2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel system problems

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · MD

Vehicle started to surge while driving (both small acceleration forward and large deceleration) without any change in brake or accelerator position. Eventually a "Propulsion Power Reduced" message was presented on the console followed immediately by no forward propulsion (accelerator completely unresponsive) and forced to coast to a stop on the side of the highway. Car refused to shift out of park or neutral following breakdown. Car taken to dealer to troubleshoot and was told that a P0A3F code was present and that the engine harness needed to be replaced in accordance with the federal safety agency bulletin 19-NA-220. This bulletin calls out that the harness was likely damaged during initial install at factory and the dealer representative confirmed that the pins were damaged as described. Car was given back to drive home after harness was checked (owner decided to explore options before scheduling repair), but broke down due to surging and complete loss of power within 2 miles of dealer. Troubleshooting to confirm harness damage is suspected to have worsen the condition and made un-commanded accel/deceleration followed by complete loss of power likely. Uncertain why this condition would be exempt from recall if OEM is aware of installation issues at factory. Driving with this condition was as bad or worse than other type model loss of power conditions that have been recalled. Recommend at least clarifying that cars confirmed to fall under this bulletin and associated inspection should not be deemed roadworthy until a repair is made.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Fuel system · AZ

In 2022 under a recall the Propulsion battery was replaced that was a complete battery assembly. At 60K miles the High Voltage battery relay has become defective. Confirmed by a GM diagnostic test. Defective High Voltage relay. Was informed to get it replaced soon as it would cause a fire. Very dangerous in their words. Get repaired as soon as possible. The battery assembly is warranty of 8-years 100k miles. Looks to be a so called gray area on the high voltage relay as it’s considered a wear item. 60k of normal use and now it’s a fire hazard and it’s my responsibility to replace the relay under normal wear and tear. Im I the only one who is experiencing a high voltage relay in the battery assembly that is deemed a fire hazard? We are in our 70’s and we take great care of the car, no abuse and sits in a garage. Normal wear? Or a potential fire waiting to happen? I’m confused. Thanks for your time.

Filed Feb 10, 2025 · Fuel system · NH

While driving the car it suddenly, and without warning, abruptly slowed to a stop and the display showed "propulsion power is reduced", then the "service soon" symbol came on. This could have happened in fast moving traffic, which definitely could cause multi-car collisions. The GM service bulletin (Document ID: 5409616, revised February 13, 2023- see attached copy) states that this is likely due to "a spread terminal on the vehicle harness connection X2 on the T12 transmission assembly. The terminals may not have been perfectly aligned during installation at the vehicle assembly plant." This is a known, dangerous, malfunction, and GM has not issued a recall for it. The "correction" is to replace the "engine wiring harness" which goes to the EV motor. GM is also not covering this repair under any extended warranty, although it's a safety issue and really should generate a recall. Please see attachment.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · IA

My car stopped in the middle of a busy intersection and my battery relay melted and caused damage to the transmission and the transmission needed a sphincter. The whole battery system needs to be recalled for melting and almost setting my car on fire.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

On May 24, 2022, I brought my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV into Vic Canever dealership to have the high voltage battery replaced per the recall instructions (see invoice). Ever since the “new” battery was installed, I can no long fast charge my vehicle to specification. I have tried several DC fast chargers including the DC fast charger at the dealership. The dealership fast charger would only charge at a rate of 18Kw (see picture). I was able to charge a little faster at a DC fast charger in Perry, Michigan at 29.7Kw (see picture). Both are a long way away for the original charge rate of 55Kw. The other problem that occurred after the battery exchange is that the range significantly declined. With the original battery the vehicle range was around 250 miles. Now, with the new battery, I can’t even get to 200 miles range (see picture). With all the problems GM has had with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, I think it’s time to start another investigation into what they are doing to fix the original problem and making things worse with their remedy.

Filed Dec 4, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · CO

This car worked reliably until the battery recall battery was exchanged then this started happening about a month later. First the vehicle died upon slowing down, driver was exiting a highway ramp stopped the car and turned off the car and turned on again and drove home without further trouble. Happened again, same thing this was at night. Then myself as driver, Took car to dealership, stayed in right lane on highway then car failed to accelerate but maintained about 40mph then died as slowing down on exit. After much time turning off and on again, the car finally allowed it to be put in drive and I made it to the dealership. After a week the dealership couldn’t find anything wrong with the car and said no charge but they can’t diagnose. Driving the car again, it drove fine until it didn’t. This time died and wouldn’t allow it to be put into drive again. Said conditions not right to shift. Towed it to a different dealership, the one that changed the recalled battery and they got 77 code errors and cannot figure out anything after a month. Still keeping to drive to recreate the problem. The biggest safety issue was that the emergency blink lights turned off when I turned off the car to try and restart it.

Filed Aug 4, 2022 · Fuel system · WA

After about 5 years and a warranty replacement battery, I intermittently find the “Propulsion Reduced-Service Soon” light on. It can appear any time after which only a third of the 60kWh battery is on-line, and in any event the battery will not charge over one third. Highway driving on a crowded Interstate 5 becomes very hairs as both acceleration and regeneration braking are markedly reduced. It is now at the service department of Bill Pierre Chevrolet in Seattle. Those guys are great, and are doing everything they can, looking to GM for a promised reprogram that has not been forthcoming for some two weeks and counting. This might seem like a minor consumer gripe, but it turns out that this is not a new condition, and has persisted since shortly after the 2017 Bolt came out. See . The Bolt is a great car, but this has shaken my sense of safety in long distance 80+ miles of highway travel. I no longer consider this to be a safe car.

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

After the second recall replacement of the lithium-ion battery, the car became undriveable because it could not be charged. A message appeared before stating "Propulsion Power is Reduced". This is after the 2nd new battery was installed. The car has been taken to the dealership. The dealership stated that it is a software problem which GM is looking into.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · IL

GM CALLED ME 60 days ago and said new replacement battery is ordered to fulfill recall. Dealership has 2 batteries in stock but cannot replace vehicle battery because they do not have a forklift to move the battery and have no projected date when then will get a forklift or rent one. Car was recalled for battery fires and Chevy doesn’t own or know where to rent a forklift.

Filed Sep 15, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

The vehicle is under recall for main traction battery defects. There is no planned or expectable date for correction of the defect; parts are not available and cannot be made available in a reasonable amount of time. A GM spokesperson on 9/15/2021 stated to Bloomberg (afterward picked up by most news organizations) that Bolts should be parked at least 50' from other vehicles, and only on the top deck of parking structures, apparently to minimize collateral damage when the Bolt burns. This statement will lead to Bolt drivers being banned from parking facilities, and subjecting the owners to abuse by people who don't want them parked anywhere nearby. GM must expand the recall to simply buy back all Bolts immediately, paying approximately the original amount paid by owners with perhaps some allowance for miles actually driven, and and recover vehicles from all lessees. Based on the spokesperson's statement, the vehicles are too unsafe to be allowed to remain on the road. They must ALL be recovered by GM as quickly as possible, with adequate compensation, and crushed to prevent further sale or use.