2017 Chevrolet Bolt Problems
Used CHEVROLET BOLT shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 316 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2017 Chevrolet Bolt has 316 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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2017 Chevrolet Bolt Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. 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.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt 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
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt has 316 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Bolt
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 316
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 119
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 128 / 110
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 238
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2017 Chevrolet Bolt problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Steering Defects
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Steering Defects, Fuel/Propulsion System. 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 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?
This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, 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
The CHEVROLET BOLT has 316 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 9 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.
- 316 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 9 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2017 Chevrolet Bolt complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 111 | 3 | 4 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 106 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 68 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 30 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 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 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER. STIFF AND SLUGGISH.
Steering wheel is not returning to center after a turn. It can be dangerous in certain situations where you would expect the steering to center after making a turn. Took it into a mechanic and they said its a common issue on the bolts. Power steering rack is faulty. This needs to…
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V560000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The cars steering is very stiff and won’t return to center without assistance. The vehicles steering is not working as intended. Unfortunately I am unable to see a dealership as the cost to repair is over $4000. The car only has 62k miles and should not be failing so early. This …
The steering has gotten stiffer over time. It no longer returns to center on its own.
The steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns or minor corrections, especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires constant manual correction to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departur…
My Bolt has 87k miles and the steering sticks in various rotation spots. Accelerating doesn't affect the auto-straightening, as power steering should. I've been told to pull the boots back on the steering rack and regreasing the rack. My mechanic won't do this due to a safety. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to complete a left or right turn, the steering wheel failed to return to center and was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a l…
The steering feels like it takes more input to control the steering than is reasonable. When coming out of a curve at speed, the steering doesn't return to center and continues to turn requiring additional steering input to come out of the turn.
Steering wheel is stiff and doesn’t return to the center point smoothly especially when going 25 mph and faster. Possible safety issue.
When corning the steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns, at any speed but especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires me manually turn the wheel to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane…
While driving, especially at lower speeds or during small steering inputs (such as switching lanes), the steering wheel does not return to center as expected. Instead, it sticks in the turned position, requiring extra effort to manually re-center the wheel. This issue is intermit…
The steering wheel does not return to center when turning either direction. Steering alternates between feeling loose and tight. After doing some research online, this is definitely a common problem with this vehicle among other drivers. Often it doesn't feel safe.
The steering has grown very stiff and does not return to center. It also feels unstable at speed
My 2017 Chevy Bolt ev, (as well as others as found on the Chevy Bolt ev owners forum) has a problem with the steering wheel sticking during turns and not returning to center. The dealers want $2200 - $2500 to replace the steering rack. Since this is a frequently reported problem …
Steering system does not return to center after turns. This is a 'known' issue on the forums, and is due to the lubricant drying out. If left untended, the steering system will eventually bind and possibly seize up. GM response is to replace the steering rack and pinion for a …
Car is not returning to center on turns without significant effort by driver. This has almost caused multiple accidents. This is a common problem and should be a recall
The steering gear, (gear rack & pinion), started to fail. Steering became difficult and the car would not return to center on turns. This lead to the car crossing into oncoming traffic or heading off road on turns unless the driver applied significant force to overcome issue.
The rack and pinion for this bolt is getting problematic and requires repair and should be recalled.
When driving and going into turns the steering wheel does not return to center.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
Safety recalls
2017 Chevrolet Bolt recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Chevrolet Bolt buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 316 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. 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 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (111 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (106 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (68 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 316 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt?▾
This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. 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 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt based on your ownership experience.
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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.