Brake complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2023 Chevy bolt has a hand 'regenerative brake'. I was using it while driving in traffic. My speed was around 40 mph when the car in front of me abruptly stopped. The distance between us was approximately 30 ft. I immediately switched from hand brake to foot brake and the pedal felt soft and there was a delay in response to foot brake. I rear ended the vehicle in front of me causing damages to both vehicles. This had happened in August 2023. I called the manufacture to let them know what happened and they told that they will pass the information. I made a call to them in December of 2023. My vehicle was not inspected for this issue as I am not sure who can help me with this problem. There were no warning lights before the accident. Ever since the accident I have tested switching from 'hand brake' to foot brake and always feel a softer pedal and a slight delay in response. …
The contact rented a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH the driver depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The contact indicated that during the crash the vehicle was low on electrical charge and was being operated in the "One Pedal" mode and the the air bags did not deploy. The rear passenger seated on the passenger side sustained an injured neck which did not require medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was driven away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The rental company was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the computer would intermittently glitch while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that upon approaching a stop, the brakes failed to operate as needed and the contact was forced to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 635.
About 1 month ago I picked up my daughter from school. Just as we exited the parking lot, there was nothing in front and the brakes came on and the car turned off and would not restart for a few minutes. The same day, we were on the way home I was traveling about 35mph. All of a sudden the brakes came on again. This time there was nothing in front but many cars behind, so I floored the accelerator the car tires screeched. I was less than a mile from home and made it without incident. The dealership is unable to reproduce or review the logs because the vehicle stopped logging everything since December 4th. The car is in my driveway and I don't trust it can safely be driven. The dealership is not helpful by telling me to just monitor the situation and bring it in if it happens again. I am seeing on the internet that there are many people experiencing this exact problem.
At random times even while driving: First and most importantly, speed will read 0 MPH while driving. Second the following errors will appear on the dash: "Steering Assist Reduced Drive with Care" "Pedestrian Friendly Alert System" Also, the following lights in the dash light up: Brake System Warning Light Service Vehicle Soon Light Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Service Electric Parking Brake Light Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light If this happens while driving I have experienced the following: If turning, the steering wheel will jerk because the vehicle loses power steering. If vehicle is in cruise control, the cruise control will disengage and the Regenerative Braking will quickly slow down the vehicle. I have taken the Vehicle to the GM dealership. They had the vehicle in their shop for a month and could not resolve the issue. …
As I started to leave the driveway in a forward driving position, my brand new Chevy bolt with only 2430 miles on it put itself into park. It made a terrible metal grinding noise and jolted us forward. My foot was still on the accelerator because I thought it was going to drive but it stopped then I looked around trying to figure out why. The "e" break was not on and I realized that the car was in park. Nothing was around the drive stick. Nothing touched it and I believe it put it's self into park when I was driving. This was very scary to us and I did not know what to do so I called the Chevy dealer where I bought the car and they said to bring it into get checked. On my way the accelerator pedal started to wiggle and shake slightly.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-60 mph and 30 feet from another vehicle, the brake pedal was applied but traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. There were no reported injuries, fire, or police reports filed. The air bags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
I have had people following me, and almost hit me when stopped at a stop sign, or waiting to turn left, because the brake lights go off while the car is still being held to some degree by electric motor braking. When driving the car in L mode, one pedal driving, the brake lights come on when decelerating, but when stopped they turn off. The issue is, there is some electrical braking applied when stopped at a stop sign or light, even with no foot on the brake pedal. The car will hold on a slight grade when in L, with no foot on the brake pedal. As far as I understand the law, if there is service braking being applied, the brake lights must be on. I also believe that the electric motor holding back is considered to be service brakes on an EV. I've heard GM corrected this issue on the 2022 models, and I think it should be corrected in the earlier models. …
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. These vehicles may have an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the casting lot number on the front left brake caliper and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Bolt EV years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (22), 2023 (8), 2018 (7), 2019 (5) and 2022 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 20V-808 (caliper, Dec 22, 2020); 18V-576 (caliper, Aug 30, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Bolt EV brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles; 100% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.