2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV steering problems
38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV — 43% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Steering has resistance and will not to return to center/neutral position without driver manipulation. I've never experienced this probelm with another car and See many other Chevrolet Bolt owners have experienced the same problem. IT definitely seems to be a design and /or assembly flaw. Local GM…”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
“When driving at parking lot speeds, I hear a clunk sound and I feel some vibration in the steering column. This is not observed at higher speeds. Also, the steering intermittently becomes stiff and at other times is loose.”
filed May 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Bolt EV years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Bolt EV | 17 | 28% |
| 2022 Bolt EV | 4 | 7% |
| 2021 Bolt EV | 9 | 13% |
| 2020 Bolt EV | 22 | 13% |
| 2019 Bolt EV | 45 | 26% |
| 2017 Bolt EV | 123 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.