2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Bolt EV years.
173 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Bolt EV?The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV has 173 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Bolt EV years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the Bolt EV?
Across the 7 Bolt EV model years we track, complaint volume runs from 59 (2022) to 320 (2017). With 173 complaints, the 2020 Bolt EV sits above the model's median of 74.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 Bolt EV
latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Campaign 20V184000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the rear door to open unintentionally when the rear window is opened. Additionally, it may cause the rear inside door handle to not work.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 20V808000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. These vehicles may have an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event.
seat belts
Campaign 20V811000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 21V650000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Show 4 more recalls
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 22V930000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 23V845000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 24V481000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 24V812000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650. The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed. As such, the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, centered on exceptional value, low operating costs, and reliable daily practicality.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Bolt EV. See the full Bolt EV owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Bolt EV listings typically run $15,100–$19,439 across 2017 to 2023 model years.
Other Bolt EV model years
Compare every Bolt EV year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Bolt EV against its rivals
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