2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 43%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,987miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 43% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,987 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This vehicle as 42987 miles on the odometer and has been used only in standard highway driving. The steering started to make a clicking noise and became harder to handle. A search of the internet indicated that this problem is common in Chevrolet bolt cars, often occurring when the vehicle has less than a few thousand miles. I took my car to the local Chevrolet dealer who ran a computer diagnostic that showed the car's steering was operating within manufacturer's specs. I was able to persuade the dealer to do an additional examination. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385953, filed 2020-12, 42,987 miles“At about 40k miles my steering changed. The steering would no longer straighten out. It occurred to me on a windy road, and made the drive a lot more difficult as I was not used to it. I just got it fixed from the Chevrolet dealership and they replaced the steering box.”
NHTSA complaint #11679243, filed 2025-08“my bolt was bought in 2018 (2018model) and has only a lil over 35k mileage. I was just informed by the dealer that the whole steering gear needs to be replaced as it could fail at any moment. I checked online for similar issues and seems like there are thousands of complaints of this, I was quoted for $3700 to get this repaired.. This is such a safety issue that it needs to be a recall, especially when considering such a low mileage!!”
NHTSA complaint #11621223, filed 2024-10“When driving at parking lot speeds, I hear a clunk sound and I feel some vibration in the steering column. This is not observed at higher speeds. Also, the steering intermittently becomes stiff and at other times is loose.”
NHTSA complaint #11740952, filed 2026-05“The steering gear went out at 45k miles and I JUST got the car recently. The steering stays stuck when I turn it and it takes turns very sharply. In snow or rainy conditions,This might be fatal. I checked out a couple of forums online regarding this issue and seems like a lot of people have also encountered it. It’s a $4000 fix when I took it Chevrolet. This should be something Chevrolet recalls, not for us to fix as it could end up in a lot of injuries or ever death.”
NHTSA complaint #11619945, filed 2024-10Related 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 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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