NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Safety Ratings
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 56 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV achieved a perfect five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, supplemented by full marks for its standard avoidance technology, culminating in an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This strong performance in federal evaluations places it favorably in its class, despite a modest defect record.
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV received an NHTSA 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 56 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV represents a measurable safety improvement over its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index rose 8 points, from 83/100 (Strong) on the 2022 model to 91/100 (Exceptional) for 2023, a gain that moved the vehicle into a higher performance band entirely. The crash-protection sub-score of 70/70 and avoidance-technology sub-score of 10/10 are both perfect, meaning the ceiling was reached on those two pillars. The limiting factor is the defect record sub-score of 11/20, which reflects the three active recall campaigns and the 56-complaint volume. Two of the three recalls share the same component category, STRUCTURE: BODY: ROOF AND PILLARS, suggesting a persistent structural concern that GM addressed across multiple campaign filings spanning late 2022 through late 2023. The frontal airbag recall adds a separate safety dimension. Despite those defect-record deductions, the overall index lands firmly in Exceptional territory, anchored by the vehicle's clean sweep of 5-star NHTSA ratings across every tested category.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV achieved a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5-star scores across all evaluated crashworthiness dimensions. This includes top marks in frontal impact, side impact, and the rollover resistance assessment. The vehicle's rollover risk is assessed at 10 percent, supported by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. Every published safety metric for this model year reached the highest possible rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17107
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2023 Bolt EV. Two address STRUCTURE: BODY: ROOF AND PILLARS, one involving vehicles previously repaired and one tied to seat-belt pretensioner deployment after a crash. The third targets AIR BAGS: FRONTAL, where a missing instrument-panel perforation could affect airbag deployment. Shoppers should verify all three are resolved by VIN before purchase.
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
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL23V567000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232414710.
Reported 2023-08-10
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
NHTSA has received 56 owner complaints for the 2023 Bolt EV, including 8 reported crashes and 5 alleged injuries. The most frequently cited components are Steering (17 reports), Electrical System (16), and Service Brakes (6). All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
56 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Three recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 Bolt EV, addressing concerns with the roof and pillar structure, as well as frontal airbag perforation. The presence of these unresolved recalls underscores a critical safety consideration for this model year. Shoppers are advised to verify completion of all recall repairs via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as these directly impact integral safety systems.
- The Safety Index jumped 8 points year-over-year, from 83/100 on the 2022 model to 91/100 for 2023, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band.
- Two of the three 2023 recalls target the same component, STRUCTURE: BODY: ROOF AND PILLARS, with one campaign specifically covering vehicles that had already been repaired under a prior action, indicating a remedy refinement.
- The frontal airbag recall flags a potential missing instrument-panel perforation on 2022-2023 Bolt EV vehicles, a defect that could interfere with airbag deployment in a crash.
- Steering leads all complaint categories with 17 unverified reports, followed closely by Electrical System at 16, making those two areas the most frequently alleged concerns among the 56 total owner submissions on file with NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV places
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV safety questions
Was the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 56 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17107), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023.
- 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 36 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.