Chevrolet Bolt EV power steering loss problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · MI

Steering is stiff and fails to return to center. Problem is slowly getting worse.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · NJ

I am reporting a recurring safety defect with our 2019 Chevrolet Bolt (~80,000 miles). On multiple occasions the left front wheel has overheated severely while driving, accompanied by a rapid, severe side-to-side steering wheel wobble and a burning smell. On XXX after ~35 miles of driving (10+ miles at 50-63 mph), the steering wheel began shaking. We had to pull over and drive slowly along the shoulder, stopping twice to let the wheel cool. The left front wheel measured 627.9°F, while other wheels were under 200°F. On XXX, only three days after replacing the front brake pads and rotors, the left front wheel again overheated to 355°F (other wheels 116-139°F), with a burning smell. The problem is intermittent and has not been reproduced during dealership inspections. The vehicle was inspected by Bennett Chevrolet ([XXX]) and RK Chevrolet ([XXX]) multiple times; each time no cause was found and no repair made, aside from new tires and, most recently, replaced front brake pads/rotors, which did not resolve the issue. We believe this may involve the left front brake/caliper system or another component causing intermittent excessive heat and resistance at the wheel. We are concerned about loss of steering control and fire risk. We are elderly ([XXX] and [XXX]) and one of us is an above-knee amputee, making a roadside breakdown especially dangerous. We have photos/videos of the incidents, temperature documentation, and the old brake pads/rotors retained for inspection. GM EV Concierge case #XXX is open but unresolved. We are requesting this be investigated as a potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Steering · MD

Power steering assist cut out while driving and traction controllight came on. There is now no steering assist. The car is with the dealer shop and their diagnostics indicate the the steering column needs to be replaced. Dealer shop now says the steering column is on EXTREME backorder with no time estimate of availability. The car is almost impossible to steer at low speeds.The power steering rack and pinnion assembly was replaced back in August of 2023 due to the rack binding, so that part is realatively new.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA · crash

While driving at a low speed (approx. 5–10 mph), the front passenger-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural shear without warning. This caused the wheel assembly to collapse outward and the CV axle to pull out of the transmission. The failure caused a complete loss of steering control, veering the vehicle into a curb. Physical evidence (outward axle pull and high-side rim scratches) indicates the mechanical failure preceded the impact. This occurred at only 38,155 miles on a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Outward Dislocation: Photos show the CV axle pulled OUT of the transmission and the wheel leaning OUT (positive camber). A curb impact would push these components IN. This proves the wheel fell away from the car first. Pre-Impact Grinding: The interior barrel of the rim and the brake dust shield show heavy rotational grinding and metal-on-metal scoring. This confirms the suspension collapsed while the wheel was still spinning at speed, prior to the car coming to a stop. Structural Shear: The lower ball joint stud suffered a complete transverse shear. High-resolution photos of the broken stud face show distinct "beach marks" (concentric rings), which are the physical fingerprint of a slow-growing metal fatigue crack rather than a sudden impact fracture. Rim Damage Profile: Deep gouges are located on the flat face of the wheel spokes rather than the outer lip. This confirms the wheel was already at an extreme tilt (collapsed) when it made contact with the curb. CONCLUSION: The vehicle was maintained and driven under normal conditions. This was a spontaneous, catastrophic structural failure of a safety-critical component. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this as a potential manufacturing defect for the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Filed Apr 4, 2026 · Steering · IN

Steering doesn't return to center when moving. When moving at low speeds steering is heavy. Possible steering gear issue. Always present while driving vehicle and turning.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Steering · MA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s steering system (specifically the electric power steering assist and/or steering rack assembly) began exhibiting stiffness, resistance, and intermittent loss of assist while turning. The steering system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by the federal safety agency, GM, or a dealer representative. ⸻ How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss or inconsistency of steering assist makes it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially at low speeds and during turns. The steering intermittently binds or jerks, creating a risk of collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. Because steering is essential for directional control, any failure or unpredictability in the system poses a direct safety hazard to the driver and others on the road. ⸻ Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been observed by the owner and noted by a GM Certified dealer during inspection. The symptoms (binding and abnormal steering resistance) were reproduced during driving and while stationary. The dealer acknowledged abnormal steering behavior but initially denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle being sold as Certified Pre-Owned. ⸻ Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a GM Certified dealership that completed the original certification inspection and later reviewed the steering concern. The component has not been examined by police or insurance representatives at this time, but GM and the federal safety agency inspection is welcomed.

Filed Aug 2, 2025 · Steering · PA

The steering rack loses its lubrication make it turn harder and could potentially fail completely leading to a loss of steering. I noticed that when I am steering around a curve the steering wheel fails to pull back to the center position and has to be manually forced back. Loss of steering or steering malfunction could lead to a fatal crash. I have not had my vehicle inspected by a dealer or mechanic but have researched the problem and many people online have reported failure of the steering rack/gear as well. There is no warning from the manufacturer about this problem and could go unnoticed until the problem is severe. The manufacturer (Chevrolet) should be required to replace this faulty part at no charge to the customer.

Filed May 31, 2025 · Steering · CA

The cars steering is very stiff and won’t return to center without assistance. The vehicles steering is not working as intended. Unfortunately I am unable to see a dealership as the cost to repair is over $4000. The car only has 62k miles and should not be failing so early. This a danger to myself and other drivers

Filed Mar 29, 2025 · Steering · NC

The steering gear, (gear rack & pinion), started to fail. Steering became difficult and the car would not return to center on turns. This lead to the car crossing into oncoming traffic or heading off road on turns unless the driver applied significant force to overcome issue.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Steering · FL

This steering issue waa forst noticed fall of 2024. Wheel will not come back to center on its own. For ex if you turn to the right it keeps going right, you have to consciously bring it back to center. Steering feels heavy/like no power steering. Safety issue ! I brought it in Nov 2023 at 37k mikes. They thought it was that i needed new tires and alignment, but that didnt help. I brought it back March 2025 at 40k, now they finally found it was steering gear assembly. It cost over $3,500.00. If you look on line everyone with Bolts is having this same issue at around 40k, with mine it was around 35k. It is a dangerous issue and should be a recall ! I am hoping that this will be resolved so people will not get hurt /killed, and I am also filing for reembursement this this is obviously a factory defect.