Transmission complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vehicle was driving and lost all power and came to a stop. After about 5 seconds vehicle regained power. The "check engine light" illuminated on the dash. took to dealer and stated could not replicate problem. Only have the report from vehicle computer and the EV technician did not understand the information and had to call GM for help. Got car back and problem happen again. Dealer had GM specialist out to help. GM reset computer and problem just happens again.
Recurring electronic transmission shift control failure on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Electronic Transmission Shift Control Pushbutton Circuit Board (GM part designation K212) has failed twice within approximately 9,300 miles. First failure occurred at approximately 45,695 miles in July 2025. The dashboard displayed a malfunction indicator and a "Service Transmission" warning. Diagnostic trouble code U18D2 was set: Lost Communication with Transmission Range Selector Control Module on the Powertrain Sensor CAN Bus. The selling Chevrolet dealer replaced the K212 pushbutton circuit board and reprogrammed the HPCM2 module. Second failure occurred at approximately 54,969 miles in March 2026, only about 9,300 miles after the first repair. Same diagnostic code family, including the identical U18D2 code, plus U0076, U18C6, and U240E. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle stalled, failed to shift into gear and would not turn off. A towing agent disconnected the battery and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the service disconnect fuse had blown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine control module (ECM) was replaced, however, the failure reoccurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer had not followed up or returned the contact's calls. The failure mileage was approximately 6,612.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH with the transmission warning light and three other unknown warning lights illuminated. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer determined that the negative battery terminal cable was faulty and replaced the negative battery terminal cable. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and placing it into park, the vehicle lunged forward which resulted in the contact hitting the vehicle in front of them. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.
Video available and was given to USAA insurance company. This 2021 GM Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier trim vehicle experienced a sudden uncommanded extreme acceleration when I selected "D" (drive) mode on the transmission selector after using "R" (reverse) to back out of a parking lot parking space. The vehicle, despite my stomping and holding the brake pedal down and repeatedly selecting a different mode on the transmission selector, could not be stopped and still wanted to accelerate. The vehicle traveled an estimated 250 feet through a parking lot, crossing a street, hitting the curbs at high speed and through a field. The vehicle stopped against some concrete debris in the field pushing in the bumper slightly but with no airbag deployment. The mishap incident was video recorded and thankfully, there were no passengers or public / private property damages / injuries.
When I was parking my car on the street, in front of my house, my Chevy Bolt suddenly accelerated. Like it was full throttle. I slammed the brake pedal, didn't help. My Bolt pushed forward, then to the sidewalk, my parked 4000lbs van, that was in front of me (van had front wheels turned/pointing to the curb). My bolt continued accelerating for another few seconds, even that I was pressing brake pedal as hard as I could. I released and pressed brake pedal at least once or twice. Eventually my car stopped. Whole ordeal lasted just a few seconds. I turned the car off. After a minute, I turned the car on again, very carefully. It behaved normally. Throttle and brakes behaved like always. I parked it and will have it towed to the diagnostic or service place. Both my Chevy Bolt and my van (Dodge ram 1500 van 2003) sustained significant damage.
I am filing a complaint against GM. The following info is from the NHSTA website. Original recall date: Aug 20,2021. Manufacturer Recall Number N212345940. NHTSA Recall Number 21V650. Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available. I have waited over a year for my replacement battery. GM has seen an almost 15,000 vehicle surge in Bolt EV and EUV sales in the most recent financial quarter. And GM has announced increasing new Bolt production by almost 400%. However, thousands of existing Bolt EV owners are still waiting for replacement batteries. GM continues to state that parts are not available. Clearly, with the surge in sales and GM's plan to increase Bolt production, parts are available. Existing Bolt owners have suffered for years with defective batteries that none of us known if or when a battery will catch on fire and kill us or damage property. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Bolt EV years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (27), 2019 (13), 2018 (12), 2020 (11) and 2021 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles; 85% 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.