NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 174 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV received six recalls, including two separate campaigns advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors due to fire risk. This recall record yields a defect score of just 2 out of 20, substantially lowering the overall NHTSA Safety Index to 73 out of 100, which places the model in the Average band. This final assessment is despite strong crash-test scores from NHTSA.
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 174 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV's most notable safety characteristic is its history of high-severity recalls, which significantly impact its overall safety posture. Six recalls were issued for this model year, including two "park-outside" orders addressing traction battery fire risk. A subsequent recall on 2019 vehicles was required to correct an earlier remedy, highlighting ongoing issues with defect resolution. This recall record yields a defect subscore of 2 out of 20, pulling the model's Safety Index down to 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Despite these recall challenges, the 2019 Bolt EV demonstrates strong crash protection. Its crash protection subscore of 65 out of 70 derives from 5-star ratings in three of the four NHTSA tested categories, with frontal protection receiving 4 stars. The avoidance technology subscore of 6 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems were offered as optional, not standard, equipment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal protection registered 4 out of 5 stars, side impact and rollover protection both earned the maximum 5 stars. The Bolt EV’s rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13584
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV have any recalls?
Yes. The 2019 Bolt EV is subject to six recall campaigns. Two are park-outside orders tied to the high-voltage traction battery, which NHTSA flagged as a fire risk while charging. Additional campaigns cover a roof and pillars structural concern after pretensioner deployment, a second roof and pillars campaign for previously repaired vehicles, and a rear door latch cable issue.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS23V845000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 n
Reported 2023-12-14
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS22V930000
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-12-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY21V560000
Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 batte
Reported 2021-07-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY20V701000
Risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2020-11-13
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH20V184000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-03-26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V576000
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2018-08-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
NHTSA has logged 174 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The Electrical System leads with 85 alleged reports, followed by Steering and the Fuel and Propulsion System at 44 each. Owners have also alleged 10 fire-related incidents and 2 crashes. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
174 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The 2019 Bolt EV presents a unique safety consideration due to its six recalls, a notably high number for its model year. Most critical among these is a series of campaigns addressing potential battery fires, prompting the manufacturer to advise owners to park outdoors. Before any purchase, it is imperative to verify through the NHTSA recall lookup tool, using the specific VIN, that all six recall remedies have been completed, especially the follow-up battery campaign for vehicles that previously underwent repairs.
- Two separate park-outside recall campaigns were issued specifically for 2019 Bolt EV vehicles, both citing traction battery fire risk during charging, making battery recall completion the single most critical safety verification for this model year.
- A third battery recall campaign was later issued to address 2019 vehicles that had already been repaired under an earlier recall, meaning a completed remedy stamp does not automatically confirm full resolution without checking the most recent campaign.
- The defect record subscore of 2 out of 20 is the primary reason the Safety Index sits at 73 rather than higher, directly reflecting the six recalls attached to this specific model year rather than any weakness in crash-test results.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on the 2019 model year, meaning the avoidance tech subscore of 6 out of 10 can vary depending on how a specific vehicle was equipped at the time of purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV places
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 174 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Bolt EV years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13584), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Bolt EV 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.