2017 Chevrolet Volt transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 21, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Received "reduced propulsion" message, with no engine detected. Car slowed to a near stop while driving on the Interstate highway. Very dangerous to have that suddenly happen. Message popped up randomly with no prior warning.

   NHTSA complaint #11745522 · source
2. Filed Mar 20, 2026MIElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Failure of Battery Energy Control Module (BECM), within the high voltage battery. Vehicle is unable to charge and sets “reduced power” message. GM released special coverage bulletin for this issue (N232432680), but this vehicle is not listed due to which state it was registered. Continued failure of the BECM will lead to inoperability of the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11725760 · source
3. Filed Mar 2, 2026WAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Three separate high-voltage battery section failures within one year, each causing complete loss of propulsion. Two occurred at freeway speeds on [XXX]. FAILURE 1 ([XXX]): Vehicle lost propulsion. Dealer diagnosed DTC P0AFA (low voltage), failed cell in Battery Section 3. Section 3 replaced under GM Special Coverage N232432680 (BECM, 15yr/150k). Vehicle out of service approximately six months awaiting GM authorization and parts. FAILURE 2 ([XXX]): Vehicle lost propulsion on…

   NHTSA complaint #11721595 · source
4. Filed Feb 18, 2026UTElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a…

   NHTSA complaint #11718741 · source
5. Filed Feb 2, 202626,500 miOHFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the message stating that the propulsion was reduced was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact arrived at the destination and parked the vehicle, and the message “Shift to Park” was displayed even though the gear shifter was in park(P). The message…

   NHTSA complaint #11714931 · source
6. Filed Jan 15, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My car started having issues with the hybrid system, with fault alerts related to the drive motor control module, hybrid powertrain control module, and battery energy control module in the transmission, and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed. The engine light had been on for about a week, and I was waiting for availability at work to take it to a mechanic. While driving around 70 mph on the highway, a “Propulsion Power Reduced” message suddenly came on and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11711096 · source
7. Filed Dec 30, 2025OHElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   On 10/14, I was driving the car to my job, when the car suddenly switched from its electric battery power to its internal combustion engine. The vehicle's information screen only showed that the battery was unavailable. I was able to operate the car on only the internal combustion engine to arrive at work. However, when I went to leave several hours later, the car would not start. The car was towed to a dealership and apparently repaired after about a week. However, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11707875 · source
8. Filed Dec 22, 2025UTTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2017 Chevy Volt is having Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) issues. I receive the occasional error message of "propulsion is reduced" and engine fault codes of P1E00, U2619, U2620, U2621, U2622, U2623, and U2624. GM issued a Special Coverage bulletin (N232432680) extending the warranty for the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) on 2016-2018 Chevy Volts to 15 years/150,000 miles. My Chevy Volt is within this year and mileage range, but for some reason my Chevy Volt…

   NHTSA complaint #11706596 · source
9. Filed Dec 1, 2025COElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The engine light starts blinking and telling me propulsion power reduced, and then I cannot use the cruise control after that turns on, and it starts losing power, driving on I 70 after work all of a sudden it turned on and wet from going 76 miles an hour to 52 on highway I 70 where the speed limit was 75. This problem was a recall problem which was fixed and now is happening again on the same part and having the same problems.

   NHTSA complaint #11702324 · source
10. Filed Nov 26, 2025UTFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a…

    NHTSA complaint #11701635 · source
11. Filed Nov 4, 2025CAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    The vehicle losses power at times. Will not take a charge. It states it is in reduced power mode. It appears to be the becm however my vin is not reported to be on the special coverage.

    NHTSA complaint #11697334 · source
12. Filed Oct 2, 2025AZTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving my Chevy Volt lost power as it disconnected from a full charged battery to gas as the check engine light lit on. The car would then hesitate after stopping at a light/stop sign, losing and regaining power as it gained momentum (which was very dangerous), and would no longer charge. The issue was confirmed by Sun Devil auto repair (diagnosis attached) that this was a known issue with Chevy Volts 2016-2018 and would be covered. I was advised that my VIN was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11691117 · 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