Model year guide

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 357 on record.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints67
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined118 MPGe

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls 5

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software NHTSA Campaign #24V812000 · manufacturer #N242470160 · 31/10/2024

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.

Fix: 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 in…

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery NHTSA Campaign #24V481000 · manufacturer #N242443000 · 27/06/2024

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.

Fix: 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 in…

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #23V845000 · manufacturer #N232421970 · 14/12/2023

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.

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, 202…

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #22V930000 · manufacturer #N222383790 · 15/12/2022

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.

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 numbe…

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery NHTSA Campaign #21V650000 · manufacturer #N212345940 · 20/08/2021

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.

Fix: 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 in…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 9.7% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV efficiency & running costs

Combined118 MPGe
City127 MPGe
Highway108 MPGe
Est. annual energy cost$650
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Electric range259 mi
Charge time (240V)10 hours
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Energy (5 yrs)$3,250
Energy only$3,250
Per mile$0.04

How this is estimated: energy is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 506

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 506.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Bulletin PIC6551C · Aug 2026

Certain vehicles may have a condition where a false diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is set. Dealers are to reprogram the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.

Bulletin N252530430-01 · Aug 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

Bulletin PIT5966F · Jun 2026

Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

Bulletin PIC6423A · May 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Bulletin PIC6551B · May 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

Improvements to OnStar functionality.

Bulletin N25-250552 · Mar 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the BOLT EV FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

High Voltage

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N212345941/N212345944 (Transport Canada recall no. 2021-524) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the high-voltage battery could overheat when it is charged to over 90% of its capacity. As a result, the battery could creat…

Transport Canada #2024371 · Jun 2024

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs may not have been completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N222383790 and/or N222383791 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-719). As a result, a second inspection is required. On certain vehicles, the carpet could catch fire after a crash where a front seat belt pretensioner deploys. Safety Risk: A fire that occurs after…

Transport Canada #2023664 · Dec 2023

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the carpet could catch fire after a crash where a front seat belt pretensioner deploys. Safety Risk: A fire that occurs after a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install foil tape under the carpet near the front seatbel…

Transport Canada #2022719 · Dec 2022

Accessories

Issue: This recall is for certain driver's all-weather floor liners sold with new vehicles or as accessory parts sold at General Motors dealerships. On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal could get stuck on the floor liner. If this happens, the vehicle may not slow down when you release the accelerator pedal. Note: If you continue to push the brake pedal, the brake-override…

Transport Canada #2021631 · Oct 2021

High Voltage

Issue: On certain vehicles, the high-voltage battery could overheat when it is charged to over 90% of its capacity. As a result, the battery could create smoke or heat, which can melt or damage the battery and nearby parts. Safety Risk: A battery that overheats can create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehi…

Transport Canada #2021524 · Aug 2021

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

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 Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV trims & engines on record

Trims
LT

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Bolt EV model years

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What is the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV get?

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a U.S. EPA estimate of 118 MPGe combined (127 city / 108 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.