Before you buy
This 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev has 66 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2021 has 66 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults (33) and propulsion issues (15) most common. It also has 5 recalls. Buyers should verify recall completion and inspect the electrical system. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Bolt Ev
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 66
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 118
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 127 / 108
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 259
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev?
The 2021 Bolt EV has notable electrical and propulsion complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls are addressed.
Electrical faults and propulsion issues can lead to unexpected failures or reduced range, impacting daily usability and safety.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher maintenance risk for an electric vehicle.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal service visits should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev
Inspection Focus
- Inspect battery and charging system for electrical faults.
- Check propulsion system for error codes or performance issues.
- Verify all 5 recalls have been performed.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for propulsion and drivetrain repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or steering issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV shows a high rate of electrical faults (33 complaints) and fuel/propulsion system issues (15 complaints). With 5 recalls and only 4 crash-related complaints, the data suggests significant reliability concerns but limited safety incidents. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2021 has elevated electrical complaints, but data for adjacent years is not provided.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, pre-purchase verification of recall completion is essential to address known safety defects.
- Electrical faults account for 33 of 66 total complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues total 15 complaints.
- There are 5 recalls for the 2021 model year.
- Electrical faults (33 complaints)
- Fuel/propulsion system issues (15 complaints)
- Transmission/drivetrain defects (10 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 33 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2021 Chevy Bolt keeps showing a battery or power-Propulsion warning light related to the high-voltage system. The warning keeps coming back even after multiple repairs. The first repair was on April 28, 2025, the second was on December 17, 2025, and it is scheduled again for a…
I was in a car accident on February 9th, in which my airbags did not deploy, however, I did receive an error in my Chevy app that my Air Bag system requires attention. I sustained facial injuries due to impact with the steering wheel. I believe the airbags should have deployed, b…
Steering rack binding. Becoming progressively harder to turn over time. Steering wheel doesn't return to center. Clunking in front end occasionally heard when hitting bumps.
The steering wheel will not return to center and feels like its binding on something, sometimes its tough to steer other times not. Does not feel safe. No warning lamps and nobody has inspected or worked on it yet.
Steering gear is bound up due to a documented manufacturing error. Steering is increasingly stiff at speed, and will not return to center without significant driver input. This is a widespread issue that has been documented and causes a major safety concern to Chevy Bolt owners a…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack. Steering wont return to center at 38,000 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car handles unpredictably posing safety risk to others and m…
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…
12v battery warning light and ion Lucian battery light came on manufacture does not want to buy back and apple car play keeps breaking.
STEERING GEER HAVING ISSUES OF THE STEERING WHEEL COMING BACK TO CENTER AFTER THE TURN. NOW NEED TO REPLACE STEERING GEER
Shift selector failed. Could no shift into gear Drive, low or Reverse. Locked in park but could shift to neutral. no power steering or AC. If this design flaw failure occurred while the car was on the highway, it could cause an accident. I have contacted General Motors and report…
Car stalled suddenly on road. Can’t change to any driving gear, only neutral. Towed to dealer, diagnose indicated wiring harness was the cause. Expensive fix for ~$400 part with ~$3200 labor cost in addition to dangerous sudden stall.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as needed, and struck a pole. The contact stated that the Forward Collison Avoidance feature failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was unaware of a warning lig…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the "Reduced Propulsion Power" warning light illuminated, and a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The contact called a local dealer who advi…
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…
I believe the recall remedy gm n21345944 is not sufficient because it dies not monitor the system during the 80-100 % charge. It only allows ip to 80 which is not when it fails. Also it just gives an alert and does not shut down the battery which can allow the fure to happen. …
In nearly exactly the same fashion as Tesla, Chevrolet has reduced my battery range by 15-20% and they don't have any idea when or if they will restore what I've paid for.
Our car (2021 Chevy Bolt) has been under recall N212345940 since September 2021 for a battery that could catch fire if charged to full capacity. The GM recall stated "when parts are available, your Chevrolet dealer will replace the defective lithium ion battery modules in your ve…
While driving on the road, a sound came from under the car, and suddenly the car lost all propulsion power and was gliding on the road. The manufacturer told me the Manual Disconnect Lever was disconnected and Fuse was blown with no explanation on the root cause. After a few ca…
I purchased a 2021 Bolt EV in mid-2021. I am disappointed in how GM handled the battery recall on my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. In Sept 2021 I received notice of safety recall N212345940 stating that the "Parts to repair your vehicle are not currently available" and I should "Set …
The car can blow up and catch on fire due to excessive heat and humidity. Dealer is responsible for fixing it but it's been over 2 years and I want to end my lease early due to safety concerns. I have barely driven the car and kept it out of the garage (except for charging) but f…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev.
Safety recalls
2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. With 5 recalls, pre-purchase verification of recall completion is essential to address known safety defects. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 66 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Bolt EV has notable electrical and propulsion complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (33 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (15 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 66 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY. With 5 recalls, pre-purchase verification of recall completion is essential to address known safety defects. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev?▾
The 2021 Bolt EV has notable electrical and propulsion complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls are addressed. Electrical faults and propulsion issues can lead to unexpected failures or reduced range, impacting daily usability and safety. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Bolt Ev reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.