2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Chevrolet Bolt EV
Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT, NYC official fleet 1.2.23. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Station Wagons
Engines
Electric motor
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV
EV range
238 mi · 9.3 h on 240 V
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 238 miles and takes about 9.3 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Bolt EV — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Bolt EV →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Bolt EV EV150 kW ACPMAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive238 mi · 28.3007 kWh/100mi–$650–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
29.7 MPG2018 Small Station Wagons average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Similar 2018 small station wagons

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV (this car)238 miNot rated5
2018 Honda Fit36 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Honda HR-V31 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Kia Niro50 MPGNot rated3
2018 Kia Soul28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Fiat 500 L25 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 14, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V845000 · 6,771 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
Risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners and, if necessary, install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust. Certain vehicles will also need a pretensioner cover installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under recall number 22V-930 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Owners may contact GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 / 1-800-833-2438) or Customer Service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232421970.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 15, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V930000 · 111,242 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
Risk
A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Jul 23, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V560000 · 57,414 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Risk
A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more frequently, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging, and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight. Defective battery modules will be replaced by GM, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N212343880.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Nov 13, 2020 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 20V701000 · 50,932 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Risk
A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 2020, dealers will reprogram the hybrid propulsion control module 2 (HPCM2) to limit the full charge to 90%, free of charge. Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed. Owners were notified of the interim repair beginning November 17, 2020. The second notice was mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact the Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. GM's number for this recall is N202311730.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

89Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
18,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering38
Electrical System29
Power Train12
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes7
Engine5
Vehicle Speed Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/03: 223/05: 223/06: 123/07: 123/08: 123/12: 124/04: 124/05: 124/07: 124/09: 124/10: 225/01: 125/05: 325/06: 225/07: 125/08: 325/09: 125/10: 326/01: 126/03: 226/04: 326/05: 226/08: 126/09: 123/0323/0724/0424/0925/0525/0826/0126/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Steering — 38 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 238 miles.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Bolt EV years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Bolt EV259 mi163.4 in★★★★★361
2022 Bolt EV259 mi163.4 in★★★★★759
2021 Bolt EV259 mi–★★★★★567
2020 Bolt EV259 mi–★★★★★8176
2019 Bolt EV238 mi–★★★★★6178
2017 Bolt EV238 mi–Not rated4350

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →