2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 13%of 67 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 691miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 13% of the 67 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 691 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The electronic steering gear (steering rack) on my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt has malfunctioned, causing the steering to feel rough, stiff, and sticky. Crucially, the steering wheel fails to naturally return to the center position after completing a turn, forcing me to manually pull the wheel back straight. This poses a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle will continue turning off the road or into oncoming traffic unless actively corrected, and the increased physical resistance makes precise lane adjustments difficult at highway speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11759703, filed 2026-08“Steering gear is bound up due to a documented manufacturing error. Steering is increasingly stiff at speed, and will not return to center without significant driver input. This is a widespread issue that has been documented and causes a major safety concern to Chevy Bolt owners and should be addressed and repaired by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11681730, filed 2025-08“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she was unable to keep the vehicle centered, and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that a front alignment was required. The vehicle received the front wheel alignment, but the failure reoccurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11544829, filed 2023-09, 691 miles“The steering wheel will not return to center and feels like its binding on something, sometimes its tough to steer other times not. Does not feel safe. No warning lamps and nobody has inspected or worked on it yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11688686, filed 2025-09“Steering rack binding. Becoming progressively harder to turn over time. Steering wheel doesn't return to center. Clunking in front end occasionally heard when hitting bumps.”
NHTSA complaint #11714633, filed 2026-01Related 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
33 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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