Problems · by component

2020 Chevrolet Bolt electrical system problems

96 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt cite electrical system, 55% of all 176 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
96
55% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV experienced a loss of propulsion that left the vehicle disabled in a parking lot. The vehicle initially displayed a motor-control system warning. It subsequently displayed "Drivetrain Power Lost" and refused to shift out of Park. After turning the vehicle off and waiting approximately five minutes, I restarted it. The READY indicator returned, and the vehicle shifted into Drive, but when I attempted to accelerate, it shuddered severely instead of moving normally. The service warning indicator remained illuminated. I stopped attempting to operate the vehicle because it was unsafe to drive. OnStar retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0A3F, associated with the drive motor position sensor circuit. Significantly, General Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-220 in May 2020, specifically covering loss of propulsion and DTC P0A3F in 2017–2020 Chevrolet Bolt EVs. Under the bulletin's "Cause" section, GM identifies a possible spread terminal in the X2 wiring harness connection on the transmission assembly. GM further states that the terminals may not have been properly aligned during installation at the vehicle assembly plant. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11775910
“Recall 21V650 (GM N212345944) remedy not provided. The advanced diagnostic software (Software Final Remedy) was installed XXX. I bought the car used on XXX at 16,187 miles. While charging was still limited to 80% by the recall software, the software flagged the battery (DTC U362C-09) and propulsion power was reduced. Ron Tonkin Chevrolet ([XXX]) replaced the high-voltage battery pack on XXX at 21,409 miles (RO [XXX], GM TAC case XXX), which is within the 6,214-mile diagnostic period and before GM's XXX and XXX deadlines. GM's own owner letter filed with NHTSA (RMISC-21V650-9675) says such a replacement includes an extended 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty from the replacement date. GM instead coded the repair as an ordinary warranty repair (labor op XXX), and the recall replacement-battery warranty was never added to my VIN. I am asking that GM provide the full recall remedy, including the Bolt Battery Limited Part Warranty.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11773129
“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 N242470160 / N242470162, where GM openly acknowledges to federal regulators that the advanced diagnostic software has failed to properly detect defective battery modules. By denying a physical battery replacement when a manufacturing defect is caught during a mandatory corporate software reconfiguration, GM is violating the spirit and legal intent of their ongoing federal safety recall campaigns.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11745256
“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 out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is difficult to reproduce, happening randomly, sometimes with multiple months between incidents. The incidents happen with no warning, and there are no other symptoms associated with the issue. The dealer mechanic indicated it is likely the issue indicated in Chevrolet TSB 19-NA-220, indicating the root cause is the resolver feedback connector on the electric drive unit damaged during vehicle assembly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11741473
“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, the failure persisted. The vehicle recently failed to charge, with an error message that the vehicle was unable to charge displayed. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the issue. The dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11732423
“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 but now the battery will no longer accept a charge and gives me an error message.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11732425

Showing 6 of 96 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

General 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.

Electrical systemReported Oct 31, 2024NHTSA 24V812000

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

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. The advanced diagnostic software may have been incorrectly installed and fail to detect defective battery modules, possibly resulting in a battery fire.

Electrical systemReported Jun 27, 2024NHTSA 24V481000

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

General 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.

Electrical systemReported Aug 20, 2021NHTSA 21V650000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2020 Bolt problem areas