MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
56Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE CHEVROLET BOLT EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a compact all-electric hatchback, though NHTSA classifies it as a sedan, aimed squarely at urban commuters and eco-conscious buyers who want practical range without the premium price of a Tesla. Spanning model years 2019 through 2023, the Bolt EV has been one of GM's most visible bets on mainstream electric mobility, and its safety record tells a complicated but ultimately instructive story.

VERDICT

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Bolt EV for its accessible electric range, responsive driving character, and competitive value within the affordable EV segment. Most acknowledge the battery recall history as a significant chapter in the model's story but note that post-remedy examples have addressed the core concern. Practicality and ease of daily use are consistently highlighted as strengths.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17107

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record11/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

56 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

8reported crash
1reported fire
5reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 17Electrical System 16Unknown Or Other 8Service Brakes 6Exterior Lighting 6Fuel/Propulsion System 6

Other Bolt Ev years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17107), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Chevrolet Bolt Ev 2023. Class rank 36 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure