2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
Horsepower
200 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
238 mi · 9.3 h on 240 V
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 200 hp, versus about 130 hp for similar 2019 models.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 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.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2019

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Bolt EV →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain200 hpElectric motor
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LTPremier

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Pedestrian emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Lansing - Grand River, Michigan · Orion, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Bolt EV configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

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
30 MPG2019 Small Station Wagons average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD
Side crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 small station wagons

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV (this car)238 mi★★★★★6
2019 Honda Fit36 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Honda HR-V30 MPG★★★★★7
2019 Kia Niro50 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Kia Soul28 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Nissan Rogue Sport28 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (6)

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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Mar 26, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V184000 · 897 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.
Risk
If the rear door opens while driving, or the door handle fails to open the rear door, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202298320.
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 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

178Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
10Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
10,230 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System80
Steering46
Fuel/Propulsion System44
Unknown Or Other21
Power Train13
Service Brakes5
Visibility/Wiper4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 123/11: 123/12: 124/03: 224/05: 224/06: 124/07: 224/08: 124/09: 124/11: 125/04: 325/05: 125/07: 225/08: 125/10: 125/11: 125/12: 226/02: 126/03: 226/04: 226/05: 426/06: 126/07: 126/09: 323/1024/0324/0724/1125/0725/1126/0326/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 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. Electrical System — 80 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 46 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 44 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,230 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 2019 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
2018 Bolt EV238 mi–Not rated589
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 →