2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV brakes problems

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IL · crash

While slowing to a stop, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple (3–4) violent jerks. The vehicle fought against my firm brake pedal application, overpowered the brakes, and accelerated uncontrollably, resulting in a crash. During the impact: • The driver frontal airbag and pretensioners deployed. • The driver seatbelt unlatched mid-impact and then locked/retracted in a way that prevented it from latching again, even while I was sitting in the driver’s seat post-crash. I have only been provided with the limited Airbag Control Module (SDM) data, which shows the brake switch as “Off” and low accelerator pedal readings. This data does not match the events I experienced. I have formally requested full downloads from all other modules (Powertrain/PCM, ABS/EBCM, BCM, etc.) from both the insurance company (ESIS) and GM, but they have only provided the single SDM report. This appears to be a sudden unintended acceleration event combined with a brake override failure and seatbelt restraint system malfunction.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · MN · crash · 1 injury

On August 17th, 2025, my wife was driving our 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV at low speed, pulling into a parking spot. The vehicle suddenly accelerated forward with enough force to cause significant damage to a fixed barrier. She does not recall pressing the accelerator at that moment. The degree of acceleration was disproportionate for a brief accidental press. Immediately after impact, smoke or dust was visible rising through the center console area. No airbags deployed, but it appeared similar to smoke from pyrotechnic devices. My wife sustained seatbelt-related bruising across the chest and thighs. The vehicle remains drivable. I have included photos detailing damage to the car and the fixed barrier. We are aware of the GM accessory all-weather floor liner recall (21E-089), but are not certain if our vehicle’s liner was part of that campaign. We are reporting this incident to ensure there is a record in case this reflects unintended acceleration or another defect.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · MO

This tends to only happen below 74 degrees Fahrenheit and happens excessively between 72 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. While driving with one pedal engaged (labeled as low on the shifter since they re-used another model's shifter for the first several years of the Bolt EV), the cruise control will randomly disengage and force the vehicle to immediately slam on the brakes. Usually its not a big deal, but when it happens at highway speed as you're just passing a semi or large vehicle and merging back into the lane in front of it, it becomes dangerous very quickly, which has happened a couple of times now. I would venture a guess that its not related to the cruise control directly, but some system that its relying on is forcing it to deactivate the cruise control. The only other issue this vehicle is having that might be related is that the blind spot detection system is not working correctly on the left side. I know there's a TSB for the aluminum Butyl tape becoming damaged or missing, but if that's causing my car to slam on its brakes in front of fully loaded semis, Chevy should probably be persuaded into re-coding how their cruise control gets disengaged. Especially since this blind spot detection system issue seems somewhat common. Either way, something is causing my car to randomly slam on its brakes in the middle of the highway and Chevy says there's nothing they can do about it because its not setting a code. This is definitely a dangerous safety issue that they should be forced into actually diagnosing more than just plugging a computer in and saying: "whelp, nothing to see here." and returning it to the customer with a "we can't do anything, sorry."

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

In Sept 2020, GM issued Service Bulletin 20-NA-170 regarding rapid popping or clicking noises coming from the I-Booster hardware under the hood in the braking system. Earlier fixes for this issue involved replacing the I-Booster hardware, but that didn't solve the problem. The new fix called for a software update to the Brake Booster Control Module. The Bulletin states: "Correction -- DO NOT replace the I-booster assembly. Update the Brake Booster Control Module with the latest software." I reported this brake/electrical system issue to the federal safety agency on April 24, 2022 (# 11461966) and January 25, 2023 (# 11503678), and have had no response or investigation by the federal safety agency regarding the hazard of this software defect. When the hardware eventually fails--and it will due to 1000's of unnecessary use cycles--what happens to the braking system?

Filed Oct 26, 2023 · Brakes, Steering · NJ

1. Steering, the steering gear does not return wheels to straight position when exiting a turn, I need to forcefully move steering wheel from a turn back to a straight position. 2. Brakes, after hitting brake a knocking sound is heard. Also does this when car is off and opening and closing doors, was told this is a brake actuator problem.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Brakes · IL

In Sept 2020, GM issued Service Bulletin 20-NA-170 regarding rapid popping or clicking noises coming from the I-Booster hardware under the hood in the BOLT braking system. Earlier fixes for this issue involved replacing the I-Booster hardware, but that didn't solve the problem. The new fix called for a software update to the Brake Booster Control Module. The Bulletin states: "Correction -- DO NOT replace the I-booster assembly. Update the Brake Booster Control Module with the latest software." What happens to the brake system if the software update is not applied? Does the I-Booster hardware eventually fail because of the 1000's of unnecessary use cycles, and then what happens? Why hasn't a recall been issued for this possible safety issue caused by a software defect?

Filed Apr 24, 2022 · Brakes · IL

Exact details UNKNOWN. Description: About 2 yrs ago, releasing the brake pedal started triggering rapid popping sounds from engine compartment. The popping sounds are rapid--maybe 4 or 5 per second--and continue for a few seconds or more, up to at least 30 seconds depending on ambient temperature and main battery charge level. Opening the driver side door following vehicle at rest can also trigger this popping noise. But mostly the popping occurs when brake pedal is fully released during operation of the vehicle. GM responded initially to reports of this issue by replacing brake control parts; but more recently, according to a service bulletin (see uploaded document), a software update may be used to fix the problem. Since many vehicles which have the problem are out-of-warranty, GM charges owners for applying this software update. How can we be sure that this issue is not safety-related? If this is a software defect in the braking control system, why is warranty coverage required for the update?

Filed Nov 27, 2021 · Brakes · CA

When using mechanical brakes the iBooster makes a knocking noise. Every time the brake pedal is used the noise appears. This is concerning as I'm afraid it may impair the brake faction and potentially create a danger on the road. So far dealers are unwilling to help.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Parking button may not fully engage when pressed causing vehicle to roll forward in drive gear or while in reverse causing vehicle to collide. Vehicle will automatically go into park when driver door is opened, but button can take deep press to fully engage into park. If driver removes foot from brake petal before vehicle is in Park car moves.

Filed Jun 23, 2021 · Brakes · FL

There is an intermittent RAPID TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKE BOOSTER upon opening a door, or releasing the brake pedal (standing still or while in motion), or unplugging the power cord. The behavior is more frequent on colder days. This tapping noise typically continues for nearly a minute. Tapping the brake pedal causes the noise to cease momentarily. Very slight movement on the brake pedal can sometimes stop the tapping. This behavior began more than a year ago. I took the car to the Chevrolet dealer and was told a firmware update would be provided in Q1 2021. I am concerned the behavior may be an early warning sign of brake system failure, which could occur while driving.