While driving my 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV at approximately 136,594 miles, the vehicle suddenly began making severe mechanical clacking/grinding noises and vibrating heavily. I could no longer safely drive the vehicle at normal road speed and was only able to move it very slowly. Fortunately, this occurred when traffic around me was light. If this failure had occurred in heavy or high-speed traffic, the sudden loss of normal drivability could have created a serious safety risk to me and other motorists. The vehicle was towed to Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine for diagnosis. The Chevrolet dealer found a large hole in the transmission/transaxle case and confirmed that the unit had lost all of its fluid. Diagnostic code P17C8 was also present. The dealer described this as an unusual failure. I specifically asked whether an external impact or road debris caused the damage. The dealer stated that there were no visible signs of impact to the undercarriage other than the hole in the transmission case itself and that they could not determine the exact cause. I did not shift the vehicle into Park while it was moving, and I do not recall striking any road debris or other object that could explain this catastrophic damage. I am reporting this because a sudden catastrophic drive-unit/transaxle failure while a vehicle is in motion may present a significant safety risk. I believe this failure should be documented and reviewed to determine whether similar failures have occurred in other Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV vehicles.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764449 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The electric power steering / steering gear assembly exhibits mechanical binding ("sticky steering") and completely fails to return to center. When going around a curve in the road, the steering wheel "memorizes" or holds the turned angle and will not unwind or self-center like it used to and as I would expect it to. I'm having to apply continuous, deliberate manual counter-steering to bring the vehicle back to straight. The steering also has a distinct "notchy" or sticking sensation when making small steering adjustments that make clear audible clicking or knocking sounds at lower speeds. The issue began intermittently from my recollection around early 2026 and has grown progressively worse. It's most certainly progressed to feeling like a serious safety hazard by potentially causing significant driver fatigue, over-correction, and difficulty maintaining lane discipline, increasing the risk of lane departure or an inability to complete emergency evasive maneuvers. I will have a teenage driver soon and would not feel comfortable with her driving this vehicle in its current state. I verified that all "driver assistance" features were disabled and were not the cause of the mechanical resistance. No warning lights or error codes have illuminated. I need to get it fixed, but for the time being, the vehicle and its original steering components are available for inspection if that is useful.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762966 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

At less than 300 miles on odometer and while charging at a level 2 charger I checked my Chevy app and saw a warning for service airbag system. I had just checked it 15 mins prior and it was not on. Now it has an airbag light on…at 291 miles on the car. In car it says service safety restraint system. Still have to make a 200 mile trip back to my town in a couple days. Definitely frustrating for a car I have only had a week.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11552274 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The door locks automatically unlock when the car shuts itself off if the key fob is inside. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Twice now, once in this car, and once in my previous car (a Bolt rather than an EUV) I fell asleep at a charging station, in the Texas summer, with the A/C running, and when I woke up, the car was off and the doors had automatically unlocked. I believe this has happened to other people. See, for example: https://westchester.news12.com/police-duo-to-be-charged-after-stealing-a-car-while-it-was-charging Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but as I wrote, it has happened to me with two separate vehicles, a 2019 Bolt, and a 2023 Bolt EUV, and it is eminently reproducible. Get in the car, lock the doors, leave the car on and wait an hour. When the car shuts itself off, it will unlock the doors (I believe because the key fob is inside.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. But I sent an unacknowledged email to GM's general counsel on 9/1/2019 the first time it happened in my 2019 Bolt EV. It still happens in my Bolt EUV. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11714596 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle displayed a Service ESC warning, indicating a possible malfunction in the electronic stability control system. I have had difficulty reproducing the issue, but the vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction may have reduced the vehicle’s stability and traction assistance, which could increase the risk of losing control while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have taken the vehicle to the dealer three times. The first time, the dealer replaced the battery. The second time, the dealer installed a software update. The third time, they were unable to reproduce the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. No inspection by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties has occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The Service ESC warning first appeared while driving on July 19, 2026 and May 22, 2026. I did notice the service light turn on before then, but do not have a picture to send at this time.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11752728 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov