2016 Chevrolet Volt fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 30, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) on my 2016 Chevrolet Volt has failed. The vehicle and the component are currently located at my home address and are available for inspection upon request. As of writing this now. This failure caused the vehicle to enter a "reduced power mode" and subsequently resulted in a no-start and no-charge condition. The sudden loss of propulsion power presents a severe safety and crash risk, as the vehicle can lose motive power and stall…

   NHTSA complaint #11747550 · source
2. Filed Jun 22, 2026ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I purchased the above-listed 2016 Chevrolet Volt through Carvana, relying on the contractual promise that the BECM was covered under Special Coverage N232432680 for up to 15yrs or 150k miles. The vehicle has suffered persistent, severe mechanical and electrical issues resulting in a prolonged loss of use: 1. Initial Breakdown and Delivery: The vehicle originally had a Reduced Propulsion Power Alert on Monday [XXX] around 8pm and nearly caused me to be rear ended on a major…

   NHTSA complaint #11745571 · source
3. Filed May 11, 2026ILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2016 Chevy Volt started experiencing the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" issues associated with a faulty BCEM unit. I brought my vehicle in for service at a Chevy dealer and they confirmed that the BCEM needed to be replaced. This is a known issue resulting in special coverage under N232432680. Chevy is not honoring the special coverage for my vehicle despite my vehicle being less that 15 years old and having fewer than 150,000 miles. According to the service manager after…

   NHTSA complaint #11737027 · source
4. Filed Mar 19, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle displayed reduced propulsion and shift to park while driving on highway then suddenly stopped. Dealer said battery failed after a year of diagnosing issue. Issue may be BECM which has extended warranty service but dealer not addressing the issue of car stalling but instead other costly minor issues leaving the vehicle a safety concern. Replacing battery with a bad BECM would lead to exact same issue

   NHTSA complaint #11725573 · source
5. Filed Mar 11, 2026ORFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   After experiencing loss of power and loss of propulsion on the highway, took the car to Tropical Chevrolet in Miami Shores, FL. after diagnosing the car for $287.37 (credited to the estimate total of $3101.20), the dealership replaced the Battery Energy Control Module and bled the battery pack cooling system. We paid the bill ($2665.89). On January 4, 2026 the check engine light came on again when the propulsion was reduced again, while driving on a highway. Tropical…

   NHTSA complaint #11723689 · source
6. Filed Jan 29, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   In May 2025, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve failed on my 2016 Chevy Volt with approx. 60,000 kms / 40,000 miles on it - that cost me approximately $3,000 to fix. In my opinion that should have been covered under warranty given that it is a common failure point on second generation Volts. Note that the EGR value (OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a readily available part. In October 2025, my BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) failed. Luckily, due to…

   NHTSA complaint #11714210 · source
7. Filed Jan 27, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   GM is not honoring coverage from N232432680 for CARB vehicles in non-CARB states. They have failed to tie CARB vehicle vins to the coverage in N232432680.

   NHTSA complaint #11713581 · source
8. Filed Jan 26, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   This vehicle has had multiple incidents of surging of the propulsion system both on battery power and when powered by the internal combustion engine, causing loss of propulsion and sudden acceleration almost causing collisions multiple times. We have paid for over $4,000 in repairs that are not covered under the propulsion system warranty, and these repairs have not remedied the issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11713506 · source
9. Filed Jan 14, 2026ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction. It is a known issue with this system failing on the chevy volt. There is a service bulletin on this problem. 18-NA-261 is the service bulletin. The car will not start and when it does start it has loss of power while driving. Chevy is only fixing certain VIN numbers even thou it pulls up the same codes in their bulletin. Chevy only gave extended warranties to certain VIN numbers also. Extra warranty bulletin N232432680. This is a…

   NHTSA complaint #11710913 · source
10. 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
11. Filed Jul 25, 2025NCElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Driving at 75 MPH on the freeway the power completely cuts off an a message appears on my dash "Propulsion Power is Reduced" - Pressing the gas barely gives any power, Imagine being in the middle of flowing traffic doing 75 mph to close to 20 mph. Research shows me this is a KNOWN issue with GM and the problem is with the BECM control module. There is also the issue of the EGR valve which apparently is tied into the BECM. I brought to the Chevy dealer and they said the BECM…

    NHTSA complaint #11676109 · source
12. 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

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