Chevrolet Volt problems

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The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid car manufactured by General Motors, also marketed in rebadged variants as the Holden Volt in Australia and New Zealand and the Buick Velite 5 in China, and with a different fascia as the Vauxhall Ampera in the United Kingdom and as the Opel Ampera in the remainder of Europe. Volt production ended in February 2019.

Sales of the 2011 Volt began in the United States in mid-December 2010, followed by various European countries and other international markets in 2011. Global combined Volt/Ampera-family sales totaled about 177,000 units by the end of October 2018. The U.S. is the leading market, with 157,054 Volts delivered through the end of 2019, followed by Canada with 16,653 Volts sold through September 2018. Just over 10,000 Opel/Vauxhall Ampera cars had been sold in Europe as of June 2016. Until December 2018, the Volt/Ampera family of vehicles was the world's all-time bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle. As of December 2019, the Chevrolet Volt is listed as the all-time top-selling plug-in hybrid in the American market.

The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from full charge. From there, its internal combustion engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range as needed. While running on gasoline at high speeds the engine may be mechanically linked (by a clutch) to a generator set, improving efficiency by 10% to 15%. The Volt's regenerative braking also contributes to the on-board electricity generation. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2013‍–‍15 model year Volt all-electric range is 38 mi (61 km), with a combined electric mode/gasoline-only rating of 62 mpg‑US (3.8 L/100 km; 74 mpg‑imp) equivalent (MPG equivalent).

The second-generation Volt's improved battery system and drivetrain increased the all-electric range to 53 miles (85 km), its EPA-rated fuel economy in charge-sustaining mode to 42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp), and the combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode to 106 MPG-e, up from 98 MPG-e. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. and Canada began in October 2015 as a 2016 model year.

The Volt has won several awards, including the 2009 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 Green Car of the Year, 2011 North American Car of the Year, 2011 World Green Car, 2012 European Car of the Year, and 2016 Green Car of the Year.

photo of Chevrolet Volt car production

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Chevrolet Volt model years

chevrolet volt 2019 photo
Volt 2019
Chevrolet

30

2

25

3.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2018 photo
Volt 2018
Chevrolet

165

2

25

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2017 photo
Volt 2017
Chevrolet

586

0

28

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2016 photo
Volt 2016
Chevrolet

140

1

28

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2015 photo
Volt 2015
Chevrolet

38

1

27

4.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2014 photo
Volt 2014
Chevrolet

87

0

21

4.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2013 photo
Volt 2013
Chevrolet

296

3

30

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2012 photo
Volt 2012
Chevrolet

238

2

28

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet volt 2011 photo
Volt 2011
Chevrolet

47

1

16

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Chevrolet Volt problems

Based on the complaints from owners of Chevrolet Volt cars, here is a list of common problems with the vehicle:

  • Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure: Complaints include issues with the BECM leading to unexpected car stops, propulsion loss, and difficulties in starting the vehicle. Replacement parts for the BECM have been reported to be unavailable, causing significant delays in repairs.
  • Electrical Issues: Common problems include inoperable display screens, instrument cluster malfunctions, and audible alarms becoming unavailable while driving. Restarting the vehicle sometimes self-corrects these failures, but the root cause remains undetermined.
  • Main Control Unit Failure: Owners have experienced failures in the main control unit, leading to issues like the car not starting, requiring battery replacements, and facing prolonged repair times due to part unavailability.
  • Loss of Power Steering: Some complaints mention problems with power steering, which can affect the vehicle's handling and safety while driving.
  • Transmission Failure: Issues with the transmission have been reported, including instances of hesitation while accelerating, empty transmission fluid, and potential risks of reduced propulsion or engine failure.
  • Whining Transmission: Owners have noted concerns with a whining transmission, which can indicate underlying mechanical issues that may affect the vehicle's performance and reliability.

These common problems reported by Chevrolet Volt owners highlight various electrical, battery, and mechanical issues that have impacted the safety, reliability, and performance of the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks associated with owning a Chevrolet Volt.

Chevrolet Volt

What is the controversy with the Chevy Volt?

The inspection of the crash damage to the Volt revealed that the transverse stiffener located under the driver's seat had penetrated the tunnel section of the battery compartment, damaged the lithium-ion battery, and ruptured the battery's liquid cooling system.

What is the life expectancy of the Chevy Volt battery?

about 6-10 years

The Chevy Volt is equipped with a hybrid high voltage battery, and these types of batteries typically last, on average, about 6-10 years. On the flip side, batteries in conventional, gas-powered vehicles only last about 3-5 years.

Are Chevy Volts dependable?

The Volt only lasted eight years on the market, garnering plenty of data during its time on the road. Let's talk about the overall reliability of the model before you land on a specific year. According to repairpal.com, the Volt scores ⅘, placing it in 2nd out of 4 alternative vehicle options.

How do I know if my Chevy Volt battery is bad?

How to Tell if You Need a New Car Battery

  1. Slow Cranking. ...
  2. Dimming Lights. ...
  3. Electrical Issues. ...
  4. Visible Dashboard Warning Light. ...
  5. Swollen Battery Case. ...
  6. Foul Smell. ...
  7. Old Age. ...
  8. Corroded Battery Terminals.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Volt years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Volt cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Volt model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Volt model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Volt years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Volt car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Volt , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Volt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Volt model years

A total of 37 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Volt model years

There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Volt model years

There were a total of 35 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1627 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Volt . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Volt vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S56HU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: While operating my Chevy Volt on a Los Angeles Freeway, warning lights came on informing me to park immediately, and that the power propulsion was reduced. The Check Engine light also came on. At that point the “Shift to Park” message came on. My car is experiencing the “Shift to Park” issue. I already had this happen previously in 2023. The repair cost $1,200. There are many, many references to this issue on the Internet. The “Shift to Park” defect is well known in the Chevy Volt community. When this happened the SECOND time, ([XXX]), I was stranded on the side of an LA freeway. The car will not start. It will cycle through the “Shift to Park” message on the dashboard and it will not go anywhere. The car initializes, so there is power in the vehicle, but no propulsion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: 1G1RC6S50HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the message "Propulsion Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, and it was diagnosed and determined that the 12V battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the hybrid battery was no longer charging and failed to turn on. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 1G1RB6S53HU
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: In what appears to be (based on Google search) hundreds of Volts have the failure whereby the ERG valve fails, but GM is no longer making the part and has an indefinite date to produce them. When this part fails the engine light comes on the the vehicle is not allowed to go over 45 MPH, creating a safety issue when on highways (I live rural, all all roads are over >=55 MPH). GM is unwilling to trade the car at fair value for a new one, nor willing to provide loaners. So the car can only sit in the garage with no resolution. GM is aware of the issue, nut is unwilling to address.
Chevrolet Volt 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Reduced Propulsion" message was displayed. Additionally, after parking the vehicle, the "Shift To Park" message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact pressed the Start/Stop button and then opened and closed the front driver's side door to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle later failed to charge and start as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 83,574. The VIN was unavailable.
Chevrolet Volt 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S50GU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Faulty micro-switch from factory, causes power surge. Flawed microswitch in transaxle shift cable. Incomplete connection of microswitch resulting higher voltage to PCM.(power control module) This irregularity, shows a DTC code reducing power propulsion during movement. The car will loose power & ability to shift. During driving movement. Quite a safety concern. A "shift to park" error displays on driver display screen. An OBD2 scanner will clear code & after a few attempts remain operational. However intermittent & unpredictable when to expect the loss of traction power.
Chevrolet Volt 2018
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S59JU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] in Virginia, the check engine light came on in my Chevy Volt. A message on dash said that there was reduced propulsion, and the gas engine quit running. The car switched to battery power, which would not have lasted long enough to get us home. At this point, we were stranded on a very busy highway which seemed quite dangerous. Using battery power, we were able to get off the highway. We then made arrangements to have the car towed, approximately 150 miles to a car dealer/repair business in Frederick MD. The vehicle was checked out by the car dealer who identified the EGR valve as the problem. However, they did not know when the part would be available , and still, 4 weeks later, do not have any date for availability of the broken part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S53HU
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: Currently, two two issues are ongoing with my 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier. I took my Volt to Epic Chevrolet in Sacramento, CA, on August 9, 2024, because the "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" warning and the "Service Park Assist System" warning came on with the "Check Engine" light. After diagnosis I was informed that the "EGR Valve" has failed; however, Chevrolet cannot procure the EGR Valve to repair my Volt and it is now October 14. I have been coordinating with Chevrolet Customer Assistance who continue to inform me that they are looking for the part but cannot provide it - apparently this part has been redesigned. This is the third time in 12 months that the Volt has been in for repair, all under warranty, for charging and propulsion related issues. On August 23, 2023, the Volt was in the shop for 15 days getting the "Battery Energy Control Module" replaced under warranty. On [XXX], one week after being repaired, my car would not start and had to be towed. That time the "Hybrid Battery Disconnect Relay Assembly" failed and was in the shop for 14 days, again repaired under warranty. This time, my car has been in the shop for 66 days waiting for an EGR Valve that, per Epic Chevrolet, is covered under warranty. It is unacceptable for Chevrolet to warranty its cars but not have the parts to perform the repair and let owners continue to pay loans on a car, insure a car, and have financial hardships for not having a car. I am not confident that, once fixed, something else will not go wrong. Plus, I was quoted $1,160 to fix the safety issue of the Parking Collision Warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S54HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: My BECM failed and should be covered under the N23243268 special coverage. For some reason, GM is saying that the special coverage does not apply to my VIN despite the fact that I am experiencing the exact failure that this special coverage is supposed to cover and it is during the covered years of 2016-2018 where this issue is known to be common.
Chevrolet Volt 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
  • VIN: 1G1RC6S50GU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: My 2016 Chevrolet Volt loses power while driving and the "propulsion power reduced" warning message appears. This has happened multiple times in the past few weeks and it is very dangerous losing power while traveling. After taking it to a Chevy dealer for service, they advised that it was an internal failure of the BECM (battery energy control module) and that it would need replaced. After searching online it appears that this is a common issue with the Chevy Volt models from 2016 - 2019. So much so that GM extended a special warranty to cover this failure up to 15yrs and 150,000 miles. Unfortunately for reasons I still don't understand, I was informed that my vehicle is not covered under this special warranty despite it specifically being the year and model that is affected. My vehicle currently has 93k miles and was purchased in 2016. So I am just outside the original 8 year 100k mile warranty but thought I was covered under this new special coverage given that this is an issue that GM is clearly aware of. I was also shocked to find out that there apparently was never a recall for this issue. My wife and child normally take this vehicle across town at highway speeds and I'm lucky the issue only happened to me. I fear for those who brought their vehicles and are not aware of the issue and will be told that theirs isn't covered as well.
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S53HU
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Mil came on for egr malfunction. Part not available.
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S57HU
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: At least 4 times in the past 1.5 years, my car has given the message “propulsion power is reduced” at random times. Each time after receiving this message, the car engine begins making a loud noise and the acceleration is greatly reduced, forcing me to drive at a slower speed until the message goes away. The most recent time it happened, in Aug 2024, it was late at night in an area with little to no cell service and I was genuinely terrified the car would just shut down, as I knew this model has done the same to other Volt owners. Thankfully, I did make it home, but this is something that has happened more times than I’m comfortable with, and I fear the day it happens again and puts others at risk. It has not received any further inspection other than the yearly state inspection, which is up to date.
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: 1G1RC6S54HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Automation-On 10.1.24 my car stopped working. It would turn on, but would not shift. It was also showing my EV was fully charged but the EV miles read 0. My husband came and plugged my car in and saw that when I turned the car on it read "shift to park" Also the codes from my OnStar app read "Lithium Ion Battery"- Issue found in High Voltage battery. "12 volt battery needs attention" 10.2.24 we called GM to report issues and referenced N232432680 (BCEM). We were informed that even though we can read diagnostic reports on OnStar it needed to be confirmed from a certified GM dealership that they could not confirm this is the warranty issue if they did not 1st had the certified dealership share their diagnostic report. Bergstrom shared it sounded like BECM that is under warranty. They continued to share it didnt look good and the VIN was not in the system to be covered. Shared the minimum amount we would pay was $440 for the 2 issues for labor/diagnostics.10.4.24 we called GM to file a report we were given a case manager to work our case. 10.8.24 received call from case manager shared no warranties seen on file. I asked for this to be documented and emailed to me, I was told she could not share this information other than this phone call. Bergstrom called saying the car was ready to pick up, cleared codes/no issues, drove 26 miles with no codes. Shared GM never seen/heard anything like this and had no advise/help to offer. Shared only charged for 1 hour of labor. Asked for trade in for car. Was given price $1,200 under trade in value. Cause due to car not safe, potential issues. No documentation shared, nothing to show issues, car is clean/cleared to drive they had no answer than my car was fine but was not able to give lowest amount for trade in due to issues
Chevrolet Volt 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S58HU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: Just purchased and not a week in it dies after I have charged it. I was in drive, at a red light when all of a sudden the car dies. No warning whatsoever. Was not able to turn it on afterwards. Had to get towed to my local Chevrolet dealership that has not been able to fix it for the last month with no ETA on a fix.
Chevrolet Volt 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
  • VIN: 1G1RC6S50GU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: The vehicle loses power when trying to accelerate when driving in electric mode, and the gas engine kicks on after a second at which point acceleration returns. It occurs when the battery power is high or low. Sometimes a warning pops up on the dash saying speed is limited to a specific MPH.
Chevrolet Volt 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
  • VIN: 1G1RD6S52GU
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Our BECM failed while we were driving. It went into limp mode, not allowing the car over 35mph and with no AC in 109 temps. It was a very scary experience. This is a known issue, but the dealer said it isn’t covered under special warranty.

Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Volt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Volt.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet Volt 2013
  • Report Received Date: 2023-07-27
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
  • Model: Chevrolet Volt 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2018-09-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
  • Model: Chevrolet Volt 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2018-09-26
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
  • Model: Chevrolet Volt 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2018-08-30
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
  • Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
  • Model: Chevrolet Volt 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2018-08-30
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
  • Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Latest negative Chevrolet Volt car reviews

  1. Milan Dickens 2025-02-17

    Vehicle year: 2019

    I love this car for so many reasons, especially because it saves me trips to the gas station. However, I was a bit surprised by the interior of the 2013 and 2014 Volt models compared to the newer model. The carpet has been replaced with a pressed fiber material, which may not be to everyone's liking. Additionally, the leather seats that I paid for may not actually be leather. The new material used for the dash and interior is difficult to keep clean and scratches easily. As someone who spends a lot of time in their car, I was disappointed by the cost-cutting measures and the overall cheap feel of the car, especially considering its price tag of $39,000. The mats were also quite flimsy compared to other cars I've seen. :(

  2. Allan Deckow 2025-02-17

    Vehicle year: 2015

    The Volt uses the passenger cabin air conditioning system to cool the battery pack. If there is a leak in the car's air conditioning system (like in my case, where there was an evaporator leak), the car will not allow you to use it in any mode until the air conditioning is repaired. This can be frustrating if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road! Unfortunately, the A/C repair can be quite expensive (mine cost $2,000.00) and may need to be done in the middle of winter just to get the car running again.

  3. John Smitham 2025-01-28

    Vehicle year: 2013

    Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the Volts my wife and I bought back in 2012. Unfortunately, my Volt had a major Regen bearing failure within 7 months of purchasing it. The dealer tried to replace it twice, but ended up giving me a new car instead. However, within 1000 miles of owning the new 2013 Volt, I had no heat, which took 2 trips to the dealer to fix, and then the same Regen bearing failure that took weeks to get repaired! Recently, my wife's Volt also had some issues and had to be towed in twice. The dealer said it was a 12 Battery issue, and they replaced it, but it failed again! I think these cars have too many issues that the dealer or GM have knowledge enough to fix properly. I just wanted to share my experience with you so that you can make an informed decision. Thank you for reading!

  4. Merle Konopelski 2025-01-20

    Vehicle year: 2018

    The Voltec drivetrain is an exceptional concept, and I am a proud owner of a 2018 Volt with 16k miles. Although I had a minor fender bender, requiring a new rear quarter panel and lights, GM was unable to provide the necessary parts, citing the closure of the plant and the unavailability of tooling. Despite my suspicions that this may violate federal regulations, I remained persistent and involved the state commissioner of insurance. After three months, they ultimately decided to total it. I am disappointed by their decision to discontinue the Volt, especially considering its impressive 50+ mile electric range in small towns like mine, where gas consumption is minimal.

  5. Madyson Cummings 2025-01-19

    Vehicle year: 2018

    I have owned my 2018 Volt for almost a month now. Despite some initial issues with propulsion and electronic stability control vehicle trouble codes, I have taken the necessary steps to address these concerns and am confident in the car's overall performance and reliability.

Latest positive Chevrolet Volt car reviews

  1. Guiseppe Cruickshank 2025-02-22

    Vehicle year: 2011

    The Volt has received a record number of awards for a new car, which is fantastic! However, it has also been met with some controversy. If the car had a Toyota badge on it, even Edmunds would be hailing it as the reinvention of the automobile. Unfortunately, some people are still holding onto their old GM baggage. I wanted to mention this because it's become clear on forums like this that some individuals who likely don't own a Volt are posting intentionally negative reviews to bring it down. For instance, I would be very suspicious of cornell1 here. Therefore, I wouldn't trust a clearly hostile review unless the person can prove ownership. As for me, you can find pictures of me and my car on the Google Picasa photo site under yamahr1.

  2. Fabian Harber 2025-02-13

    Vehicle year: 2012

    I have been really impressed with the car overall. It has great acceleration, handles beautifully and didn't give me a single problem in 1.5 years and 22k miles. I had a minor front-end collision in September and the car still ran when I left it. Apparently because it's a hybrid the electronics need to be disconnected for welding. The car went to a dealer to have this done, the body shop then repaired it, but now...2 and a half months later, the dealer cannot get the car to run at all. Repairs appear to be very involved, expensive and risky with this car.

  3. Stuart Durgan 2025-02-13

    Vehicle year: 2018

    The 2018 Volt may not seem like a sports car based on statistics, but it has the soul and heart of one! While it may lack in top speed, its acceleration and handling are stellar. It's also surprisingly roomy for a compact car, with ample space for luggage and passengers (except for the back seats). Plus, it has a fierce look! A sports car doesn't have to go twice the speed of this car to be impressive. It's also comfortable and cozy, with a great atmosphere. The car is very intelligent, with parking sensors, adaptable cruise control, and Bluetooth. While it may not be as talkative as Lightning McQueen, it can still communicate through Bluetooth. However, the Bluetooth can be a little annoying, so I wouldn't recommend engaging in a conversation. For many car enthusiasts like myself, this is the perfect sports car that you can actually afford!

  4. Anthony Kilback 2025-02-12

    Vehicle year: 2017

    The ride is solid and smooth, and I was able to average 72 mpg on a 110 mile trip. It only took 4.5 hours to charge from 0 range to 53 miles with a level 2 power supply. When I purchased the vehicle, it had 25900 miles on it, and it currently has 56235 miles. I drive 45 miles round trip to work without using any gas, and it only costs about $0.86 to charge it every day. In comparison, my 2018 F150 King Ranch 5.0 V8 costs me $48 to $55 a week. 😊

  5. Kendall Glover 2025-02-11

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I waited until I had this car for 6 months before writing a review. I previously owned a Prius which I thought was great, but my husband, who is tall, didn't like it very much. However, the Volt took a bit of getting accustomed to, but I absolutely love this car and my husband even loves it too! I purchased this car because I felt the 50+ mile range of the electric energy would provide me with 90% of my driving needs, and I was right about that. Beyond that, there is no range anxiety due to the gas backup. As far as the impact on our electric bill, I can't comment, but we have solar panels and so far the impact on our electric bill has been zero, which is amazing! The dealer did tell me to be sure to rotate the tires because I really don't use the engine, so I have been keeping up with that. I love the way the back seats fold down easily for when I really have to pack the car. For me, this is the best car ever! This is my first Chevy car, and my first American car. My only complaint is the mpg estimator stops at 250 mpg. I have had this car for 6 months and put gas in for the first time 2 weeks ago, but the price of gas is irrelevant to me. As an update, I have now had this car for over 2 years and with about 20,000 miles on it, I have started my fifth tank of gas. The car works great, is reliable, and the electronics work great too. I've had no problems at all. Why did they ever stop making these cars? Dumb move Chevrolet. Over 2 years later and I still love it!

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