Chevrolet Volt problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,329 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Volt (2011–2019). The 2017 Volt has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
1,329
Recalls
8
Model years
9
Worst year
2017

Complaints by model year

1820119220121462013432014192015147201662120172112018322019
NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Volt model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Volt years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2017 Chevrolet Volt — 621 complaints, 6 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2018 Chevrolet Volt — 211 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2013 Chevrolet Volt — 146 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Airbags
  4. 2016 Chevrolet Volt — 147 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2012 Chevrolet Volt — 92 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Airbags

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (19 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Volt model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Volt323012Transmission & Drivetrain
2018 Volt2112012Electrical System
2017 Volt6216570Electrical System
2016 Volt1472011Electrical System
2015 Volt190001Electrical System
2014 Volt434000Airbags
2013 Volt1461143Airbags
2012 Volt921002Airbags
2011 Volt181001Electrical System

Most common Chevrolet Volt problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    533 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    428 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    352 complaints
  • Engine
    296 complaints
  • Airbags
    167 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    48 complaints
  • Brakes
    48 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    31 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    25 complaints
  • Steering
    18 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Chevrolet Volt received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Volt recalls

  • Recall 23V516000Jul 27, 2023767 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 18V673000Sep 26, 201815,800 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V397000Jun 14, 20184,606 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

  • Recall 17V621000Oct 5, 201716 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 15V442000Jul 10, 201510 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V145000Mar 13, 201550,236 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013

    Risk: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

  • Recall 13V271000Jun 27, 20134 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology