2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: harsh or hard shifting

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 Mar 12, 2026 · Steering · CA

The steering gear (rack and pinion) assembly exhibits clunking when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, and does not return to center at higher speed (stays in turned position when let go). This is available for inspection upon request. Our safety is put at risk because the steering feels strange and does not behave as with other cars, requiring force to return the wheel to center in a turn at speed. This problem has been confirmed by a qualified service center and they attempted to fix it by replacing the intermediate steering column, but it did not resolve the issue. There were no warning messages.

Filed Aug 31, 2024 · Steering · CA

Steering failed at 37900 miles on my 2017 chevy bolt.againg steering failure at 78200.this after reading and seeing videos is a very common problem due to lubrication of the steering gears from a sealed unit that leaks out all of the grease and can't be replaced.the unit loses the abilty to stay on an even steering path.the steering wheel will not return to center and has a gap in the control and clunks. This is a terrible design issue on all models but more so on the earlier versions. The repair cost even though its a design error is 2300 dollar.this is a very unsafe issue not being able to control your steering

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 Jan 24, 2024 · Steering · CA

I purchased my 2017 Chevy Bolt new in early 2018. It has a little over 90k miles on it and no accidents. Over the past year, the steering on the car has become steadily stiffer, meaning that the wheel is harder to turn and does not return to center when the driver releases pressure coming out of a turn. If one releases his hands from the wheel in a turn, the wheel stays in the same position, neither sharpening the turn nor straightening out. I've also recently, as in the past six months or so, noticed a notch or a catch or a clunk when moving the wheel back and forth, especially when centered. I don't know if I can ask for feedback, but I'd like to know if a recall might be in the works for this issue. I know it's been fairly widely noted in the Bolt owner community, and I feel that it presents a safety hazard.

Filed Apr 15, 2023 · Steering · NY

The steering wheel doesn’t return to center and makes clunking noises. It is a safety hazard while driving. Scares the crap out of me. The problem has been reproduced and diagnosed as a faulty steering rack assembly. There are no warning lights . My car is parked in my driveway available for inspection by anyone.