2013 Chevrolet Volt fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V397000Jun 14, 20184,606 vehicles
  HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.

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

  Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 4, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing the Gas Engine on and the vehicle hesitated upon applying the accelerator for the remainder of the drive. My safety and that was others was at risk because the acceleration dropped quickly and I was on a busy freeway at the time when the Alert happened causing further hesitation.…

   NHTSA complaint #11715715 · source
2. Filed Oct 23, 2025CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Propulsion power reduced error has happened many times but the recall lookup shows that there are no active recalls on our car. There was a recall on this problem in 2018 so I think it may have been done my the last owner but it is still having this problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11695294 · source
3. Filed Sep 15, 2025MIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Fuel leaking from fuel tank at filler inlet. Defect in fuel tank assembly. Large puddle of gasoline formed under car after refueling causing buildup of fumes in closed garage. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than owner. There were no warning lamps prior to failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11687358 · source
4. Filed Mar 31, 202561,000 miKYElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 76-77 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The message "Low Propulsion" was displayed, and the engine revved significantly. The contact moved over to the far-right lane to pull over to the side of the road as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring temporarily. The contact had researched the failure online and became aware that the release of the accelerator…

   NHTSA complaint #11651727 · source
5. Filed Dec 24, 2024GAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This is a reoccurring problem that is worsening. It is difficult to replicate (but becoming easier to replicate as the problem worsens). The problem conditions are as follows: -The car is fully charged The following drive conditions are required: - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “L” mode (aggressive regenerative braking), AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes some conditions that would NORMALLY engage…

   NHTSA complaint #11632232 · source
6. Filed Oct 1, 2024ILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle went into reduced propulsion mode and then shut-off while driving down the highway. Same issue as recall 18V397000 that was not applied to my VIN number as part of that recall. Please apply recall 18V39000 to my vehicle VIN. Chevy Volt owners also need the NHTSA to issue an edict to GM/ that the reset codes for the ECM/HPCM2 being given to the OBD2 bi-directional scanner companies so owners don't have to pay a ransom to the dealerships and GM to get there cars back…

   NHTSA complaint #11617611 · source
7. Filed Jul 19, 2024WAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Engine shuts off randomly...message "Engine not available". Car shut off on freeway at 60 mph. Got to shoulder, cycled start button...Engine started then resumed driving. Has now happened a few times since. Also code related to reduced propulsion... Used OBDII to clear codes but makes no difference. Sometimes the car starts and drives without problem. Other times, Engine rpm very erratic.

   NHTSA complaint #11603457 · source
8. Filed Jun 10, 2024100,000 miNCTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test result was undisclosed; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an ASC high-voltage battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the ASC battery was replaced. The contact stated that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11593400 · source
9. Filed May 4, 2024CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This report is in general for EV batteries and low propulsion, BMW also. When system moves to low propulsion the break lights do not eliminate so the vehicle slows very fast as if it is breaking but no break lights turn on, this creates a risk for other drivers, this occurs on steep mountain climbs when mountain mode was not engaged. What I want to happen is when low propulsion mode engages the break lights come on so that other drives can keep safe distance as I pull to the…

   NHTSA complaint #11586915 · source
10. Filed Apr 24, 2024CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    When starting the vehicle, which had some charge on the batteries, the engine immediately started and a message appeared on the speedometer screen which stated, "Propulsion Power Reduced,” and another message said, “speed limited to 25mph.” I was in a very busy part of Hollywood running errands for my job when this happened. I felt very unsafe driving under these circumstances as I often need to drive above 25mph to keep up with traffic and cross busy streets to avoid other…

    NHTSA complaint #11585069 · source
11. Filed Feb 20, 2024PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    1)A diagnostic inspection performed by Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro, N.C., during the week of Feb. 5-9 found that the car’s propulsion system suffered “catastrophic failure” and was a “total loss.” 2)My wife and I were in convoy when we drove off the used-car lot in Pittsboro, N.C., on [XXX], heading for my sister’s home in Greensboro. By the time we reached [XXX], the Volt would not reach highway speeds as heavy traffic sped past. As NHTSA has reported in another…

    NHTSA complaint #11572872 · source
12. Filed Dec 25, 2023ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I was driving my plugin hybrid Volt on a highway when the engine stalled and the engine light turned on. I tap the throttle a few times to get it to stay on. It worked, but I had to continue to tap the throttle to keep it going. It also revved up sharply when it was in low gear. The vehicle was out of battery, so it was as running on engine.

    NHTSA complaint #11561788 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology