Steering complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The car had weird noise (clunky) when I make the turn either left or right since beginning in Apri 2025. On April 17 in the morning, I drove to work while exit on freeway. When I try to turn into other street at speed of 20 mph, the car is not turning as normal as expected. It went beyond the other lane even I just turn in regularly with normal angle within my lane. (with huge clunky noise and lose control to make a turn) I was almost hit the other car on my left side as those are parallel with 2 lanes. I immediately rush to local GM dealer next day (April 18) and drop off the car for inspection. The dealer identified and confirmed there is an issue with the steering gear. (No fix due to extremely costly) I have to keep driving at risk.
I bought my 2023 Bolt EV new on Dec 2024. Around Jan 2025 I start hearing clicking behind the steering wheel when I turn to make parking maneuvers. By April 2025 the clicking is loud and a common occurrence. The steering no longer returns to center and it is noticeably hard to turn the steering wheel. I brought it to the dealership and was repaired under factory warranty for being a faulty part. The issue, which was a leak causing the steering rack to bind, was fixed. See the attached Chevrolet dealership documentation for further details. I have not noticed any further issues after driving for month after repairs were done.
While driving at a low speed (approx. 5-10 mph), the front passenger-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural shear without warning. This caused the wheel assembly to collapse outward and the CV axle to pull out of the transmission. The failure caused a complete loss of steering control, veering the vehicle into a curb. Physical evidence (outward axle pull and high-side rim scratches) indicates the mechanical failure preceded the impact. This occurred at only 38,155 miles on a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Outward Dislocation: Photos show the CV axle pulled OUT of the transmission and the wheel leaning OUT (positive camber). A curb impact would push these components IN. This proves the wheel fell away from the car first. Pre-Impact Grinding: The interior barrel of the rim and the brake dust shield show heavy rotational grinding and metal-on-metal scoring. …
2022 Chevy Bolt, less than 10,000 miles. Problem began 11/24/23. Steering wheel locks up at low speeds, gives warning "Steering Assistance reduced" at higher speeds. At low speeds, steering wheel turns only a small amount before it clicks and stops. Very dangerous in tight parking lots or trying to turn left or right from a stop - takes multiple tries to get steering wheel to turn, and sometimes it jerks back in the opposite direction. Took it to dealer, they said steering column needs to be replaced. Did not have an accident or hit anything prior - I think the column is defective.
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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that a front alignment was required. The vehicle received the front wheel alignment, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer two additional times, but a cause for the failure was not determined; but the vehicle received a second alignment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle. The rear axle was replaced, but the failure continued. …
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. …
Steering sticks and does not return to center in sweeping turns. Clicking noise over bumps in very cold weather (may or may not be related--steering issue most concerning). Most prominent at higher speeds (for example, getting off of the highway) but occurs at any speed. Once you turn the wheel, it will return slightly then stick in place. It takes a small amount of extra force to correct it back towards center. During these occurrences it may continue to stick or may begin to act normally after the "correction." I would be alright with providing the vehicle for inspection and/or demonstration if requested. The first time this happened, I was driving along twisting roads in northern Michigan. The occurrence caught me off guard, and I traveled over the lines. …
I first noticed an issue with the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn, and also when in a slow sweeping curve that the wheel would hold the position and keep in the turn/curve unless corrected by manually turning it straight. I had new tires installed on 11/6/2024 and the alignment was checked and was correct. The tires that I chose turned out to be way harsher riding and noisy then the OEM's so I went with a different tire that was more EV specific. Nothing changed in regards to the steering issue. I checked online at the Chevy Bolt EV forum site to see if anyone else was having this problem and it appears to be a common issue with these cars. The steering rack should not be failing after 33K miles of use. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Bolt EV years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (125), 2019 (46), 2018 (38), 2020 (22) and 2023 (17) model years. Steering complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles; 75% 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.