2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Steering · WA

I am reporting a potential steering system safety defect involving my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The problem began at approximately 22,800 miles. The steering wheel developed a grinding noise, a noticeable catching/binding sensation when turned, and would not return to center normally after a turn. The condition could be felt even while the vehicle was stationary and not running by turning the steering wheel back and forth. While driving, I could feel the steering pull and catch when turning left or right. The problem gradually became worse over about two months. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages. I first tried to have the vehicle inspected by a Chevrolet dealership, but that appointment was canceled. I then took it to Lee Johnson Chevrolet in Kirkland, WA. At 23,661 miles, the dealer test drove the vehicle and documented that they verified my concern. Their diagnosis stated that the steering gear had “internal worn gear damage” and required replacement of the steering gear/rack assembly. The intermediate steering shaft bolt was also involved in the repair. I paid $4,406.56 for the repair which includes a separate $301.24 diagnostic charge. The vehicle was not covered by warranty. The repair appears to have corrected the problem. I am concerned this is a premature manufacturing or component defect rather than normal wear. The vehicle has never been in an accident or collision and had fewer than 24,000 miles when a safety-critical steering component required replacement. The progressive grinding, binding, pulling, and failure to return to center made the steering increasingly unpredictable. I have also found numerous reports from other Chevrolet Bolt owners describing similar steering problems. I believe the federal safety agency should investigate whether premature steering gear failure in 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVs is a broader safety defect.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Steering · CA

COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) steering gear / rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering gear binds internally. After a turn the wheel does not return to center and must be forced back to straight; steering feel is stiff and clunky. On at least one occasion the wheel felt stuck in place partway through a turn and I had to fight it to finish the maneuver. I nearly lost control of the vehicle. Exact date, location and speed of that incident: UNKNOWN. The condition is chronic and has worsened over time. I own two Bolt EVs (2017's); both have this defect and I am filing a separate complaint for each. Mileage on this vehicle: approx 96,000 but it's been bad since 80,000 (at the very least). SAFETY RISK: Binding steering requires manual correction after every turn, increasing risk of overcorrection, unintended lane departure and delayed emergency response. Worst at intersections, on/off ramps and parking lots. The driver cannot anticipate when the wheel will stick. WARNING LAMPS / PRIOR SYMPTOMS: [No warning lamps, messages or codes appeared] Earliest symptom: [stiff or notchy steering]. First noticed [right away when I bought the car used]. CONFIRMED BY DEALER OR SHOP: [not yet presented] INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE OR INSURANCE: No. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION: Yes — vehicle and original steering gear assembly. This failure is widely reported across Bolt EV and EUV model years. GM service information contains a diagnostic procedure for poor return of the steering wheel, indicating the manufacturer is aware of it. No safety recall has been issued, and dealer repair runs $2,500-$3,500 because the subframe must be lowered to reach the rack. Videos of the repair are available online, which also include plenty of discussion about the symptoms and dangers: [XXX] and [XXX] I request that the federal safety agency open an investigation into the Bolt EV/EUV steering gear as this should 100% be a priority safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · TX

Steering not returning to center, when making a turn across the street you have to quickly center the vehicle to prevent going into on coming traffic. Very stiff to turn and make popping sounds when turning.

Filed Feb 29, 2024 · Steering · MD

Steering Gear/rack and pinion clicking/clunking. Steering does not move back to center when going around left turn. All the oil drained out of the rack leaving it to fail

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · OR

Popping noise during turning at low speed and steering wheel does not return to center coming out of a turn.

Filed May 28, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · WA

Sway bar components and steering making noises and excessive movement. These issues were noticeable just after 3yr 36k limited warranty had expired (approx 23k miles on vehicle). Items later found to be faulty by dealership, GM gave significant pushback and offered limited assistance with repairs and claims the treat items on case by case basis. I have read multiple reports of these repairs being performed under warranty and with a few customers out of warranty with similar symptoms. It’s time to investigate Sway Bar and Steering turn signal switch and related component issues in Bolt EV 2017-19, possibly later and require GM to issue a recall.

Filed Mar 6, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 36,600 miles · WA

Rear backup camera display freezes after placing vehicle in drive which may become distraction and create unsafe situation for driver while maneuvering in parking lot or on roadway while operating at higher speeds ' can be remedied by manually restarting infortainment system/powering off/restarting vehicle. I have seen system unfreeze for restart automatically while vehicle in motion which may cause distraction to driver and inability to adjust certain features of climate controls. Temporary loss of power to heating unit or inability to register change in fan speed (occurance once). Steering feels loose when initially moving steering wheel and component(s) making noise when turning steering wheel (resistant issue). Suspension makes loud creaking noise(s) when operating on uneven road surfaces or steep incline/decline. Steering/suspension have been ongoing issue since purchased in october 2020 ' will have dealership diagnose at possible owners expense. Date of steering issue will be utilized for section below.