2018 Chevrolet Volt electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026OHElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   FAILURE SUMMARY & SAFETY RISK: While operating in live traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and entered a "Propulsion Power Reduced" failsafe mode, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle is currently grounded and remains available for inspection upon request. WARNING SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSTIC CODES: The instrument cluster illuminated the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine), the ABS warning indicator, and displayed a persistent…

   NHTSA complaint #11766936 · source
2. Filed Aug 27, 2026TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle frequently fails to register that the transmission has been shifted into Park. When this happens the instrument cluster displays "Action Required / Shift to Park" and the power (STOP/START) button will not shut the vehicle off. The condition is intermittent. I can usually clear it only by shifting through the gear positions and back into Park repeatedly, sometimes many times, before the vehicle will power down. SAFETY RISK: Because the transmission control module…

   NHTSA complaint #11760020 · source
3. Filed Aug 5, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving on a highway the car started to hesitate, a message appeared on the console "Propulsion power is reduced" and the engine light turn on. After driving some miles, a new message appeared: "Engine unavailable, service soon" and the car only ran on electric power, no motor engine. I had the same problem 3 year ago and the dealer identified the problem as a shorted EGR valve. This time I knew this shorted EGR valve burns the F3 fuse. I managed to get to a car part…

   NHTSA complaint #11755062 · source
4. Filed Jul 31, 2026UTElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   The Vehicle had a the BECM fail at 64,000 miles. This is a known issue that GM still refuses to recall, and is refusing to warranty

   NHTSA complaint #11754026 · source
5. Filed Jul 24, 2026FLElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failed. Before repair, the check-engine light appeared intermittently, the vehicle sometimes had difficulty starting, and the indicated electric range could suddenly drop from about 30 miles to zero despite a charged high-voltage battery. When this occurred, the gasoline engine started unexpectedly. The air conditioning also intermittently blew warm air until the vehicle was restarted. These symptoms created a safety concern because…

   NHTSA complaint #11752752 · source
6. Filed Jul 6, 2026TXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The car suddenly lost power and produced error messages on the screen. I had to quickly change lanes to get out of traffic on the highway. My dealer diagnosed the issue as a BECM malfunction and quoted a repair cost of approximately $3500. However, due to my car originally being registered in California, this failure is not covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680 (issued March 2024), which provides an extended warranty for BECM issues on affected 2016-2018…

   NHTSA complaint #11748652 · source
7. Filed Apr 29, 2026PAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle (2018 Chevrolet Volt) is experiencing an intermittent failure of the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Diagnostic trouble code P1E5B was stored in the system. This is a well-documented defect in this vehicle population that frequently results in a sudden, unexpected loss of propulsion power while driving ("Propulsion Power Reduced" mode), posing a significant safety risk in high-speed traffic. ​Although a Chevrolet dealership confirmed the presence of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11734473 · source
8. Filed Dec 17, 2025111,000 miTXElectrical SystemEngineWheels & Tires

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the battery module became inoperable. While attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Engine Unavailable - Service Soon” was displayed. The contact was unable to use the vehicle. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-261. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance.…

   NHTSA complaint #11705567 · source
9. Filed Dec 9, 2025COElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   On June 27, 2025, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning message and a Check Engine Light illuminated. I immediately experienced a loss of power. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Chevrolet dealer the same day. On July 1, 2025, the dealer diagnosed the failure as a faulty Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and high-voltage system fault (Code P1E00), requiring a full replacement of the high-voltage battery pack (Part #24296900). The…

   NHTSA complaint #11704006 · source
10. Filed Dec 2, 2025129,000 miGAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over as intended. Additionally, the vehicle would not charge when connected to a charger. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the BECM was reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the message "Reduced…

    NHTSA complaint #11702424 · source
11. Filed Oct 14, 2025MOElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The car can't decide if it wants to use the battery or the engine. It shows zero charge even though it is full. It lurches at stop lights as it tries to decide whether to use battery or engine. It says "propulsion power reduced". "Not able to charge". "Shift to park". Check engine light is on.

    NHTSA complaint #11693450 · source
12. Filed Oct 4, 2025MAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    Dashboard displays “Shift to Park” message even when the shifter is in the park position for the past month. I am unable to turn off the vehicle completely until I Shift to drive then back to park multiple times.

    NHTSA complaint #11691369 · 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