Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems
Owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Chevrolet Bolt EV across 7 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (125). The words owners use most often: “return center” (61% of reports).
- 261steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $3,150typical repair cost reported by owners
- 14%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Return center: mentioned in 160 of 261 complaints (61%)
- Steering rack: mentioned in 73 of 261 complaints (28%)
- Turn wheel: mentioned in 16 of 261 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Chevrolet Bolt EV at $3,150, and half of them between $2,600 and $3,750.
Based on 24 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2020–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 16 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 261 complaints, 2 mention a crash.
Chevrolet Bolt EV steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Bolt EV | 17 | 28% | — |
| 2022 Bolt EV | 4 | 7% | — |
| 2021 Bolt EV | 9 | 13% | 691 |
| 2020 Bolt EV | 22 | 13% | — |
| 2019 Bolt EV | 46 | 26% | 26,500 |
| 2018 Bolt EV | 38 | 43% | 42,987 |
| 2017 Bolt EV | 125 | 36% | 41,750 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists steering for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The steering (rack and pinion) is dangerous. My previous 2019 bolt with 43000 miles handled great and this one (17 with 36xxx) I have to keep both hands on the wheel at all times because it pulls after a turn and the wheel doesnât find center so I am constantly sawing at the steering wheel. At…
The steering rack is binding and has malfunctioned. The steering wheel does not return to center after turning and vibrates or wobbles while driving, which may impair steering control and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by a certified automotive repair…
The steering wheel on my 2019 Chevy bolt is feeling stiff and harder to turn when making a right and left turn.
Steering has resistance and will not to return to center/neutral position without driver manipulation. I've never experienced this probelm with another car and See many other Chevrolet Bolt owners have experienced the same problem. IT definitely seems to be a design and /or assembly flaw. Local GM…
I am reporting a potential steering system safety defect involving my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The problem began at approximately 22,800 miles. The steering wheel developed a grinding noise, a noticeable catching/binding sensation when turned, and would not return to center normally after a turn…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Bolt EVs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 261 owner complaints about steering for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Bolt EV steering?
No recall currently lists steering for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,150 (half paid between $2,600 and $3,750), from 24 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The most frequent phrase is “return center”, in 160 of 261 complaints, followed by “steering rack” (73).
Other Chevrolet Bolt EV problems
See all Chevrolet Bolt EV problems.