2018 Chevrolet Bolt Safety Report
2018 Chevrolet Bolt: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Persistent Steering Issues Raise Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
Reliability Score
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Wheel Fails To Return To Center / Steering Binding The steering wheel often becomes stiff, binds, or fails to return to the center position after turning, requiring manual force to straighten the vehicle. This is frequently attributed to a faulty steering gear or lack of lubrication. |
High | Common | 25000-96000 miles |
| Propulsion Power Reduced Warning Vehicle displays a 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning, leading to sudden and significant drops in speed, creating a rear-end collision risk. |
Medium | Occasional | Unknown miles |
| Hmi Module Failure The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) display module fails, causing the screen to flicker on and off, leading to driver distraction. |
Low | Occasional | Unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt:
The most prevalent issue, accounting for 22 out of 73 complaints, involves the steering system, specifically the steering wheel not returning to center, binding, or feeling stiff.
A significant number of complaints (15 out of 73) relate to the electrical system, including issues with the HMI module and battery-related concerns.
Complaints include 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings, indicating issues with the vehicle's electric propulsion system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt received excellent crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has a notable number of complaints (22 out of 73 total) regarding steering issues that could compromise safety during driving, despite no recalls for this specific problem.
What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt are related to the STEERING system, accounting for 30% of all complaints. Owners frequently report the steering wheel failing to return to center or feeling stiff. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (20.5% of complaints) and 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?
According to the provided data, there are no recalls specifically listed for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. However, some complaints reference a battery recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000) that affected other Bolt models, with owners of 2018 models sometimes inquiring about its applicability or impact on their vehicle's range.
How does the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, and 5 stars for both side crash and rollover resistance.
What should I look out for if considering a used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt?
If considering a used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt, pay close attention to the steering feel. Test drive the vehicle thoroughly to check if the steering wheel returns to center smoothly after turns and if there's any unusual stiffness or binding. Also, inquire about any 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings or electrical system issues the previous owner may have experienced.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent and serious steering issues reported by owners; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the steering system is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt. The data includes 73 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt 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.