How do I know if my Chevy Bolt battery is bad?

In short, a failing Chevy Bolt battery usually shows a noticeable drop in real-world range, charging problems, or warning messages from the vehicle. A definitive determination should come from a dealer diagnostic or GM’s online tools.

What counts as a bad Bolt battery

Understanding the symptoms helps you decide when to seek a professional diagnosis. Below are the most common indicators that owners watch for, along with safety notes and warranty context.

• Significant or accelerating loss of real-world range compared with the car’s original specification or a previous baseline.


• Charging that is slower than expected, or the battery stops charging before reaching a full charge, even on Level 2 or DC fast charging.


• Warning messages on the dash or in the vehicle’s infotainment/app interface such as “Service Battery,” “Battery Health,” or other electrical system alerts.


• Unusual or persistent heat during charging or while the vehicle is idle near the battery area, which can indicate thermal management or cell issues.


• Temp-related performance drops, especially in cold weather, where range and charging efficiency decline more than typical winter effects.


• Visible signs of battery-related problems around the pack area (rare) such as swelling or a strong odor, which require immediate attention.


• Recurring fault codes or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) retrieved by a dealer or a certified EV technician.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t assume it’s just weather or a temporary glitch—schedule a professional diagnostic to determine battery health and next steps. Battery health issues can affect performance, safety, and resale, and some problems may be covered by warranty or recall programs.

How to check battery health and diagnose it

Before a visit to the shop, you can gather information and perform basic checks to understand the scope of the issue. The following steps help you document symptoms and prepare for a professional assessment.

• Compare your current real-world range with the EPA-rated range for your model year and battery status. Note any noticeable drop and when it began.


• Review charging behavior using the car’s instrument cluster and GM’s mobile apps (MyChevrolet/OnStar) to see if charging speed or full-charge availability has changed over time.


• Check for any dash warnings or app alerts related to the battery or electrical system and record the times they appear.


• Test charging with different methods (home Level 2 charger vs DC fast charging) if feasible, and observe whether issues persist across charging methods.


• Ask the dealer to pull the vehicle’s diagnostic data, including high-voltage battery health reports, state of health (SoH), and any stored fault codes from the battery management system.


• Verify whether your vehicle is subject to any active recall related to the battery. You can search by VIN on the NHTSA or GM recall portal to confirm coverage and required actions.

Professional diagnosis typically combines real-world range data, charging tests, and a formal battery health assessment using specialized equipment. This approach provides a clear determination of whether the battery needs service, replacement, or other repairs.

What to do if the battery is deemed bad

Once a dealer or certified EV technician confirms battery health concerns, the next steps depend on warranty coverage, safety considerations, and the evaluation of the battery’s condition.

• Check warranty coverage: The Chevy Bolt’s high-voltage battery and related components are covered under an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty in the U.S. for defects, with variations by state and policy. Warranty status can significantly affect whether a battery replacement is covered at little or no cost to you.


• Explore recall options: If your vehicle is part of a battery-related recall, the fix—often a battery pack replacement or module refurbishment—may be performed at no charge.


• Battery replacement or refurbishment: Depending on the diagnosis, a dealer may replace the defective pack or perform module repairs as recommended by GM and LG Chem’s guidelines for Bolt models.


• Consider extended warranties or goodwill service: If the battery is aging but not under warranty, discuss potential goodwill repairs or extended service options with the dealer.


• Plan for costs and timelines: Battery work can require scheduling, transportation arrangements, and potential loaner vehicles. Ask about timeline estimates and any interim charging solutions.

Safety note: Do not attempt to disassemble or physically work on the high-voltage battery yourself. High-voltage systems require trained technicians and proper protective equipment. If you smell burning or notice a strong chemical odor, seek immediate assistance.

Where to get help and how to stay informed

Reliable evaluation often means working with a Chevrolet dealer or a licensed EV service center. You should also stay informed about recalls, service notices, and warranty extensions that affect Bolt batteries.

• Check your VIN for recalls on the NHTSA or GM recall portals to see if any battery-related actions apply to your vehicle.


• Talk to your Chevrolet dealer about diagnostic options, battery health reports, and any program-specific coverage that may apply to your vehicle’s model year.


• Review GM’s warranty documentation and eligibility for battery-related replacements or repairs. If you’re near the end of a warranty window, ask about goodwill options or extended coverage.

Proactive maintenance, informed by official diagnostics, helps ensure reliability, safety, and optimum performance from your Bolt’s battery life.

Summary

Key takeaways: watch for reduced range, charging inconsistencies, and dash warnings as potential signs of a bad Bolt battery; use the dealer diagnostic tools or GM’s app to assess battery health; review warranty and recall status to determine coverage and next steps; never attempt high-voltage battery work yourself—seek professional service promptly to protect safety and vehicle reliability.

How to check battery health on Chevy Bolt EV?

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What is the lifespan of a Chevy Bolt battery?

A Chevy Bolt's battery can last 10–20 years or over 100,000 miles, with most owners not needing a replacement within the 8-year/100,000-mile warranty period. Factors like driving habits, climate, and charging habits significantly influence battery life. To maximize battery life, it's recommended to keep the charge between 20% and 80%, avoid frequent DC fast charging, and limit exposure to extreme temperatures. 
This video explains how to monitor your Chevy Bolt's battery health and potential degradation: 53sThatJamesGuyYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Factors affecting battery life

• Driving habits: Aggressive driving can reduce battery life compared to steady, highway driving. 
• Climate: Extreme heat or cold can negatively impact battery performance and longevity. 
• Charging habits:
  • Avoid frequently charging to 100% or discharging below 20%. 
  • Limit the use of DC fast charging, as it can generate more heat than Level 1 or Level 2 charging. 
• Age and condition: The battery's age and overall condition play a role in its lifespan. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help ensure the battery's components are working efficiently. 

You can watch this video to see the results of an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on a Chevy Bolt EV battery: 58sTransport EvolvedYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
Tips for extending battery life

• Charge within the 20%-80% range: If possible, avoid charging to 100% or letting the charge drop below 20% for daily use. 
• Minimize DC fast charging: Utilize slower Level 1 or Level 2 charging when you can. 
• Park in a garage: This helps protect the battery from extreme temperature fluctuations. 
• Drive smoothly: Maintain a consistent speed and avoid rapid acceleration and braking. 

This video explains the Chevy Bolt's battery warranty and how it works: 55sEveryday EVYouTube · Aug 30, 2022
Warranty information

• All Chevy Bolt batteries come with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, which covers a certain level of battery health retention.
• This warranty is designed to ensure the battery remains functional for a significant period, even with normal use. 

How to tell if a Chevy Bolt has a new battery?

If you're buying a used Bolt EV from a Chevy dealer, they should tell you if it's a new battery or not. You can, however, check yourself. “A Chevy service advisor can pull the service history on any Bolt EV. . . If the Bolt is for sale at a dealer, you can ask for a copy of the service history.”

What is the battery issue on the Chevy Bolt?

GM announced in August of this year that all Chevy Bolts, from 2017-2022, have been recalled due to a fire problem when their batteries were fully or almost nearly charged. The Bolt is an all-electric vehicle that was launched in 2017.