Since receiving our 2027 Chevy Bolt 20 February, I’ve noticed an odd noise at low power levels, upon deceleration, or at neutral or zero power levels.
I’ve been driving EVs for 12 years now and the noise is not a normal EV sound. It’s not the whine of the motor/generator, or the hum of the inverter.
Naturally, I turned to the internet to see if there were any similar complaints about the new Bolt. I found that there were similar but not identical complaints about the 2022 EUV and the 2021 Blazer. The discussion on the forums includes some audio files. (I’ll link to them below.)
Apparently, there is an “aero shutter” that needs dampening. This requires removing the bumper assembly and installing an inexpensive foam strip. It was a common enough issue that GM issued Technical Service Bulletin #22-NA-024.
There is also a range test of the 2027 Bolt by a Youtube influencer where he comments on an odd sound. See 2027 Chevy Bolt EV Range Test! How Far Can it Go at 75 mph? by EV Motoring at 5.12. He attributed the noise to the tires. It’s not the tires.
I opened a case with GM’s EV concierge and scheduled a service visit at the local Chevy dealer. When I dropped off the car, I gave them two audio files I recorded driving on a smooth arterial by our house. The noise is most noticeable on smooth pavement. On rough pavement the noise is masked by road noise.
Though the dealer wanted the car for 24 hours, they called within a few hours for me to pick up the car. Their EV tech heard the noise, contacted GM, and found that the noise is a known problem. Chevy released the car to me and said it was safe to drive.
However, I am not sure GM and I are talking about the same problem. GM’s #PIC6650 of 31 March describes a moan or hum at 75-80 mph. The noise I hear is independent of speed and dependent on power level. They do mention that the noise is heard while coasting. At any rate, GM engineering is investigating the noise and will issue a Technical Service Bulletin when they have a resolution.
2027 Chevy Bolt
- 2027 Chevy Bolt EV Range Test! How Far Can it Go at 75 mph? by EV Motoring at 5.12.
- 2027 Bolt Gipe 20260404-01.mp3
- 2027 Bolt Gipe 20260404-02.mp3
- #PIC6650: Moan Hum or Whine Noise Heard at 75-80 mph (31 March 2026)
