Steering Problems of Chevrolet Bolt Ev - part 1

The steering wheel takes more effort to turn than it should and does not return to center after making a turn. It has been like this since I bought the car used, and I did not realize until recently that it should not be like this. Comments on some online forums indicate that this is a common issue with chevy bolts, usually requiring a steering rack replacement. This is a complex operation requiring certified ev technicians (I am told) and very expensive. I am not sure if gm has addressed this issue in any way.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

Steering clunks during low speed maneuvers, shimmy started while rounding a curve at highway speed on uneven pavement. Local garage has identified it as a broken steering gear. Car has only 36000 miles.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

While driving at a low speed (approx. 5–10 mph), the front passenger-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural shear without warning. This caused the wheel assembly to collapse outward and the cv axle to pull out of the transmission. The failure caused a complete loss of steering control, veering the vehicle into a curb. Physical evidence (outward axle pull and high-side rim scratches) indicates the mechanical failure preceded the impact. This occurred at only 38,155 miles on a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. Outward dislocation: photos show the cv axle pulled out of the transmission and the wheel leaning out (positive camber). A curb impact would push these components in. This proves the wheel fell away from the car first. Pre-impact grinding: the interior barrel of the rim and the brake dust shield show heavy rotational grinding and metal-on-metal scoring. This confirms the suspension collapsed while the wheel was still spinning at speed, prior to the car coming to a stop. Structural shear: the lower ball joint stud suffered a complete transverse shear. High-resolution photos of the broken stud face show distinct "beach marks" (concentric rings), which are the physical fingerprint of a slow-growing metal fatigue crack rather than a sudden impact fracture. Rim damage profile: deep gouges are located on the flat face of the wheel spokes rather than the outer lip. This confirms the wheel was already at an extreme tilt (collapsed) when it made contact with the curb. Conclusion: the vehicle was maintained and driven under normal conditions. This was a spontaneous, catastrophic structural failure of a safety-critical component. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this as a potential manufacturing defect for the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Ev.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

The steering wheel gets stuck, is difficult to turn, and doesn't return to center. Issues with this make the car much more difficult to drive and makes it impossible to sense the state of the road with the steering wheel. This can lead to loss of control. No warning lamps or messages informed me of this issue.

The steering sticks when making turns and does not return to center. This causes the steering to drift on the highway and reduces the ability to steer in a straight line. I have not reproduced or confirmed it with the dealer. No inspection and no warning lamps. This issue occurs for a large number of Chevrolet bolt owners.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

Steering doesn't return to center when moving. When moving at low speeds steering is heavy. Possible steering gear issue. Always present while driving vehicle and turning.

The steering wheel locks and stiffens on turns to the left or right refusing to come back to center on its own. In the middle of the turn the wheel locks up. Been told by multiple dealerships and forums I've read online it's a known issue with the car needing a steering gear replacement. A job that costs $4-5k per gm based on labor. There's no warning lights. Gm has reproduced issue and based on this forum multiple accounts of this have happened to others [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering, rack and pinion is failing after 44k miles, steering gear is binding internally.

Vehicle steering wheel fails to return to center after sweeping turn. Found it’s a common issue and is incredibly dangerous and should be recalled!.

Steering wheel does not return to center, requiring driver input to do so. Force needed to turn the steering wheel continued to increase throughout the past year, getting abnormally difficult and unlike any other vehicle. Had the steering rack replaced, which corrected the problem.

The steering on my car is sticking and failing. When I make a turn, the steering wheel does not go back to the center on its own. I have to physically pull it back, otherwise the car will keep turning. When driving straight, the steering wheel gets "stuck. " I have to use extra force to make small adjustments, which makes the car jerk. The steering also makes clunking noises. This is extremely dangerous because it makes the car very hard to control, and I could easily drift into another lane, overcorrect, or crash.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the steering gear in this vehicle began to fail around 40k miles. It clunks at low speed, doesn't roll out of turns, and recently has begun to oscillate during straight driving. I will keep the old part for inspection once replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the cars steering does not return to center during a turn. Now, the steering is shaking violently during driving. It will likely seize if left unfixed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. I also have video. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? this is a well documented issue with chevy steering. I will include an ai overview screenshot.

Steering gear and torque sensor failure at 39,000 miles. Car is unsafe to drive and costs over $3500 to fix. The problem has been diagnosed at a dealership. No warning lights or codes apparent, problem is worsening and the car is becoming unsafe to drive. Steering gear or rack could be available for inspection.

I have a faulty electric power steering, it prevents the steering wheel to return to center.

Clicking/clunking under driver's feet.

Steering wheel fails to return to center after turns — potential steering gear defect 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Ev steering wheel fails to return to center after completing turns, particularly at low speeds. Steering requires manual input to re-center the vehicle after every turn. No warning lights or audible alerts. The issue is not attributable to alignment, tires, or tire pressure, as I have had new oem-spec tires installed and an alignment performed without any improvement to the steering. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to address this safety concern. They stated unable to replicate the issue and sent me away without performing repair. The dealership charged me for an alignment but provided only post-alignment figures — no before measurements, making it impossible to determine whether any corrective action was actually taken or whether the alignment was a contributing factor. This is a safety concern as it requires constant driver correction after every turn, increasing risk of overcorrection, unintended lane departure, and delayed response in emergency situations. Condition is hazardous in low-speed environments such as parking lots, intersections, on/off ramps, and residential streets where frequent turns are made and rapid corrections may be necessary. Issue is not isolated to my vehicle or model year. Owners of 2017-2019, 2022, and 2023 chevy Bolt Evs have reported identical symptoms across multiple owner forums, with hundreds of documented complaints. Community research and independent mechanic diagnoses consistently identify the steering gear (rack and pinion) as the root cause, with internal binding cited as the failure. Gm's own service manual includes a diagnostic path for "poor return of steering wheel," confirming gm is aware this condition exists. No recall or service bulletin issued addressing this widespread concern despite years of owner complaints spanning all Bolt Ev model years. Request that NHTSA investigate and consider issuing a recall.

Sometimes, when driving in a turn, either direction, and hands are released from the steering wheel, the vehicle does not return to center. Force is required to cause the steering to begin returning to center. Once it begins returning to center, seems to always continue to center. This is a dangerous departure from decades of common vehicle operation. An unsuspecting driver can drive into an obstacle or people.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

Steering rack started failing: did not return to center out of slow corners. Basically I could do hands-free circles in a parking lot. Dealer confirmed the steering rack was bad and replaced it under warranty. Out of sweeping corners this can be a safety issue as it only got worse over time. No warning lights nor other indication of the problem.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

Steering is failing at only 43,800 miles like many others. It is failing to return to center which makes it dangerous to drive, it doesn't come out of a turn. It is clicking and fails to return to center.

As with other chevy bolts, the rack and pinion steering completely broke no longer able to steer vehicle.

Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.

Steering rack broke, wheel won’t return to center. Dealer wants $3k dollars to fix. This should be recalled as the amount of cars it happens to is significantly high.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the vehicle’s steering system (specifically the electric power steering assist and/or steering rack assembly) began exhibiting stiffness, resistance, and intermittent loss of assist while turning. The steering system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by NHTSA, gm, or a dealer representative. ? how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the loss or inconsistency of steering assist makes it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially at low speeds and during turns. The steering intermittently binds or jerks, creating a risk of collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. Because steering is essential for directional control, any failure or unpredictability in the system poses a direct safety hazard to the driver and others on the road. ? has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue has been observed by the owner and noted by a gm certified dealer during inspection. The symptoms (binding and abnormal steering resistance) were reproduced during driving and while stationary. The dealer acknowledged abnormal steering behavior but initially denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle being sold as certified pre-owned. ? has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, the vehicle was inspected by a gm certified dealership that completed the original certification inspection and later reviewed the steering concern. The component has not been examined by police or insurance representatives at this time, but gm and NHTSA inspection is welcomed.

Steering will not return to center. After going around a turn, or even a curve like an exit ramp, the steering will remain locked in position and not re- center. It requires close attention and considerable force to return it to center and continue along a straight road.

The steering wheel does not return to center. . Read more...

Steering wheel makes noise and is hard to steer. The car creaks and clunks when driving over any type of speed bump, pothole, etc. Looking online, this seems to be a chronic safety problem with this make and model.

Steering doesn't return to center after turning. In sweeping turns, it is quite dangerous as the vehicle wants to push harder into the turn and requires operator to push the wheel back toward center to keep the vehicle on the road.

The steering does not self-center after making a turn. It feels stiff and remains in the turned position, requiring manual effort to bring it back to center.

The steering on the car does not return to center and sticks to the position turned and has to be manually pushed back to center. This is an issue with the steering rack.

Steering does not return to center without effort. Feels stiff. Very different from other owned cars.

The steering fails to return to center after a turn, especially at low speed. It requires me to manually center the wheel, and can make steering difficult in low speed city driving. No warning lights or codes are displayed. Front end alignment seems to be good with very little drifting in either direction. Highway driving provides some centering of the wheel, though less than any of the vehicles I have driven. When test driving the vehicle on 9/15/25, I asked the dealership about the issue. They stated it had been inspected roughly a month prior and no issues were found with the steering, and no pending recalls existed that were related to steering. I bought the vehicle the same day and realized it had the symptoms at all times at low speeds. Chevy bolt forums have reported the same issue, with a lot of vehicles having low miles.

The steering wheel in the Chevrolet bolt fails to return to center on its own. This is due to the steering rack grease hardening over time. This is a common issue with these cars but I am willing to offer my car for inspection on request. This is a safety and usability issue - my wife has carpal tunnel and struggles to properly return the vehicle to center when making a turn without pain. This does not show any specific warning lights. The component in this car has not been inspected, but the symptoms are always apparent, so it is always reproducible. This is very similar to if the power steering in a gas car were to fail. We have not had the issue fixed yet, but will likely need to do so in order to continue using the car safely.

The steering wheel will not return to center and feels like its binding on something, sometimes its tough to steer other times not. Does not feel safe. No warning lamps and nobody has inspected or worked on it yet.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt Ev 🔎.

When I make a left or right turn, the steering wheel does not return to the center on its own. I have to manually bring it back to center in order to straighten the wheels after a turn.

Steering wheel sticks and doesn't return to center. Service center says the steering rack need to be replaced. The issue creates a significant safety hazard by impeding my ability to control the vehicle during turns, potentially leading to accidents.