Fuel System complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Sudden rapid acceleration of car while parking vehicle on December 20, 2023 at approximately 2:00pm. The sudden rapid acceleration caused the vehicle to jump a curb and hit the base of the light pole damaging the right front of the car. Car was towed to the dealership and is currently there. If the car had not hit the base of the light pole, the car could have continued on into a driving lane possibly striking another car or pedestrian. To date , 12/31/23, the car has not been inspected to my knowledge. There was no warning lamps or messages. While reaching down to push the Park button, the engine, which is normally quiet, made a loud whirring noise and then lurched forward.
I own a 2023 Chevy Bolt EV. Around 9/27/24 at 5,144 miles, the vehicle began experiencing serious electrical and propulsion issues. It has been to the dealership six times, each requiring a tow due to total loss of function. Issues include blown fuses, charging failures, shifting problems, propulsion loss, and repeated warning messages. Repairs have involved fuse box replacements, a new wiring harness, and other electrical components. The car has spent over 100 hours inactive at the dealership. Problems have been confirmed by technicians, but persist despite repairs. Additional safety concerns include a defective impact sensor, airbag warning lights, and a burned-out headlamp. These compromise crash readiness and visibility. Due to ongoing issues, the vehicle has been parked and unused for months, as it is unsafe and unreliable to drive. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. …
General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that has been waiting on a battery replacement for over a year. GM will not inform me or the dealership of when it might be repaired. Concurrently GM is making and selling new bolts that use the battery pack that could be used to fix the old bolts. It is criminal that they would allow dangerous vehicles to remain in public while they make brand new vehicles for profit using the part that could fix every single old vehicle. Based on GMs public response to the matter they are false advertising their response to "prioritize cars" that are already made that are faulty. …
General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that has been waiting on a battery replacement for over a year. GM will not inform me or the dealership of when it might be repaired. Concurrently GM is making and selling new bolts that use the battery pack that could be used to fix the old bolts. It is criminal that they would allow dangerous vehicles to remain in public while they make brand new vehicles for profit using the part that could fix every single old vehicle. Based on GMs public response to the matter they are false advertising their response to "prioritize cars" that are already made that are faulty. …
I recently purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV (VIN [redacted]) with current mileage about 1800 on odometer. Two days ago my wife was driving on the 91 freeway going at normal highway speed when all of a sudden the car just decelerated ABRUPTLY to 20 mph with an error "propulsion power is reduced". Two Ford F-150 trucks immediately behind her had to veer quickly around her (but this could've easily caused other accidents as well). She had to cross three lanes of traffic to get on to the shoulder while only able to drive at 20 mph. There was still 131 miles of battery charge left so it wasn't because of low battery. Overall it was an EXTREMELY dangerous situation whenever a car decelerates abruptly without any warning especially while driving on freeway. I don't know how she escaped unscathed and was not rear-ended, but she is traumatized by the entire incident. …
Four times during a cross country trip, after a Level 3 dc charging session, the car would either not start or if it did would not shut off. The gear could not be shifted into reverse or drive and the radio, AC all shut down even though the car was still on. The service soon indicator light came on. Diagnostics from ON-STAR said that it was the propulsion system. Another indicator light came on saying conditions not right shifting. The fifth time it occured while the car was moving and unlike the four previous times the gear couldn't be jiggled or temporarily rebooting the car by removing the 12-volt battery. The car had to be towed to the dealer where it was announced that drive control wiring harness needed to be replaced. This problem is well documented on GM Bolt forums. The car should have been recalled before my family was put at risk. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Propulsion Power Reduced - Service Soon" was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon investigation, it was discovered that the power output was limited. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed that the battery replacement was on an indefinite backorder. The contact was not provided an estimate for when the battery would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 25,100.
I received recall notices in the fall of 2021 and at that time I did the suggested changes to the vehicle's menu as to charging percentage etc.. I did not get full use out of the vehicle through the winter for fears of lack of charge during the colder months and concerns about safety. On 3/31/22 I took the vehicle to the dealer, Central Maine Motors Auto Group -Waterville Maine, for the suggested software updates. At first there might have been an improvement in charge allowed, but difficult to tell because with the warming weather it would show more. On or around 6/15 the car behaved erratically while in stop and go driving and I noticed a warning on the dash which said something about propulsion problems and to take it to a dealer. The charge left did not read correctly on the way home and the vehicle would not charge when I got there. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Bolt EV years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (70), 2019 (44), 2020 (31), 2021 (15) and 2018 (11) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for any Chevrolet Bolt EV model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 12,000 miles; 91% 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.