Dealer visit checklist
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.2x more owner complaints than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems to check
- Battery degradation and thermal management concerns — GM issued a recall in 2021-2022 for fire risk related to battery cells; verify the battery has received the software update or replacement
- DC fast charging is capped at 50kW, which is slow by modern EV standards and can be a pain on longer road trips
- Regenerative braking system may show wear on brake actuator components earlier than expected
- Infotainment system (MyLink) can feel dated and has known occasional software glitches or screen freezes
- Interior materials and build quality feel cost-cut, with reports of squeaks and rattles developing over time
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $18,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away