Before you buy
This 2020 Chevrolet Bolt has 170 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview Β· Full report from $12.95.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt has 170 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Bolt
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 170
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 118
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 127 / 108
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 259
Common problems
Most common 2020 Chevrolet Bolt problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt?
This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CHEVROLET BOLT has 170 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 8 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 170 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 8 federal recall campaigns
- 7 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2020 Chevrolet Bolt complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 93 | 1 | 4 | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 21 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | 1 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 3 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | β | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 3 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | 1 | β | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
General Motors is using the arbitrary 6,213-mile tracking window of Recall 944 to deny coverage for a diagnosed Cell Section 3 hardware failure at 123,582 miles. However, this vehicle is directly impacted by the failure parameters outlined in the expanded GM Safety Recall N242470β¦
Steering stiffened over several weeks. Then steering wheel would not automatically return to center while turning while driving. Diagnosed by service as a fault with steering column. This is apparently very common in Chevy Bolts.
After putting washer fluid in, my son closed the hood. The hood did not latch. He tried again but it still didnβt latch. He lifted the hood to find the hood striker had come off the hood. There was nothing to hold the hood closed. Iβve included photos of the striker welds. Thereβ¦
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle β¦
Accelerating to merge onto the highway the accelerator pedal got stuck under the all weather mat (provided and installed by the manufacturer). When I took my foot off the pedal the vehicle continued to accelerate. I had to break against the force of the motor trying to accelerateβ¦
Rear shock absorbers failed with only 8009 miles on vehicle
I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV in late 2023, already equipped with GM's recall diagnostic software (part of NHTSA Recall 21V650), which monitored battery health and limited charging to 80%. After the monitoring period, the software detected critical voltage variation failurβ¦
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the vehicle's charge was designed to last for 259 miles, but failed to exceed 100 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V812000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, thβ¦
VEHICLE FAILS TO CHARGE. Receiving error message that the vehicle fails to accept a charge. I've attempted charging using 3 separate chargers and all fail. This issue has been in service at numerous dealerships with no resolve. I was able to charge previously at a reduced rate buβ¦
This is the second time since owning car this has happened the recall battery is not working again this time me and my sister were at the gas station were I work and this is all on camara at Chevron gas station were I work I went inside sister stayed in car it started making a buβ¦
Steering rack started failing: did not return to center out of slow corners. Basically I could do hands-free circles in a parking lot. Dealer confirmed the steering rack was bad and replaced it under warranty. Out of sweeping corners this can be a safety issue as it only got worsβ¦
While waiting to turn left at a light and driving in "L" (one pedal) mode, I started to release the break in anticipation of oncoming lanes clearing, as I lifted the pedal the car lurched into the intersection. The Bolt normally accelerates very gently in L mode when no break is β¦
See attached document for complaint.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicleβs steering system (specifically the electric power steering assist and/or steering rack assembly) began exhibiting stiffness, resistance, and intermittent loss of assisβ¦
Steering very stiff will not return to center on its own. Seems to be the steering rack. Not returning to center seems dangerous in certain situations. This is a 2020 vehicle but seems to be a common problem on all years Bolt EV/EUV.
High-voltage battery failure left Bolt EV immobilized after recall fix: Our 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV (VIN: [XXX] ) became completely immobilized on [XXX], due to high-voltage battery failure. The vehicle previously underwent all recall remedies, including a full propulsion battery β¦
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, the vehicle exploded. The contact believed the failure was due to the battery. The front left tire message was displayed. The battery was previously replaced. The local deaβ¦
The steering wheel fails to return to center after turns. This requires constant manual correction to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departure. There are no warning lights or noise, and the issue does not appear to be related β¦
The steering wheel intermittently sticks and fails to return to center after turns or minor corrections, especially at low to moderate speeds. This requires constant manual correction to re-center the vehicle, which increases the risk of overcorrection or unintended lane departurβ¦
The backup/360 camera intermittently but frequently fails to turn on, showing a black screen instead with a crossed out camera icon. This makes it very difficult to back up safely and puts bystanders at risk. This problem has not yet been evaluated by a dealer, but there are numeβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt.
Safety recalls
2020 Chevrolet Bolt recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. 8 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SEAT BELTS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Chevrolet Bolt buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 170 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (93 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (29 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (21 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 170 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. A major recall area is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. 8 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt?βΎ
This CHEVROLET BOLT year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Bolt reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.