2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV fuel system problems

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · VA

My 2021 Chevy Bolt keeps showing a battery or power-Propulsion warning light related to the high-voltage system. The warning keeps coming back even after multiple repairs. The first repair was on April 28, 2025, the second was on December 17, 2025, and it is scheduled again for another repair on March 3, 2026. The light is the same every time and affects the car’s performance and reliability. I’m concerned this could be a safety issue involving the battery or propulsion system. The dealer repairs it temporarily, but the warning keeps returning, and the problem has never been fully resolved.

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

I purchased a 2021 Bolt EV in mid-2021. I am disappointed in how GM handled the battery recall on my 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. In Sept 2021 I received notice of safety recall N212345940 stating that the "Parts to repair your vehicle are not currently available" and I should "Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation". I did so and I patiently waited for the parts to arrive. Parts availability for this recall was unacceptably slow. I waited for 22 months for these parts - all the while my vehicle State of Charge (SOC) is diminished to 90%. Then in June 2023 GM changed their policy on this recall. The previous recall was marked as “completed”, even though I never received an indication that the parts to repair my vehicle became available. Instead recall N212345944 was issued. This recall installs “advanced diagnostic software that will monitor battery performance and identify defective battery modules”. Effectively it limits the SOC to 80% for 6200 miles. If there is an issue detected then the battery modules will, supposedly, be replaced. I have my doubts that this software will ever report such an occurrence. This is an extremely disappointing resolution for the customer. Now my vehicle's capacity is further reduced to 80% SOC for, potentially, another 6200 miles. GM sold me a car, and I paid for a car, that has 100% SOC. Thus far I have not had full use of my car and I have been driving it for 2+ years. Where is my compensation for being stuck with this diminished usage? I want to claw back 20% of my purchase price. Very badly done. I am an unhappy customer.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Fuel system · WY

I received an email notifying me of a safety recall related to the propulsion battery on July 26, 2021. This notice did not offer an opportunity to schedule a repair. I have contacted my dealer periodically requesting a repair. On November 25, 2022, I received a text message specifying Recall # N212345941, which corresponds with a propulsion battery replacement. This text, and a subsequent notice by mail, offered my first opportunity to schedule the battery replacement. My local dealer is not authorized to make the repair. I have contacted a dealer authorized to make the repair, 70 miles away, and I am awaiting notice that the replacement battery is available to install. The delay in offering this repair has been unreasonable, and unsafe. Because my daily commute is long, mountainous, cold, and windy, I cannot safely limit my battery charge in the manner instructed in the initial recall notice. I have relied on the express warranty indicating I will be able to charge the propulsion battery to 100 percent, and I believe the sequence of recalls and delayed repair constitute a breach of express warranty, and a breach of an implied warranty of merchantability. This manufacturer should be systematically compensating its customers for supplying an inherently dangerous defective product, and for failing to repair the unsafe condition in a timely fashion. The defective propulsion battery has placed me and my family (and my passengers and neighbors) at risk of death due to fire and toxic smoke inhalation in the vehicle and in my driveway and attached garage. the federal safety agency should investigate both the deadly defect and the unnecessary and unreasonable delay in the repair offered by the manufacturer, and impose proper penalties. I will be pleased to participate in your investigation and provide any information you need, including testimony and other evidence. You should be aware I entered into a settlement agreement with GM to buy back a defective 2019 BoltEV (VIN 1G1FY6S07K4107084).

Filed Oct 19, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

This vehicle left me on sept 13 in the middle of the freeway bc it lost propulsion. I had plenty of charge and all of a sudden my charge was gone. The car wouldn’t speed up. Had to pull over and wait 4 hours for tow truck.

Filed Sep 25, 2022 · Fuel system · NH

Miles that can drive are very limited. Been waited for replaced fuel cells. I have called a local dealership but was told my vin isn’t up yet for battery replacement. How to get on the list and need all battery’s working so I can drive the distances I need to.

Filed Jul 27, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · MD

Merging onto freeway from about 50 MPH to 70 MPH. Blind zone alert indicated there was a vehicle was in my blind spot. Proceeded to accelerate full throttle into traffic when car began shuddering and then suddenly lost power. Car would not restart and needed to be towed to dealer for warranty repair. Car was at dealer for 9 days waiting for repair.

Filed Jun 29, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Four times during a cross country trip, after a Level 3 dc charging session, the car would either not start or if it did would not shut off. The gear could not be shifted into reverse or drive and the radio, AC all shut down even though the car was still on. The service soon indicator light came on. Diagnostics from ON-STAR said that it was the propulsion system. Another indicator light came on saying conditions not right shifting. The fifth time it occured while the car was moving and unlike the four previous times the gear couldn't be jiggled or temporarily rebooting the car by removing the 12-volt battery. The car had to be towed to the dealer where it was announced that drive control wiring harness needed to be replaced. This problem is well documented on GM Bolt forums. The car should have been recalled before my family was put at risk. I wasted 12 hours during a 19 hour move across the country due to this known problem. I was stranded in life threatening triple digit heat indices.

Filed Jun 3, 2022 · Fuel system · AZ

propulsion power is reduced on my new 2021 Chev Bolt. The battery recall problem has not been addressed yet now I just lost my on propulsion power is reduce problem. My car is in the shop and can not be driven.

Filed Jan 10, 2022 · Fuel system · VA

My vehicle is part of recall 21V650 to replace my vehicle's battery. The current solution until a battery for my vehicle is available is a software update. I tried to take my vehicle in for the software update that is part of the recall on 1/10/22 via an appointment that I had scheduled and confirmed with the dealership. The dealership refused my appointment upon arrival and refused to install the software update. Not having the recall applied affects my safety by potentially allowing a fire to occur in my high voltage battery, the software update is supposed to prevent that from occurring until a new battery can be provided. This issue is part of the wider recall number, noted above and the manufacturer not handling repairs in a timely and professional manner to ensure that everyone has a safe vehicle to utilize as it was intended when purchased.

Filed Jan 8, 2022 · Fuel system · TX

First the selfseal tire fiasco on 7/2/21 then in late August with the recall GM agreed to buy back the Bolt. The dealer picked up the Bolt on 9/3/21. On 11/16/21 GM offered me a horrible buy back that didn't cover all my downpayment and fees at the time of lease. I rejected it and I am still paying and insuring for a car unsafe at zero speeds. Anyway NTSA can hold GM accountable over the Bolt failure? This defect was present when I leased this car new on 1/31/21 and GM was already buying back Bolts. This should have never been sold to me in the first place.