, 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: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notific...
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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. Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner no...
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 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 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: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level 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 battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Owner notificat...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 March 3, 2026. The light is the same every time and affects the car’s performance and reliability. I’m ...
I was in a car accident on February 9th, in which my airbags did not deploy, however, I did receive an error in my Chevy app that my Air Bag system requires attention. I sustained facial injuries due to impact with the steering wheel. I believe the airbags should have deployed, but did not.
Steering rack binding. Becoming progressively harder to turn over time. Steering wheel doesn't return to center. Clunking in front end occasionally heard when hitting bumps.
The steering wheel will not return to center and feels like its binding on something, sometimes its tough to steer other times not. Does not feel safe. No warning lamps and nobody has inspected or worked on it yet.
Steering gear is bound up due to a documented manufacturing error. Steering is increasingly stiff at speed, and will not return to center without significant driver input. This is a widespread issue that has been documented and causes a major safety concern to Chevy Bolt owners and should be addressed and repaired by the manufacturer.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack. Steering wont return to center at 38,000 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car handles unpredictably posing safety risk to others and myself. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Quoted $2,700 to r...
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 vehicle, despite my stomping and holding the brake pedal down and repeatedly selecting a different m...
12v battery warning light and ion Lucian battery light came on manufacture does not want to buy back and apple car play keeps breaking.
STEERING GEER HAVING ISSUES OF THE STEERING WHEEL COMING BACK TO CENTER AFTER THE TURN. NOW NEED TO REPLACE STEERING GEER
Shift selector failed. Could no shift into gear Drive, low or Reverse. Locked in park but could shift to neutral. no power steering or AC. If this design flaw failure occurred while the car was on the highway, it could cause an accident. I have contacted General Motors and reported the potential safety issue and awaiting there response.
Car stalled suddenly on road. Can’t change to any driving gear, only neutral. Towed to dealer, diagnose indicated wiring harness was the cause. Expensive fix for ~$400 part with ~$3200 labor cost in addition to dangerous sudden stall.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as needed, and struck a pole. The contact stated that the Forward Collison Avoidance feature failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The c...
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the "Reduced Propulsion Power" warning light illuminated, and a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The contact called a local dealer who advised her not to drive the vehicle and to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer was uns...
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she was unable to keep the vehicle centered, and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehi...
I believe the recall remedy gm n21345944 is not sufficient because it dies not monitor the system during the 80-100 % charge. It only allows ip to 80 which is not when it fails. Also it just gives an alert and does not shut down the battery which can allow the fure to happen. According to gm recall 212345940 a new battery was promised. I do not feel safe driving a car which has only been teste...
In nearly exactly the same fashion as Tesla, Chevrolet has reduced my battery range by 15-20% and they don't have any idea when or if they will restore what I've paid for.
Our car (2021 Chevy Bolt) has been under recall N212345940 since September 2021 for a battery that could catch fire if charged to full capacity. The GM recall stated "when parts are available, your Chevrolet dealer will replace the defective lithium ion battery modules in your vehicle with new lithium ion battery modules." For almost 2 years we've been worried, unable to park our car in a garage ...
While driving on the road, a sound came from under the car, and suddenly the car lost all propulsion power and was gliding on the road. The manufacturer told me the Manual Disconnect Lever was disconnected and Fuse was blown with no explanation on the root cause. After a few calls with the GM customer service, they explained to me "It happens", which to me it is unacceptable. This is a EV and fu...
I purchased a 2021 Bolt EV in mid-2021. I am disappointed in how GM handled the battery recall on my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. In Sept 2021 I received notice of safety recall N212345940 stating that the "Parts to repair your vehicle are not currently available" and I should "Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation". I did so and I patiently waited for the parts to arrive. Parts...
The car can blow up and catch on fire due to excessive heat and humidity. Dealer is responsible for fixing it but it's been over 2 years and I want to end my lease early due to safety concerns. I have barely driven the car and kept it out of the garage (except for charging) but fire safety concerns are not being addressed by all Chevy dealers in Houston. No one can fix it and even if they did, it ...
Showing 20 of 66 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 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 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 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Has the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
The 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 66 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The 2021 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 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV involve electrical system (20 complaints), unknown or other (7 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7 complaints). Other affected components include steering, power train, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV out of 66 total complaints (6.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV is acceptable with caveats. It has 66 complaints, 5 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 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints), 4. STEERING (5 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (4 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 20 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Be aware of the potential issues with the electrical system, propulsion system, and steering. Regularly check for recalls and address any warning lights promptly. The 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV has 66 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
The 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 66 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Traction Battery and Steering Gear.
What are the known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV?
Known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV include: Traction Battery, Steering Gear, Propulsion System, Air Bags. These are based on patterns found across 66 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most common issues include problems with the electrical system, propulsion system, and steering, particularly the steering rack binding.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Yes, there have been recalls related to the traction battery and steering gear due to potential safety concerns.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Check for recalls, monitor warning lights, and contact a dealership for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of the potential issues with the electrical system, propulsion system, and steering. Regularly check for recalls and address any warning lights promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. The data includes 66 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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