2017 Chevrolet Bolt Safety Report
2017 Chevrolet Bolt: Safety and Reliability Concerns
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. 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 | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (317) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 14 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt with 73 complaints and 0 recalls. |
Chevrolet Bolt 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Bolt | 73 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Chevrolet Bolt Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, 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.
Steering
97 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
57 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Reliability Score
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt receives a reliability score of 89 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.
Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Issues Steering wheel does not return to center after turns, especially at higher speeds, leading to potential loss of control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Failures Steering and other electrical components can fail, causing stiffness and intermittent failures, posing safety risks. |
High | Common | 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 2017 Chevrolet Bolt:
Steering issues are the most common problem reported.
Electrical system failures are a significant concern.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER. STIFF AND SLUGGISH.
Steering wheel is not returning to center after a turn. It can be dangerous in certain situations where you would expect the steering to center after making a turn. Took it into a mechanic and they said its a common issue on the bolts. Power steering rack is faulty. This needs to be investigated.... Lots of complaints online!
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manu...
The cars steering is very stiff and won’t return to center without assistance. The vehicles steering is not working as intended. Unfortunately I am unable to see a dealership as the cost to repair is over $4000. The car only has 62k miles and should not be failing so early. This a danger to myself and other drivers
The steering has gotten stiffer over time. It no longer returns to center on its own.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to complete a left or right turn, the steering wheel failed to return to center and was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were required to det...
My Bolt has 87k miles and the steering sticks in various rotation spots. Accelerating doesn't affect the auto-straightening, as power steering should. I've been told to pull the boots back on the steering rack and regreasing the rack. My mechanic won't do this due to a safety. There are 100s of folks on Reddit experiencing the same issue. Some of these folks have less than 50k miles on their car...
The steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns or minor corrections, especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires constant manual correction to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departure. There are no warning lights or noise, and the issue does not appear to be related to alignment, tires, or pressure. M...
The steering feels like it takes more input to control the steering than is reasonable. When coming out of a curve at speed, the steering doesn't return to center and continues to turn requiring additional steering input to come out of the turn.
Steering wheel is stiff and doesn’t return to the center point smoothly especially when going 25 mph and faster. Possible safety issue.
When corning the steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns, at any speed but especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires me manually turn the wheel to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departure. There are no warning lights or noise, and the issue us not appear to be related to alignment, tires, or tir...
While driving, especially at lower speeds or during small steering inputs (such as switching lanes), the steering wheel does not return to center as expected. Instead, it sticks in the turned position, requiring extra effort to manually re-center the wheel. This issue is intermittent but persistent, and worsens over time. It appears to originate from the steering gear/rack, as there is no abnorma...
The steering wheel does not return to center when turning either direction. Steering alternates between feeling loose and tight. After doing some research online, this is definitely a common problem with this vehicle among other drivers. Often it doesn't feel safe.
The steering has grown very stiff and does not return to center. It also feels unstable at speed
My 2017 Chevy Bolt ev, (as well as others as found on the Chevy Bolt ev owners forum) has a problem with the steering wheel sticking during turns and not returning to center. The dealers want $2200 - $2500 to replace the steering rack. Since this is a frequently reported problem and can represent a hazard, should this be subject to a recall? I am puting in todays date, however this existed since p...
Steering system does not return to center after turns. This is a 'known' issue on the forums, and is due to the lubricant drying out. If left untended, the steering system will eventually bind and possibly seize up. GM response is to replace the steering rack and pinion for a cost of $3000-4000.
Car is not returning to center on turns without significant effort by driver. This has almost caused multiple accidents. This is a common problem and should be a recall
The rack and pinion for this bolt is getting problematic and requires repair and should be recalled.
The steering gear, (gear rack & pinion), started to fail. Steering became difficult and the car would not return to center on turns. This lead to the car crossing into oncoming traffic or heading off road on turns unless the driver applied significant force to overcome issue.
When driving and going into turns the steering wheel does not return to center.
Showing 20 of 317 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Has the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT been recalled?
No, the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT have?
The 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT has 317 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
The 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT involve steering (97 complaints), electrical system (57 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (29 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, unknown or other, electrical system,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT out of 317 total complaints (2.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT have?
There are 5 fire reports for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT out of 317 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 317 complaints, 0 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT are: 1. STEERING (97 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (57 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (29 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (14 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 97 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, especially at higher speeds, as they can affect vehicle control and safety. The 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT has 317 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
The 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT receives a reliability score of 89/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 317 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 14 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering issues and Electrical system failures.
What are the known issues with the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT?
Known issues with the 2017 CHEVROLET BOLT include: Steering issues, Electrical system failures. These are based on patterns found across 317 NHTSA complaints.
Are steering issues common in the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?
Yes, steering issues are frequent, with the steering wheel not returning to center after turns, especially at higher speeds.
What are the safety implications of electrical system failures in the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?
Electrical system failures can cause steering stiffness and intermittent failures, potentially affecting vehicle control and safety.
How can I check for steering issues in my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?
Check if the steering wheel returns to center after turns, especially at higher speeds, and if it feels stiff or unstable.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, especially at higher speeds, as they can affect vehicle control and safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. The data includes 317 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
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