2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 8%of 350 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,200miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 8% of the 350 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,200 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 dealership performed unauthorized service on the vehicle. In contact with the manufacturer(GM) they are in willing to reverse the unauthorized software update until a long term solution has been identified. I have opened a case 1 week in advance and no resolution has been communicated about their responsibility of rendering my vehicle unusable.”
NHTSA complaint #11388285, filed 2021-01, 62,000 miles“I experienced a failure of the 12-volt battery. When this happens, the vehicle loses power, stalls, and then it looses all functions - cannot be even shifted into neutral to move it, cannot open rear doors. We couldn't even get in on a tow truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11141635, filed 2018-10, 7,000 miles“On 2018-07-26 at approximately 2325h, vehicle was being driven at ~70mph northbound on I-95, the maine turnpike. Location was approximately 1/2 mile north of exit-32 (biddeford, me). Road conditions were good, temperatures in the mid-70f, humid. The owner's wife was driving, with her husband in the passenger seat. At the time listed, the vehicle sounded a warning chime, and rapidly lost power from highway speeds (70 mi/hr). Vehicle, with the exception of speed, was in control with brakes and steering, emergency flashers, and lights operating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114062, filed 2018-07, 22,200 miles“The problem is that it is too easy to put the car in park by accident. On several occasions, I was trying to go from the l position to the r position. To do so requires you to press the side button and maneuver the shifter to the r position. On several occasions, while doing so, I inadvertently pushed the p button on top of the shifter resulting in the car ending in park when I wanted to reverse. This happens when I grabbed the shifter and press on the p button with my palm while trying to press the side button. Most of the times it was not a big deal, I just tried again and then proceeded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10967100, filed 2017-03, 1,000 miles“Stopped at store1/24/2018 when tried to restart, received transmission warning service sign, unable to move attempted 3 more times over 2 hours. Finally it ran, but service transmission light stayed on. Took to dealer. Told it was a computer update that was needed, it hasn't happened since. Reviewing chevy bolt forum, appparently I am not first owner service transmission warning has come on with car disabled it was stationary when service light first came on. Had driven a mile after work day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11065760, filed 2018-01, 1,700 milesRelated 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.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11007914Aug 14, 2024This engineering information (EI) will assist GM to recover a small number of electric vehicle battery packs from customer-owned vehicles in the field for further engineering…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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…
- 10242309Aug 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns…
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
125 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsFuel system
70 complaintsOther or unknown
34 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 31, 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