2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electrical Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11721358

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

Video available and was given to USAA insurance company. This 2021 GM Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier trim vehicle experienced a sudden uncommanded extreme acceleration when I selected "D" (drive) mode on the transmission selector after using "R" (reverse) to back out of a parking lot parking space. The vehicle, despite my stomping and holding the brake pedal down and repeatedly selecting a different mode on the transmission selector, could not be stopped and still wanted to accelerate. The vehicle traveled an estimated 250 feet through a parking lot, crossing a street, hitting the curbs at high speed and through a field. The vehicle stopped against some concrete debris in the field pushing in the bumper slightly but with no airbag deployment. The mishap incident was video recorded and thankfully, there were no passengers or public / private property damages / injuries.

NHTSA ID

11655690

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

12v battery warning light and ion Lucian battery light came on manufacture does not want to buy back and apple car play keeps breaking.

NHTSA ID

11648477

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop as needed, and struck a pole. The contact stated that the Forward Collison Avoidance feature failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Forward Collision Avoidance was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to get the Forward Collision Avoidance system repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact received no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ID

11588509

Incident

May 19, 2022

Mileage

5,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the "Reduced Propulsion Power" warning light illuminated, and a warning chime sounded. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The contact called a local dealer who advised her not to drive the vehicle and to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer was unsure if the battery could be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) and stated that the system was to monitor the condition of the battery and related the failure to the safety campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11572166

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

Mileage

20,000 mi

I believe the recall remedy gm n21345944 is not sufficient because it dies not monitor the system during the 80-100 % charge. It only allows ip to 80 which is not when it fails. Also it just gives an alert and does not shut down the battery which can allow the fure to happen. According to gm recall 212345940 a new battery was promised. I do not feel safe driving a car which has only been tested up to 80% range when that id not the failure mode. I want a new fixed battery.

NHTSA ID

11539002

Incident

Aug 16, 2023

In nearly exactly the same fashion as Tesla, Chevrolet has reduced my battery range by 15-20% and they don't have any idea when or if they will restore what I've paid for.

NHTSA ID

11537801

Incident

Aug 4, 2023

Our car (2021 Chevy Bolt) has been under recall N212345940 since September 2021 for a battery that could catch fire if charged to full capacity. The GM recall stated "when parts are available, your Chevrolet dealer will replace the defective lithium ion battery modules in your vehicle with new lithium ion battery modules." For almost 2 years we've been worried, unable to park our car in a garage or charge to 100%. In the interim, when I spoke to a Chevy salesperson who tried to sell me a newer model year Bolt, they informed me that all the used cars on the lot had already had their batteries replaced. On June 14th I got an email stating: Recall Status: "Remedy Available Recall Number: N212345944 High Voltage Battery May Melt or Burn". I was extremely excited and took the car in last week. As I left I realized that they had NOT replaced the battery, instead they programmed in a diagnostic tool to try and identify defective battery cells over the next 6000 miles. The recall on my vehicle is now marked complete, even though nothing has changed! The car now won't allow full charging and there's still a danger of fire on a deeply discharged battery. I feel deeply betrayed by the bate and switch and that they've been allowed to call this recall completed.

NHTSA ID

11529983

Incident

Jun 27, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11528981

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that he was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) upon research; however, the dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available for recall repair. The contact was informed that parts were available at another location. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue by the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no response. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11523415

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

Chevrolet issued a recall for our 2021 Bolt, Manufacturer Recall Number N212345940 NHTSA Recall Number 21V650 over a year ago. At the time of the recall issue in late 2021, we were told to bring in the car for service that would reduce the risk of fire by lowering the charge capacity to 80%. We did so and were told that the actual battery module replacement would be "any day now." We have contacted the Chevrolet EV Concierge (833-382-4389) several times over the past year, including today, Feb. 20, and each time we were told that the recall service would happen "soon," and that there was no way to estimate when it would occur. We have been told that the 2020-2022 models had recall service started in August 2021, proceeding "in batches." As it has been about 15 months since the recall was issued, we suspect that Chevrolet has no intention of performing this service in a timely fashion. We do not know the probability of a fire. We do not know when the full charge capacity will be restored, and this has constrained our ability to travel. Has NHTSA imposed a deadline or guideline for the recall completion? What is a reasonable time frame for a recall of this magnitude? 1 year? 3? 5? 10? As a car owner, 1 year would appear to be reasonable. However, we have little ability to hold Chevrolet to a reasonable standard and no knowledge of what percentage of the cars are done. We appeal to NHTSA to hold Chevrolet to a reasonable standard. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11508146

Incident

Feb 20, 2023

2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BATTERY RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11505975

Incident

Feb 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) and 22V930000 (Structure, Seat Belts) however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11503973

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11499254

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11497426

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11489987

Incident

Sep 13, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11476083

Incident

Jul 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11471500

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

NHTSA ID

11445946

Incident

Jan 3, 2022

While accelerating, the vehicle's drive system stopped functioning. The vehicle slowly came to a stop while displaying errors about the propulsion, and was no longer able to move under it's own power. All other systems were still working, however the hazard lights do not stay on when I had to try powering the vehicle off and back on again. The vehicle has been towed to a Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11444427

Incident

Dec 19, 2021

Not Happy. I bought my Bolt assuming I would get the convivence and range of a fully functional vehicle. The restrictions imposed upon my and my Bolt are unacceptable. I can only charge in my garage unless I go the a pay for power source and wait around. I also prefer charging at overnight, after 2100 hrs, as I feel I am using less valuable energy. My employer has requested I do not park in the company lot or near any buildings. Very reasonable request under the circumstances. I think GM should allow me to rent a safe vehicle until my Bolt can be brought back to the original quality/range/safety standards! Please forward this to the powers that can make this happen. I will also be in contact with the appropriate governmental agencies, especially if my requests are ignored or denied. Happy holidays, Hope I do not burn up, [XXX] On Monday, November 29, 2021, 11:36:09 AM PST, Your Friends at Quality Chevy of Escondido <[email protected]> wrote: Hi [XXX], Great News! Chevrolet has announced that they will soon be releasing software that will allow 2019 models to be parked indoors after charging and lifting other limitations. Owners of the 2019 model year Bolt EV that have not had a battery module replacement will be contacted for software updates. New software for the remaining affected Bolts and EUV's is coming by Christmas. The new settings will lift limitations on indoor charging overnight, operating below 70 miles of range, and indoor parking after charging! Stay tuned to Quality Chevy for updates and more as we receive it. We hope you find the news helpful, and we thank you for your business! Happy Motoring, Your Friends in the Car Business Quality Chevrolet 1550 Auto Park Way Escondido, CA 92029 760-745-7221 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11442270

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

This is regarding the battery defect. I initially called into GM on August 31, 2021 to start this buyback and have not driven this since. It’s been parked on the street because I have a newborn and a 2 year old. It would be irresponsible of me to drive and charge this car while my children are here. There has been no progress while working with GM. They have ignored me and are unreachable. I went through BBB and the settlement has been approved, but GM still has not contacted me and is unreachable. My case number with GM: SR:9-6913861036 My case number with BBB (settlement has been reached but no response from GM): CHV2125923

NHTSA ID

11442192

Incident

Aug 31, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded at a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11441319

Incident

Aug 27, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The warning message " Emergency Power Failure, Seek Service Immediately" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the battery disconnect lever had failed. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer has notified the failure and offered the contact a vehicle buyback. The approximate failure mileage was 2,700.

NHTSA ID

11437636

Incident

Sep 12, 2021

Mileage

2,700 mi

High voltage battery has been recalled due to fire risk on 8.20.2021. No remedy for repair has been performed and I have had difficulty getting information from GM regarding my vehicle swap due to the recall. The vehicle is becoming more unusable as the weather gets colder due to the charging limitations set in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11434352

Incident

Aug 20, 2021