DecodedCarsChevrolet Bolt EV
7 model years from 2017 to 2023, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2017–2023
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Latest engines
- Electric
- EV range
- up to 259 mi
- Latest rating
- ★★★★★ (2023)
- Recalls
- 13 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2017 (349)
- Fewest problems
- 2023
- Interest
- 8,735 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2023 Bolt EV in brief
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 163 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,589 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 259 miles and takes about 7.5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has 7 model years in our data, from 2017 to 2023.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (379), steering (262), fuel/propulsion system (189).
Buying used? 2023 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2017 is the year to avoid.
2020 has the most recalls (8); all years together count 13 campaigns and 979 owner complaints.
How the 2017 Bolt EV compares
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 238 miles and takes about 9.3 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
About the Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt is a family of battery electric subcompact hatchbacks and small crossover SUVs manufactured and marketed by General Motors under its Chevrolet brand from late 2016, with hiatuses in 2021-2022 and 2023–2025. The 2017-2023 Bolt EV are hatchbacks, while the 2021-2023 Bolt EUV and 2027 Bolt are slightly larger subcompact crossover SUVs.
From the Wikipedia article "Chevrolet Bolt", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2023 Bolt EV pros & cons
Full 2023 details →What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2023 Bolt EV
61 owner complaints · 3 recalls · 1 fire report · 8 crash reports
NHTSA overall: ★★★★★
Year to avoid2017 Bolt EV
349 owner complaints · 4 recalls · 5 fire reports · 11 crash reports
Most reported: Steering
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 7 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Bolt EV changes by model year
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 7 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Electric | 259 mi | 163.4 in | 3,589 lb | ★★★★★ | 3 | 61 |
| 2022 | Electric | 259 mi | 163.4 in | 3,589 lb | ★★★★★ | 7 | 59 |
| 2021 | Electric | 259 mi | – | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 67 |
| 2020 | Electric | 259 mi | – | – | ★★★★★ | 8 | 176 |
| 2019 | Electric | 238 mi | – | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 178 |
| 2018 | Electric | 238 mi | – | – | Not rated | 5 | 89 |
| 2017 | Electric | 238 mi | – | – | Not rated | 4 | 349 |
Alternatives to the 2022 Bolt EV
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Honda HR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Kia Niro | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 247 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Kia Soul | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →