2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 10% of the 62 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Headlights were brushed clear of snow prior to driving. While driving in snow conditions, the headlights became covered in snow and would not provide illumination to the road ahead. This put me at safety risk making road visibility extremely poor at night. While driving I couldn’t understand why the road was so difficult to see. Upon arriving home, I inspected the headlights to see the snow had completely covered the headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #11711873, filed 2026-01“I have a 3 month old Chevy Bolt EV. I like this car. I rarely have any accidents. I am a safe driver. I was hit hard from behind driving while stopped. I was driving on a crowded freeway in Austin TX in stop and go traffic. This was a hard hit that broke the rear bumper and bent the rear frame of the car. The Chevy Bolt rear brake lights are only low on the bumper and not in the expected tail light location. There is a pattern of this accident with this car. I am concerned that this is a usual event in a car with rear brake light issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11558243, filed 2023-12“The brake lighting only includes the upper light and the lower lights of the vehicle. The lights on the hatch do not light up when braking. Given that the upper light and lower lights are relatively small and hard to see from a close distance or in taller vehicles, this poses a significant risk for rear-ending from another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11526242, filed 2023-06“Rear brake lights that illuminate upon braking are embedded low in the bumper of the vehicle, NOT in a location commonly expected by motorists. Rear red taillights are in fact conventionally-located upon the vehicle, but they do not illuminate when brakes are applied. They only light up when the headlights are turned on. As a result, the potential for being rear-ended is elevated due to insufficient warning / poor visibility for any motorist following behind. …”
NHTSA complaint #11551855, filed 2023-10“Been almost rear ended twice, both drivers said my brake lights were out, after checking, brake lights were working but are so low on car they did not see them”
NHTSA complaint #11494365, filed 2022-11Related service bulletins
- 11014170Jan 27, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
18 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 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