2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Steering · TX

The steering on my car is sticking and failing. When I make a turn, the steering wheel does not go back to the center on its own. I have to physically pull it back, otherwise the car will keep turning. When driving straight, the steering wheel gets "stuck." I have to use extra force to make small adjustments, which makes the car jerk. The steering also makes clunking noises. This is extremely dangerous because it makes the car very hard to control, and I could easily drift into another lane, overcorrect, or crash.

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Steering · CA

I am filing this urgent safety complaint regarding a critical failure of the steering system in my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which began experiencing problems at approximately 40,000 miles. This is not an isolated incident; numerous identical reports exist from other Bolt EV owners on public forums like Reddit ([XXX]) and [XXX], often occurring at similarly low mileage (typically 30,000-60,000 miles). The symptoms began with distinct clicking and knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel. This has progressed rapidly to increased steering effort (stiffness) and a failure of the steering wheel to return to center smoothly after a turn. This constitutes a severe and unacceptable degradation of a primary vehicle control system. When I had the vehicle inspected I was informed that the degradation would progress and risk my ability to safely steer the vehicle, and that the car should no longer be operated without performing a repair. A repair diagnosis indicated failure of the steering gear/rack assembly, with an initial repair quote of over $7000. This exorbitant cost is nearly prohibitive and approaches the residual value of the vehicle itself. It is deeply concerning and frankly unacceptable that a fundamental safety system like the steering is failing prematurely on these vehicles. Furthermore, the extremely high repair cost creates a dangerous secondary safety risk: owners may be forced to choose between a financially crippling repair or dangerously deferring maintenance, continuing to operate vehicles with compromised steering and risking catastrophic failure on the road. Steering integrity is paramount and should not be failing at such low mileage under any normal operating conditions. This pattern of premature steering failure reported by numerous owners indicates a potential design flaw, manufacturing defect, or component quality issue with the Chevrolet Bolt EV steering system that warrants immediate investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 3, 2024 · Steering · MA

Around 46,000 miles this 5 yr old car began making popping sounds in the steering. Took into dealer and diagnosed steering rack failure and intermediate shaft. Cost to repair was close to $3,000. Looking into this, this is a common issue with Chevy Bolts due to poorly designed boots on the rack. This should be covered by a recall when failing so early. Happened to my previous 2018 Bolt too but the car was totaled in an accident prior to me undergoing the repair.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Steering · CA

Steering gear (rack and pinion) has failed leading to steering wheel not returning to center after turns at mid speed or faster. Also noticed audible clicking sounds at low speeds when turning steering wheel.

Filed Oct 8, 2022 · Steering · MA

The steering when turning is sticky and making a clicking noise. If you turn it left it really sticks, you have to work to straighten it out. I took the car to the Chevy dealership and they told me this: "Performed diagnostic on the vehicle. Was able to verify customers concern.Found the steering problem is coming from a noise in the steering rack, found that the steering gear needs replacement. Gear #(42353783). Estimate w / labor is $1958.15." Dealer told us it was safe to drive, but this IS a safety issue: we do not feel confident driving this car, the steering is not responsive! Even though the wheels may not fall off, it still remains a steering control issue. Car is out of warranty, but we feel this should be taken care of by Chevy for no charge; it only has 42097 miles on it! Looking on message boards reveals this is not an uncommon issue.

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Steering · MD

My 2019 Bolt has about 38K miles on it. In the past few weeks, the steering has become difficult to use. The steering does not return to center as it should after a turn, creating a potentially dangerous situation. There is also a clicking noise in the steering column. I had it inspected and evaluated at the dealership and was told it needed a new steering rack and a steering shaft coupler, no longer under warranty. Cost estimate about $3,000. A quick online search shows there are many other Bolt owners experiencing similar issues. Yes it is available for inspection. No warning lamps or other symptoms.

Filed May 20, 2022 · Steering · CA

The steering started clunking when turning. You could hear a noise and feel a jerk when turning. The dealer said the steering gear had failed.