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SteeringPart report

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
13%of 176 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 13% of the 176 complaints for this model year.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“An inspection of this vehicle has found the steering to be binding. The car is only 3 years old and there is no logical reason to justify the need to replace the steering gear. If others are reporting this issue, which I'm guessing they are, I think a recall is warranted. The steering binding is a safety issue, and if it further or fully binds up it could cause an accident. I understand that it could also reduce my ability to sense road traction conditions and make fine adjustments.”

NHTSA complaint #11549717, filed 2023-10

“I first noticed an issue with the steering wheel not returning to center after a turn, and also when in a slow sweeping curve that the wheel would hold the position and keep in the turn/curve unless corrected by manually turning it straight. I had new tires installed on 11/6/2024 and the alignment was checked and was correct. The tires that I chose turned out to be way harsher riding and noisy then the OEM's so I went with a different tire that was more EV specific. Nothing changed in regards to the steering issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11673027, filed 2025-07

“The steering wheel does not return to center. When turning and then releasing the steering wheel to come out of the turn, the wheel stays where it is, causing the car to continue to turn. You must manually steer the wheel back to center position. This always happens when steering. It is not a one-time or intermittent. This is not safe as it makes the car go off the road. There is no warning light or alert from the car itself that something is wrong. I purchased the car used from a used car dealership and it is doing this when I bought it. They confirmed it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11579634, filed 2024-03

“Steering rack started failing: did not return to center out of slow corners. Basically I could do hands-free circles in a parking lot. Dealer confirmed the steering rack was bad and replaced it under warranty. Out of sweeping corners this can be a safety issue as it only got worse over time. No warning lights nor other indication of the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11713269, filed 2026-01

“The steering gear has failed at only 43,000 miles and yes the car is available for inspection if needed. The steering binding is a safety issue, and if left along long enough, might fully bind up causing an accident. My local GM dealership has reproduced the issue and diagnosed the failure. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other visual indications of the failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11623986, filed 2024-11

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20231728%
202247%
2021913%
20202313%
20194626%
20183843%
201712536%

Other parts of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Electrical system
95 complaints
Fuel system
31 complaints
Other or unknown
21 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Engine
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Seat belts
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Lane departure
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 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