2016 Chevrolet Volt engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 10, 2026NCEngine

   The engine light came on, but the car would run and so took it to the dealer. They determined that the EGR valve had failed and would cost $2400 to repair. Apparently, this is a common failure point for Generation 2 Chevy Volts. If it might trigger a forced recall, I'd like to add this to the list.

   NHTSA complaint #11717029 · source
2. Filed Dec 6, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Component/System Failed: The engine of my 2016 Chevrolet Volt experienced a sudden internal crack, leading to complete engine failure. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable, posing potential risk if it had occurred while driving. Sudden loss of engine power could have caused a crash or left me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and others. Problem Reproduction / Confirmation: The…

   NHTSA complaint #11703409 · source
3. Filed May 14, 2025WAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving the car displayed “reduced propulsion power” on the dash and then I lost all drive power and could not switch the plug in hybrid from electric to gas engine mode. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer who stated that the battery electronics control module and perhaps the battery needed to be replaced. The check engine light came on slightly before the incident.

   NHTSA complaint #11660951 · source
4. Filed Feb 7, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   On [XXX] the check engine light turned on in my 2016 Chevy Volt (VIN: [XXX] miles 145,xxx). I was 2 hours from home in the freezing cold snow but thankfully the vehicle allowed me to drive home without any issues (no reduced propulsion power). When I returned to the vehicle to have a diagnostic check the error light disappeared and I was unable to check for error codes. Still no issues driving under EV/gasoline. Later that day, the car stopped going completely, no shifting…

   NHTSA complaint #11641379 · source
5. Filed Dec 3, 2024NCEngine

   EGR valve has failed leaving me stranded on side of the road. Problem was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership. Engine light came on moments before it happened.

   NHTSA complaint #11628500 · source
6. Filed Oct 30, 2024143,000 miNVElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Shift to park message & audible alarm. Display while in motion pulling into home driveway. Vehicle stalled midway while in motion. Halfway in the street & half driveway. Displaying propulsion power reduced & Engine not available service soon. After 30 minutes of starting & restarting was able to move out of the street. However vehicle will NOT move. Transmission will shift, however will not move. Shift to park keeps popping up.

   NHTSA complaint #11622713 · source
7. Filed Oct 14, 2024NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11619712 · source
8. Filed Oct 9, 2024VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11619001 · source
9. Filed Oct 3, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Took the car in for service to Simi Valley Chevrolet on 8/16/2023 due to the check engine light illuminated on dashboard. They determined that the EGR valve had internally shorted so they unplugged it so as not to take down the rest of the system and placed a special order for the valve. It has now been over one year and they still don't have the replacement part. The car runs rough and occasionally stalls and sputters. I'm concerned that the car could stall while driving…

   NHTSA complaint #11617833 · source
10. Filed Sep 27, 202460,000 miORElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Engine Propulsion Reduced" message was displayed, and the vehicle was driven to an Auto Parts store. The contact called the local dealer and was advised to replace the propulsion fuse in the vehicle. The contact purchased a replacement fuse and replaced the faulty fuse. The vehicle was driven to the dealer two days later to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the…

    NHTSA complaint #11616955 · source
11. Filed Sep 25, 2024CAEngine

    The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failed. Confirmed by dealer, Culver City Chevrolet, 8/29/2024. Failed EGR valve causes gas engine to emit harmful smog forming emissions. This part is still covered by 10 year, 150,000 mile warranty. However, GM/Chevrolet has not made a replacement available and GM representatives have provided no estimate of when or if that replacement part will be made available.

    NHTSA complaint #11616531 · source
12. Filed Sep 19, 2024MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Check engine light came on. Moran Chevrolet dealership says the code is related to the EGR cooler and EGR valve. They want me to pay $3,175.23 for these two parts - however, they can't guarantee that I will get the parts as they are on backorder, and no idea when they will get parts. This is outrageous. I asked, "What if the part doesn't come in?" The dealer's response, "Then we will refund your money, but, we will keep $250 for inspecting the car." "And what if I don't fix…

    NHTSA complaint #11615410 · 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