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2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and traction battery. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel fails to return to center after turns.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #20V184000 · Mar 26, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.

Risk: If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Campaign #21V560000 · Jul 23, 2021

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) 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 indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Campaign #20V701000 · Nov 13, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V576000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Campaign #22V930000 · Dec 15, 2022

Issue: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Campaign #23V845000 · Dec 14, 2023

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel fails to return to center after turns

STEERING

43 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-07

“Steering wheel does not return to center on turns when driving at low speeds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749605
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to return to center after turning to the left or the right. The contact used excessive force to manually return the steering wheel to center”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624907
“As with other Chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705458

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment touchscreen freeze or blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2023-12

“The infotainment screen suddenly froze and blasted an extremely loud static noise that nearly caused an accident. It has a lot of problems with freezing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562410
“The center touchscreen will intermittently freeze when started and not recover when driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418305
“SINCE NEW I'VE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE BOLT EV'S INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY GOING BLACK TO INCLUDE THE BACKUP CAMERA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363166

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Charging port latch fails to lock or release

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2022-08

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while attempting to recharge the vehicle, the charging unit that plugs into the vehicle failed to securely lock into place”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477198
“Solenoid on charge receptacle that asserts locking latch gets stuck in extended state leaving the car in a bricked state - out of charge and unable to insert a charger”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448118
“I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THIS ELECTRIC CAR AT A GREENLOTS CCS (480VOLT) CHARGER IN KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258530

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-voltage battery fire risk under recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

86 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2023-01

“MY 2019 CHEVY BOLT WAS FULLY CHARGED AND DRIVEN FOR 12 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION, A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH PRIVATE OUTDOOR OPEN PARKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339878
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V701000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428348
“I received another recall letter regarding the battery issue today stating the fix has no date in sight. I was denied a buyback by GM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429912

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected loss of propulsion while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2023-05

“VEHICLE WAS DOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON INTERSTATE 81 IN PENNSYLVANIA IN THE LEFT LANE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD THUD, FOLLOWED BY RAPID DECELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268291
“I HAVE A 2019 BOLT EV (MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 10K) THAT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED GEAR TO "PARK" MODE FROM THE "L" MODE AND SLOWED TO AN ALMOST STOP WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT RUSH HOUR DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MI/HR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309133
“FAILURE OF THE "DRIVE MOTOR BATTERY HIGH VOLTAGE MANUAL DISCONNECT LEVER" CAUSED IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ON THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319935

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard reflection causing windshield glare

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2020-11

“I EXPERIENCED EXTREME WINDSHIELD GLARE WHILE DRIVING MY NEW CHEVY BOLT AT MIDDAY ON A VERY SUNNY DAY. THE GLARE WAS MANAGEABLE AT FIRST, AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A LEFT TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230428
“CAR CAME WITH LIGHT GRAY DASHBOARD WHICH UNBEKNOWNST TO ME AND UNDECLARED BY DEALER HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA SINCE 2017 AS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO REFLECTION AND GLARE THAT THIS COLOR DASHBOARD CREATES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241906
“DASH REFLECT EXCESSIVE LIGHT ONTO WINDSHIELD BLINDING DRIVER. I HAVE A TURN FROM SR-95 SOUTH TO I-15 NORTH RAMP AND I AM BLINDED WHILE MAKING THE TURN POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375733

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

10

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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