The 2017 Bolt EV is GM's first mass-market electric vehicle with a 238-mile range and generally solid drivetrain reliability, but it's defined by a catastrophic battery fire recall that affected nearly all early models and a few chronic electrical gremlins that come with being a first-generation EV platform.
High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk / Recall Replacement
Common · high severity
Symptoms: NHTSA recall 21V-650 and 21V-891 for thermal runaway fire risk, Battery may catch fire while parked or charging, often when near full charge, GM issued parking restrictions and charge limits before replacement became available, Some owners experienced total loss fires in driveways and garages
Fix: Complete high-voltage battery pack replacement under recall. GM eventually replaced entire packs with updated modules. This is warranty/recall work, but if you're buying used, verify replacement was completed via VIN check. If NOT done, some dealers still honor it, but coverage is murky on older cars. No labor cost to owner if recall work, otherwise this would be a $15,000-20,000 job at 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $0 if recall completed, otherwise $15,000-20,000
12-Volt Battery Failure Leading to No-Start
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Car will not enter 'Ready' mode despite high-voltage battery being charged, Dashboard lights flicker or fail to illuminate, Clicking sound when pressing start button but no propulsion system activation, Remote start and key fob functions stop working intermittently
Fix: The Bolt uses a small 12V AGM battery to power computers and contactors, and it drains faster than traditional cars because systems wake periodically. GM used an undersized battery initially. Replace with OEM or equivalent AGM (not standard flooded). 0.5-1.0 hour labor, battery costs $180-250. Many owners upgrade to a larger capacity aftermarket AGM for longevity.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Shift-to-Park / Shifter Sensor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Warning message: 'Shift to Park' appears even when in Park, Unable to turn off vehicle or remove key fob, Car will not lock or go into sleep mode, draining 12V battery overnight, Occasionally car refuses to shift out of Park
Fix: Shifter actuator or internal sensor fails in the electronic shift-by-wire module. Repair involves replacing the entire shifter assembly (not serviceable internally). 1.5-2.5 hours labor including trim removal and recalibration. Some cases covered under powertrain warranty if under 8 years/100k mi. Used to be on backorder frequently; availability better now.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
High-Voltage Coolant Leak from Battery Thermal Management
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Orange or pink coolant puddle under vehicle (orange indicates HV coolant, never touch), High-voltage system warning light and propulsion power reduced, Battery thermal management fault codes, Overheating warnings during fast charging or in hot weather
Fix: The Bolt uses active liquid cooling for the battery pack, and hoses/fittings can develop leaks at connections or from age. This is high-voltage coolant — requires certified HV technician and proper lockout/tagout. Leak location dictates labor: external hoses are 2-3 hours, internal pack connections require partial disassembly at 6-10 hours. Parts $200-800 depending on component. Some indie shops won't touch HV systems.
Estimated cost: $800-3,500
Onboard Charger Failure / Slow Charging
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Level 2 (240V) charging becomes extremely slow or stops working entirely, Charging fault messages on dashboard or mobile app, DC fast charging still works normally (uses different hardware), Charger makes buzzing or clicking sounds during attempted charge
Fix: The 7.2 kW onboard charger can fail from heat cycling or internal component degradation. Replacement requires removing plastic undertray and disconnecting HV lines. 3-5 hours labor. Charger unit is $1,200-1,800 from GM, sometimes available refurbished for less. Covered under 8yr/100k mi Voltec warranty if eligible. Critical to verify warranty status before repair.
Symptoms: Inconsistent brake pedal feel, especially in cold weather or after sitting, Pedal feels spongy or requires more pressure than expected, Transition between regen and friction braking feels abrupt, ABS/traction control activates unexpectedly at low speeds
Fix: This is a blend-braking calibration quirk on early Bolts where the computer coordinates regenerative and friction braking. Some cases improved with software updates (check for TSBs). Actual hardware failure is rare, but if brake booster or ABS modulator fails, it's 4-6 hours labor and $1,200-2,000 in parts. Most issues resolve with updated calibration flash (1 hour, $150-200). Real brake problems show fault codes.
Estimated cost: $150-2,200
Owner tips
Verify battery recall completion before purchase — check GM's recall portal with VIN, this is non-negotiable
Replace 12V battery proactively at 4-5 years or 60k miles to avoid no-start drama
Use scheduled departure/preconditioning to reduce strain on HV battery thermal system
Keep an eye on Voltec warranty status (8yr/100k miles) — major HV components get expensive after expiration
Find a shop certified for HV work before you need it; not all indies will touch orange cables
Solid commuter EV if battery recall is documented complete and Voltec warranty is still active; avoid if recall isn't verified or you're past 100k miles without a specialist nearby.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Auxiliary 12V battery only; located in rear cargo area; supports vehicle electronics while main traction battery powers drivetrain
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Every control module on the 2017-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Drive Motor Control Module (DMCM)3.5 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with drive motor inverter assembly, under hood on driver side
🔧 GM SPS2 / Techline Connect
⚠️ Functions as powertrain controller for electric drive motor. High-voltage system; requires EV safety certification. Often replaced as complete inverter assembly.
📍 Under hood, driver side near brake master cylinder
🔧 GM SPS2 / Techline Connect
⚠️ Integrates ABS, traction control, stability control, and regenerative braking coordination. Brake bleed and base brake test required after replacement.
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)1.2 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack, integrated with BCM area
🔧 GM SPS2 / Techline Connect
⚠️ Key fob programming required after replacement.
⚠️ Mileage transfer required from old module or GM database.
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under hood, driver side near headlamp assembly
🔧 GM SPS2 or Autel
⚠️ Auto high-beam calibration if equipped. Basic function available without coding.
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly, above license plate
⚠️ Plug-and-play replacement. Camera aim verification recommended.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · 22V930000
2022-12-15
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.
Consequence: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
128MPGe
Highway
110MPGe
Combined
119MPGe
Fuel
Electricity
Capability & size
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
Wiper blades
Hatchback body has rear wiper. Consistent 2017-2023.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric Motor and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.