The Lemon Index2020 Chevrolet Bolt.
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 111 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 571, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, and it has 8 recalls. The best Chevrolet Bolt year is 2017.
Lemon alert. 5.7× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2017
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 174 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Bolt year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 35K miles on the car (22 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- electrical 2024
The installation of advanced diagnostic software may have failed.
- electrical 2024
The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.
- body structure 2023
This recall includes certain vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall number 22V-930.
Show all 8 recalls
- body structure 2022
After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
- electrical 2021
The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
- seat belts 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
- brakes 2020
These vehicles may have an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event.
- latches/locks/linkages 2020
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedElectric vehicle battery fires2020–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $650 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
It has been 21 months and I still have not received a new battery for this Chevy Bolt.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt owner · NHTSA complaint 11523962
More owner reports
2020 Chevrolet Bolt ev. Consumer writes in regard to NHTSA safety recall 21v-560. The consumer stated very disappointed with the dealer on recalls not being handled in a timely manner, four batteries are ordered at a time
NHTSA complaint 11503161
None of my local dealers will service recalls on this vehicle. They either tell me that they only perform work on vehicles purchased at that dealership or they continually reschedule my appointment.
NHTSA complaint 11551959
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 5.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 571; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Bolt year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Bolt problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (65%), fuel or ev drive system (15%) and speed control (5%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt have?
8 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Chevrolet Bolt problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,500 and 35,200 miles. The middle report was at 5,800 miles, from 22 complaints.
Does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 5% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt cost in fuel a year?
About $650 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Chevrolet Bolt year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2021 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works