Dealer visit checklist
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.3x more owner complaints than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV problems to check
- Battery degradation and the well-publicized 2017-2022 LG Chem battery recall — verify the battery has been replaced or remediated under GM's recall program before buying
- DC fast charging is capped at 55 kW, which is significantly slower than competitors and can be frustrating on longer road trips
- Regenerative braking one-pedal mode can feel abrupt to new drivers and may cause uneven brake rotor wear over time
- Infotainment system (MyLink) feels dated and can lag; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity issues have been reported
- Charging door and onboard charging module failures have appeared in owner forums, though parts are generally available through GM dealers
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS: General 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: General 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $19,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away