2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 125about this part
- Share
- 36%of 350 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 125 complaints about the steering of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 36% of the 350 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering is binding and sticky. The car will not re-center it self in the road after making a turn. All of the oil apparently leaked out of this sealed rack and pinion and is now dry and you have to use extra effort to keep the car centered while driving and to make turns and be ready to fight it back to center once the turn is complete. Took the car to GM and they sold me a set of tires because they said the brand I bought at walmart 6 months ago was not recommended and said only michelin energy tires were recommended. …”
NHTSA complaint #11341475, filed 2020-07, 54,000 miles“The steering gear is failing to return the wheels to center. When you steer into a curve and you complete the curve the steering does not return to center, you must physically turn it back out of the curve. The steering wheel is tight but operates. This could be a problem for me to perform and it is hard to keep within the lines of a lane. Billion Chevy in Iowa City Iowa has confirmed the malfunction. This is a $2100 repair. There are many complaints online of this problem. Why is this not a recall???? They got a batch of bad steering gears in 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11421720, filed 2021-06, 38,058 miles“It is believed the steering rack is failing.When turning right the steering will not return to center. This seems to be a common problem when researched. Tires and all other related components are in good condition. We inspected everything at my place of work which is a automotive repair facility. There are no warning lamps or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11577560, filed 2024-03“The car's steering wheel does not return to center on turns anymore. Over the past month, the I need to force the steering wheel back to center to straighten out the car. I've had the wheels and alignment inspected. I've been told that the steering rack is not functioning properly and should be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11641508, filed 2025-02“My 2017 Chevy Bolt ev, (as well as others as found on the Chevy Bolt ev owners forum) has a problem with the steering wheel sticking during turns and not returning to center. The dealers want $2200 - $2500 to replace the steering rack. Since this is a frequently reported problem and can represent a hazard, should this be subject to a recall? I am puting in todays date, however this existed since purchasing the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11654852, filed 2025-04Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
114 complaintsFuel system
70 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsLane departure
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology