Chevrolet Volt problems
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.
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Chevrolet Volt model years
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.
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
- Slow Cranking. ...
- Dimming Lights. ...
- Electrical Issues. ...
- Visible Dashboard Warning Light. ...
- Swollen Battery Case. ...
- Foul Smell. ...
- Old Age. ...
- 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
Latest positive Chevrolet Volt car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2011
I absolutely love my VOLT, except for the climate control system. It takes 5 minutes for the heater to start putting out warm air, and you have to run the fan during that time, or you will never get heat. As if that is not bad enough, it runs the A/C during this time to dehumidify the air. When it's 40 degrees in the car, I don't want it to blow cold air, and I certainly don't want the A/C on. However, the rest of the car is everything I had hoped for. I have driven it over 1200 miles, and my average is over 160mpg. I like to go fast, and I don't drive like a Prius driver. I like to drive in Sport mode, and it is extremely fun to drive.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I purchased a used 2013 Volt in November '16 and have been driving it daily for errands, running the kids around, and more. I am extremely pleased with how it operates, especially with regards to the electric charging and hybrid engine. The charging process is exactly as advertised, with the time to charge being spot-on for different amperages. In the winter, it shows a low-30s-mile range on electric, while in the summer it's 48-50 miles. When it's cold outside (30s and below), the engine runs for the first few minutes due to temperature, so it does use a little gas. Additionally, when it's cold, I have to run the heater to be comfortable, which decreases the electric range even more. However, this is not a big deal, and I'm just sharing my experiences with cold weather in case anyone's curious. In terms of driving, I test-drove a Prius and a Leaf to compare, and I enjoyed driving the Volt the most. The visibility is fine, and the pickup is totally sufficient. The switchover from electric to gas is unnoticeable. The only thing that I find a bit bothersome about this car is the design of the center stack, which has the climate, music, and other controls. I find it to be unnecessarily involved and not intuitive. After 3 months, I still have to look closely to do what I want, and it seems to take too many button presses to accomplish what I need, which is too bad when you're also driving the car. The only problem I've had with it so far is on one drive, the screen wouldn't turn on (so no climate or music). Looking online, I see this is an occasional problem with the Volt, and can often be solved by turning the car off and on again, though that's the one and only time it has happened to me so far (Edit: after 10 months, this has never happened again). Anyway, to sum up, I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to use electricity to power their car but also wants the flexibility of having a backup engine, and a compact car. EDIT Aug 2017: We've now owned the car for 10 months, and we still love using/driving it.We had to take our car to the shop due to a brake fluid leak, which cost us $1,600. It was a bit frustrating, but we found out that this is a common issue with Volts. Before owning a Volt, I had only driven Hondas and rarely had to take them in for repairs. Despite this, I am still enjoying my American car and hope that we won't have to deal with many more repair bills in the future. EDIT March 2021: Still loving it and no new repair bills to report!
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Vehicle year: 2012
I highly recommend the 2012 Volt to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective car. It has been the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned quite a few. The engineering behind this car is truly remarkable, and it feels like driving a car from the future. The range is incredible, and I still find it exciting to charge it every day, even after owning it for four years. Not only does it look great, but it is also a joy to drive. In August 2016, I had a minor issue with the charging system, but the dealership and Onstar Volt Advisor were both incredibly helpful and resolved the issue quickly. I was impressed by the level of professionalism and support I received. In the 52k miles I have owned the car, I have only needed to change the oil three times and replace the tires, wiper blades, and fluid. It is truly the best car I have ever owned, and I am already considering purchasing another one for my family.
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Vehicle year: 2012
Currently at 4500 miles with 14.6 gallons spent. I'm happy to report that I haven't had to visit the dealer once since buying my car. The oil life is at 96%, so it looks like the first maintenance won't be needed for another 2-3 years, other than the tire rotation. I'm excited to buy another pure EV soon! Goodbye Shell/Chevron/Exxon.
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Vehicle year: 2015
Congratulations on your new Volt (2014)! It's great to hear that you've been enjoying your 2013 model for a year now. We understand that you were initially skeptical about buying the 2013 model, especially since you've previously owned 6 Prius models (including the Plug-In). However, we're glad to hear that you've found the Volt to be more comfortable, faster, and equipped with amazing technological features that are not yet available on the Prius. Additionally, the dealer service network is also better. It's impressive that you've been able to drive on electric all week and use the car for 250+ mile trips on weekends with an overall average of 194 mpg, consistently. This is a remarkable feat that no Prius could come close to. (Exact same use with the Prius Plug-In netted a consistent 63 mpg.)
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Volt?
Delaney Rohan 2025-07-07
Vehicle year: 2018
I recently leased a brand new 2018 Volt and unfortunately encountered some serious problems with the car. The battery couldn't be charged the very first time and I noticed a burning smell during the first couple of days after each drive, with no warning light on. On the third day, the check engine and battery lights came on and while driving the car to the dealer, it stalled on the road. It was a scary moment, but luckily there was no accident or injury. The car had to be towed to the dealer that day. After running some OnStar diagnostic codes, the dealer found issues with the Lithium-Ion Battery, Engine and Transmission System, and Charging Cable System. It took the Chevrolet dealer about a week to diagnose and repair the issue by replacing the 12V battery. However, a few days later, the same symptoms reappeared with almost identical OnStar diagnostic codes, so the car was sent back to the dealer for the second time in about two weeks. This time, it took them about a week to diagnose and repair the issue by replacing the switch and the cable. When doing research online, I found out that other owners of 2018 Volt are having similar problems like mine. I believe that this car has many serious issues, including safety, and therefore I strongly urge GM to launch an investigation or even recall to investigate these faulty or defective cars that may cause safety issues.
Coleman Dibbert 2025-06-28
Vehicle year: 2013
On day one, I test drove the vehicle and everything seemed fine. I paid for the vehicle, but unfortunately, just 2 miles from the dealership, the CEL came on. I immediately called OnStar and they reported that the charging cooling system was not operating properly. I took the vehicle back to the dealership right away, but they couldn't look at it until the following day. They were kind enough to provide me with a rental car and I headed home. After a couple of days, the car was ready for pick up and I was informed that the issue was due to overuse of the brakes. Unfortunately, at just 5K miles, the CEL came on again. I called OnStar and they reported that the charging cooling system was not operating properly. I decided to take the vehicle to a different dealer and after nine days, they were able to replace the 5123 drive motor battery coolant cooler, as per DTC P5034.
Gilbert Rice 2025-06-23
Vehicle year: 2012
I wanted to share my experience with my car. While it started off as a reliable vehicle, I have had some issues with the charging system/battery, which has resulted in 9 trips to the service center in the past three years. Unfortunately, the car has broken down 4 times in the past 5 months, and twice it had to be towed to the dealer. However, I am grateful that GM has been covering the cost of these frequent repairs. I do believe that a vehicle with 52k miles and 3 years old should not be in the repair shop multiple times for the same issues. I think it's a great car, but it might be best to wait until the bugs are worked out before purchasing. Interestingly, my neighbor has a Volt with similar miles and has had even worse luck than I have. Unfortunately, when I looked to trade it in, I was offered 10k by numerous dealers, which is a 75% depreciation in 3 years. Unless GM buys it back, it looks like I'm stuck with the car.
Silas Lynch 2025-05-01
Vehicle year: 2014
Although I was initially disappointed, I realized that my issues were caused by a dealer lot problem and not the company itself. In my experience, the Volt is a superior car to the Prius. It is smoother, quieter, and feels safer to drive. It is important to read the manuals to fully understand the operational side of the vehicle. While I don't believe it's a five-star car, it comes very close. I would rate its performance as a four, and its comfort as a four, although it could benefit from better seats. The value is also a four, but the price needs to come down. As an economical car, it is fun to drive and gets a four. The interior/exterior gets a three due to missing some things on the assembly line. The build quality is a three, and reliability is too soon to tell.
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. :(