The 2023 Chevy Bolt is a value-priced EV with plenty to offer. Available in five-door hatchback and EUV (electric utility vehicle) body styles, it offers everyday versatility and zero-emissions performance. That’s a nice combo. On the other hand, the 2023 Bolt (hatchback and EUV) is the most complained about Chevrolet. That’s a surprise, considering other models — like the Silverado — enjoy considerably higher sales figures. So, what are the Bolt’s problem areas? Let’s take a closer look.  

The Chevy Bolt has the most complaints

On the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, the 2023 Chevy Bolt has 44 complaints, between the EUV model (34) and the hatchback version (10). Compare that to the next highest tally — the Silverado 1500 (26) — and you realize something’s amiss. What are the Bolt’s common issues?

The most complained about areas on the ‘23 Bolt EUV are the electrical system (9), exterior lighting (9), and the powertrain (6). For the hatchback version, typical issues include the electrical system (6), exterior lighting (3), and engine and engine cooling (1). 

Among the issues reported, drivers noted power loss while driving, malfunctioning door locks, and charging problems. 

Making sense of these findings

A mechanical bug now and then is understandable. Especially on a high-tech electric vehicle. But the repeated issues with the Bolt’s electrical system and powertrain are anything but insignificant. 

Since EVs are new to the market, dependability is paramount. With people taking the plunge and making the switch to electric power, they need vehicles they can count on. But some reports from Bolt owners show that isn’t the case.

One owner of a Bolt EUV reported their vehicle caught fire in the middle of the night. Another wrote that their car experienced power loss while on the freeway. And some hatchback owners noted the brake lights aren’t located in a visible location. 

As an EV, the Bolt’s electrical system is central to its performance and safety. But with many drivers reporting issues with just that, it seems more time is needed to fix the bugs. It’s not that the Bolt’s a bad design — it’s versatile and has good range (259 miles hatchback/247 miles EUV) — but its mechanical issues are holding it back. 

What Chevy would you expect to have the most complaints?

According to GoodCarBadCar, Chevy sold 15,834 Bolt models in Q3 2023. During that same period, the company moved 143,467 Silverados and 48,291 Equinox units. Considering that, one would expect the Bolt to have far fewer complaints. But that isn’t the case.

On the NHTSA website, the 2023 Silverado has 26 complaints, while the 2023 Equinox has 23. 

Common complaints among 2023 Chevy Silverado owners consist of the electrical system (5), the engine (3), and forward collision avoidance (3). 2023 Equinox owners report problems with the service brakes (11), unknown or other (6), and the electrical system (3).

So, the Silverado and Equinox aren’t perfect either. But with vastly more units on the road than the Bolt, they have far fewer reported issues. 

For drivers on a budget, the 2023 Chevy Bolt is an appealing pick. Combining good looks, a high-tech powertrain, and everyday versatility, it’s a compact EV made for the modern world. Unfortunately, this year’s Bolt has a high number of owner complaints, showing it needs refining before it’s a trouble-free ride. But with time, Chevy should work out the issues, so the Bolt can reach its full potential.