DecodedCars2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 259 mi · 7.5 h on 240 V
- Length
- 163.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,589 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Bolt EV — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Bolt EV →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Orion, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2023 Bolt EV configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 163.4 in | 69.7 in | 63.4 in | 102.4 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,589 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt EV EV | 150 kW ACPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 259 mi · 28.1083 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2023 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV (this car) | 259 mi | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 247 mi | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Kia Soul | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 14, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V845000 · 6,771 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Aug 10, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V567000 · 317 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V930000 · 111,242 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 259 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Bolt EV years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Bolt EV | 259 mi | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 59 |
| 2021 Bolt EV | 259 mi | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 67 |
| 2020 Bolt EV | 259 mi | – | ★★★★★ | 8 | 176 |
| 2019 Bolt EV | 238 mi | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 178 |
| 2018 Bolt EV | 238 mi | – | Not rated | 5 | 89 |
| 2017 Bolt EV | 238 mi | – | Not rated | 4 | 350 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →