Is the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV has 118 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV?

Top problems: STEERING (36 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (30 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV?

The 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV has an EPA rating of 119 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $646. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV is approximately $1,975/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV has 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 118. The most common issue is steering problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: 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 les. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 1 crash report

118

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

36 complaints

31%

• 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 LES
• Steering on this vehicle failed at less than 40,000 miles. Car is almost uncontrollable and drifts off the road; steering now requires enormous force to maintain a straight course.
• Driving curvy mountain road and the steering wheel fails to return to center. Nearly caused a terrible accident.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 LES”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV

Based on 31 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 17K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY23/07/2021

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.

Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$640

Per month

$53

Per mile

5.3¢

kWh/mi

0.28

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,975

Full coverage / month

$165

Liability only / year

$679

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1975

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet BOLT EV Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2018 BOLT EV, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2018 Chevrolet BOLT EV

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 118 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: 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 LES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE APPROACHING A BUSY INTERSECTION OF A BUSY CITY STREET, AS COMING TO A STOP FIRST USING REGENERATIVE BRAKING, THEN APPLYING THE MECHANICAL BRAKES, THE GAUGE CLUSTER READ "LIMITED DRIVING CAPABILITY" (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT). AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHIFTED ITSELF TO PARK AND APPLIED THE PAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHILE APPROACHING A BUSY INTERSECTION OF A BUSY CITY STREET, AS COMING TO A STOP FIRST USING REGENERATIVE BRAKING, THEN APPLYING THE MECHANICAL BRAKES, THE GAUGE CLUSTER READ "LIMITED DRIVING CAPABILITY" (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT). AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHIFTED ITSELF TO PARK AND APPLIED THE PAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: THE BOLT EV HAS A STEERING-WHEEL MOUNTED REGENERATIVE BREAKING PADDLE, WHICH APPLIES THE REGENERATIVE BREAKING, SLOWING THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, WHEN THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED, THIS PADDLE DOES NOTHING, WHICH HAS RESULTED IN SOME NEAR MISSES. A WARNING INDICATOR SHOULD BE PRESENT, OR THE DOCUMEN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)