ChevroletCorvette2020Overview/chevrolet/corvette/2020/base/

2020 Chevrolet Corvette

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Corvette.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette routes its power through an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a powertrain specified for 7.5 quarts of 0W-40 oil and EPA ratings of 15 city, 27 highway, and 19 combined mpg. Owner feedback has been comparatively contained, with 34 total complaints and four recalls logged — the top complaint area being Structure — which positions this model year well below the Corvette's historical peak of 588 complaints in 2008 and closer to the low of 8 in 1992 across a complaint record spanning 1990 through 2025. That relatively modest complaint volume suggests this generation is off to a stronger reliability start than many of its predecessors, though the four recalls and structural concerns indicate it is not without issues.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque140.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy15/27/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 Battery is vented to the outside. · 615 CCA battery, OE oil filter 25206377. 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 groupBCI 48 Battery is vented to the outside. · 615 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter25206377
Engine air filter84321605
Spark plug12622442
Battery88866309
Front wiper blades84566978 alt 84566977
Serpentine belt12731925 alt 12643218
Thermostat12661950 alt 12587397
Cabin air filter13508023

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.3 in
Overall width76 in
Overall height48.4 in
Wheelbase107.1 in
Curb weight3468 lb
Track (front / rear)65 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)40/60

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined15 / 27 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Corvette of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

2.8–3.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 2.80 sec — 2020 Stingray 3LT Coupe (Z51 Pack)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020Stingray 3LT Coupe (Z51 Pack) 6.2L V82.80 sec11.20 sec495 hpRWD
2020Stingray 3LT Coupe (Z51 Pack) 6.2L V82.80 sec11.10 sec495 hpRWD
2020Stingray 3LT Coupe (Z51 Pack) 6.2L V83.00 sec11.30 sec495 hpRWD
2020Stingray 1LT Coupe 6.2L V83.30 sec11.50 sec495 hpRWD
2021Stingray 2LT Coupe (Z51 Pack) 6.2L V82.90 sec11.20 sec495 hpRWD
2021Stingray 2LT Coupe (Z51 Pack) 6.2L V83.10 sec11.40 sec495 hpRWD
2023Z06 3LZ 70th Anniversary Convertible 5.5L V82.60 sec10.60 sec670 hpRWD
2023Z06 3LZ Z07 Coupe (Carbon Aero) 5.5L V82.60 sec10.50 sec670 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.5 qt of 0W-40 engine oil, Dot 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidUse GM DCT Transmission fluid Pentosin FFL-4
Brake FluidDot 4
Brake Fluid Capacity1.0
Engine CoolantDex-Cool
Engine Oil0W-40
Engine Oil Capacity7.5 qt
Manual Transmission FluidUse GM part number 88861800
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity3.7-4.23

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)21.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)31.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts140.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug16.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.037-.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.90 lbs.
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity2.70 oz
Standard BCI Group Number48 Battery is vented to the outside.
Standard BCI Cranking Performance615 cca

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 155.0
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 6.0; Rear: 6.0

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 115°-125°22 ft. lbs
Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 15°-30°74 ft. lbs
Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 60°-75°74 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 85°15 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: Internal Hex Bolt: 40°, Step 4: All Except Internal Hex Bolt: 60°59 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°22 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
13.7 ft. lbs.3.7 ft. lbs
27.4
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Alternate tightening all fasteners evenly. Start at the center and work outwards. Step 1: 20.0 ft. lbs.

2Loosen 180°
317.0
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolt8.83 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi.

At 7,500 miTransmission Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 15,000 miWindshield Wiper Blade (replace)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Transmission Filter (replace)
At 45,000 miTransmission Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 75,000 miHood Hinge (inspect)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette marks a distinct pivot point in the model's federal records, dropping from 147 complaints in 2019 to just 34, yet rising from 1 recall to 4. Across the broader generation, complaint volumes have swung wildly from historic peaks of 588 in 2008 down to double digits in recent years, placing the 2020 model at the onset of a highly stable, low-complaint arc alongside 2021 and 2022. However, the elevated 4-recall count for 2020 implies that while overall owner frustration was low, there were notable federal safety interventions required for this specific year. The primary complaint areas for 2020 are Structure (8), Power Train (4), and Engine (3), though the data does not specify the root causes for these issues. Ultimately, the 2020 Corvette is a solid year to buy provided you verify that all four recalls have been properly addressed, though buyers seeking maximum reliability might prefer a 2021 model which saw only 11 complaints and 2 recalls.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
919
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
34
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Side★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 34 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure8
Power Train4
Unknown Or Other3
Engine3
Service Brakes3
Electrical System2
Structure,Visibility/Wiper2
Engine & Engine Cooling1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V581000Seat Belts:Front:RetractorReported 24/09/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The driver's seat belt retractor may not lock as intended during a crash. Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side seat-belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at…

20V489000Electrical System:SoftwareReported 18/08/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Despite visual and audible warnings, the vehicle can be driven with the front trunk lid unlatched. Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software in the vehicle's Body Control Module to limit the vehicle speed to 26 mph when the hood is not completely closed and…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 919 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT6215C2026-05-20Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealership technicians that if they…
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP5781D2026-03-31Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates that characterizing certain parts is no longer…
PIP61042026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V2026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Corvette. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Corvette take?

7.5 qt of 0W-40 GM part number 19370233 or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Corvette have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Corvette get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 27 highway / 19 combined mpg.