Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Bolt EV.
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a compact electric hatchback built on Chevrolet’s dedicated EV platform and equipped with an electric drivetrain paired with an automatic transmission that uses variable gear ratios. While the model delivers a pure‑electric powertrain, its reliability record shows 171 total owner complaints, with the electrical system identified as the most frequent issue and eight recalls recorded for the year. Positioned between the 2019 peak of 175 complaints and the 2023 low of 57, the 2020 Bolt sits in the early‑mid phase of the model’s 2019‑2027 complaint timeline, indicating that its reliability profile is improving but still reflects the challenges typical of the first generation of mass‑market EVs.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 140R AGM VRLA Battery must be used. · 520 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Battery | 88866037 |
| Front wiper blades | 42566593 alt 42566594 |
| Cabin air filter | 13508023 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Overall length | 164.2 in |
| Overall width | 69.7 in |
| Overall height | 62.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3583 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.1 / 59.1 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 56/44 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 127 / 108 / 118 MPGe |
| Electric range | 259 mi |
| Charge time (240V) | 10.0 hr |
| Electric motor | 150 kW ACPM |
| Energy use | 28.7 kWh/100mi |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 94 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 17 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Electricity |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent published road-test results.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Premier Hatchback Elec 65-kWh | 6.30 sec | 14.90 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2020 | Premier Hatchback Elec 65-kWh | 6.70 sec | 15.20 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2019 | Premier Hatchback Elec 60-kWh | 6.50 sec | 15.10 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2022 | 2LT Hatchback Elec 65-kWh | 6.40 sec | 15.00 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2017 | Premier Hatchback Elec 60-kWh | 6.30 sec | 14.90 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2017 | Premier Hatchback Elec 60-kWh | 6.30 sec | 14.90 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2017 | Premier Hatchback Elec 60-kWh | 6.50 sec | 15.00 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2023 | 2LT Hatchback Elec 65-kWh | 6.60 sec | 15.10 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103.0 ft-lbs.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | DEXRON® HP Automatic Transmission Fluid. |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.7-3.1 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Brake Fluid Capacity | 1.27 |
| Engine Coolant | Dex-Cool |
| Power Steering Fluid | EPS |
| Windshield Washer Fluid | Optikleen® Washer Solvent |
| Lug Nuts | 103.0 ft-lbs |
| Automatic Transmission Drain Plug | 8.8 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 43.0 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.60 lbs |
| Oil Group | POE |
| Oil Capacity | 4.10 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 140R AGM VRLA Battery must be used. |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 520 cca |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: 30.0; Rear: 26.0 |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Front: 111.0; Rear: 74.0 |
| ABS Sensor Torque | Front: 6.6; Rear: 6.6 |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.118; Rear: 0.063 in |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 0.906; Rear: 0.335 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Front: 0.945; Rear: 0.346 |
| Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth | Front: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | Front: 0.0008; Rear: 0.0008 |
| 1 | 120°-130° | |
| 1 | 48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30°-40° | 48 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 7,500 mi | Accelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Hybrid Inverter (inspect coolant level) · Power Steering System (inspect) |
| Every 15,000 mi | Windshield Wiper Blade (replace) |
| Every 22,500 mi | Cabin Air Filter (replace) |
| Every 75,000 mi | Hood Hinge (inspect) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV sits at the peak of a complaint and recall trend that defines the early years of this generation. With 171 complaints and 8 recalls, it matches the high complaint volume of 2019 (175) but surpasses it in recall actions, while subsequent years see a sharp decline—2021 drops to just 66 complaints and 5 recalls. Electrical system issues dominate the 2020 model, with 56 complaints, and the year records 7 crash-related and 4 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. This arc positions 2020 as the culmination of early-generation problems before significant improvements were implemented. As a result, a 2020 Bolt EV carries elevated risk; a 2021 or later model, with far fewer complaints and recalls, is a more reliable used-car choice.
All 171 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
General 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… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear inside door-handle cables, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service…
General 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. Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the casting lot number on the front left brake caliper and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29…
Showing 5 of 597 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT3271Q | 2026-04-01 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel… |
| PIP6104 | 2026-03-09 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and… |
| PIP4902V | 2026-03-09 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into… |
| N252541510 | 2026-03-03 | Unknown Or Other | Certain vehicles may have been sold with a GM NACS Level 2 EV charging adapter (NACS to… |
| PIT6425D | 2026-03-02 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue… |
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Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 127 city / 108 highway / 118 combined MPGe. EPA electric range is 259 miles.