EVCost Per Mile

Chevrolet Bolt EV Buyer Checklist

2017–2023·Last reviewed 6/9/2026·13 active NHTSA recalls

Most-recalled mass-market EV in history — but ironically, post-recall Bolts have NEW battery packs with refreshed warranties. Excellent used buy if recall is verified done.

Used EV battery health →

Paperwork

  • VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
  • Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
  • Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
  • Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
  • Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

  • Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
  • Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
  • All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
  • Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
  • Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
  • Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
  • All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

  • Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
  • Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
  • All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
  • Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
  • Floor mats present and correct part numbers
  • Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

  • Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
  • Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
  • Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
  • Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
  • Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
  • Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

  • Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
  • Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
  • Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
  • Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
  • Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

Known Issues

Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.

  • Major

    LG cell defect — fire risk (entire 2017–2022 production)

    Massive multi-phase recall replaced battery modules for all affected Bolts. Always confirm completion before purchase.

    Source: NHTSA 21V-560 ↗
  • Minor

    Slow DC fast charging by design

    55 kW peak DCFC is much lower than newer EVs. Plan road trips accordingly.

  • Minor

    Front seat comfort complaints

    Pre-2022 seats are widely regarded as uncomfortable; 2022+ EUV seats are better.

Active NHTSA Recalls

Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS 22V930000

    2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
    Consequence: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 24V481000

    2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Dealers will reinstall the advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 1, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's numbers for this recall are N242443000 and N242443002.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SEAT BELTS 20V811000

    2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
    Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 20V701000

    2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 21V560000

    2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER 18V576000

    2018 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    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. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
    Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH 20V184000

    2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.
    Consequence: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.
    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 21V650000

    2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 1, 2021 and June 23, 2023. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall 21V-560. GM's number for this recall is N212345940.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS 23V845000

    2017 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
    Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 / 1-800-833-2438) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER 20V808000

    2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    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.
    Consequence: If a brake caliper fractures and brake fluid is lost, the vehicle may experience reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202321400.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 24V812000

    2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
    Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Set the Target Charge Level feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Dealers will reinstall advanced diagnostic software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N242470160.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL 23V567000

    2022 CHEVROLET BOLT EV · 10/8/2023
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The instrument panel may be missing the perforation on the underside of the panel cover that allows the passenger-side air bag to deploy properly.
    Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL 21V517000

    2022 CHEVROLET BOLT EV · 8/7/2021
    General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles. One of the two fasteners that secure the driver's frontal air bag to the steering wheel may be missing or improperly tightened.
    Consequence: An improperly installed air bag may not deploy properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the driver-side air bag fasteners. If the fasteners cannot be tightened properly, the air bag assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212340860.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

Checklist for Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2023). Last reviewed 6/9/2026. evcostpermile.com — not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.