Chevrolet Bolt EV 1

Permanent-magnet synchronous motor, 150 kW peak, front-wheel drive with a single-speed reduction gear. Early cars (2017–2019) used a 60 kWh LG pack, 2020-on grew to around 65 kWh. DC fast charging is capped at 55 kW — a genuine weak point on longer trips, and the liquid cooling struggles to sustain even that once the pack is warm. The drivetrain itself is simple and durable; the real stories are the LG battery fire recall that touched every 2017–2022 car, a passive 12-volt management that can strand the vehicle, and steering-rack failures on 2022–2023 build. An example with a documented recall battery replacement effectively has a brand-new pack and fresh 8-year/100k-mile coverage from that date — always worth confirming on a used buy.

• !! Recall: LG battery fire risk (NHTSA 21V650000)

  LG cells suffered two rare defects at once — a torn anode tab and a folded separator — which can cause an internal short and cell fire, even parked and fully charged. GM recorded at least 16 fires. The recall grew to cover all 2017–2022 Bolt EV/EUV (~141,000 cars); the fix is module or full-pack replacement plus monitoring software.

  Symptoms: Vehicle catches fire (sometimes without prior warning), smoke from under the floor, charge-state warnings, charge limited by software update.
  0–0 $
  Ad LG Energy Solution Bolt battery module21V650000 battery replacement
• !! High-voltage battery replacement is very costly out of warranty from 160,000 km

  Without warranty or recall cover, a dealer HV-battery replacement runs roughly $11,000–$19,000; refurbished packs from EV specialists start around $8,000. GM's warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles; recall-replaced cars may get fresh coverage from the swap date. After flood or crash damage, expect the top of the range.

  Symptoms: Sharp range loss (>20%), charge interruptions, 'Service High-Voltage Charging System' warning, reduced drive power.
  8,000–19,000 $
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• !! 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning and limp mode from 6,000 km

  A recurring fault on early cars (2017–2019): the dash shows 'Propulsion Power Is Reduced — Service Immediately' and the car crawls or won't accelerate normally. Causes vary — a 12 V recharge software bug, inverter/converter faults, battery control module, or the transmission fluid pump (DTC P2797). Some cases under 10,000 km. Fixed free under the 8-year warranty.

  Symptoms: 'Propulsion Power Is Reduced' message, heavily reduced performance, sometimes charge capped at 30%, abrupt slowing on the motorway.
  0–3,500 $
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+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses