2018 Chevrolet Volt fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   2018 Chevy Volt LT. Diagnosed with a bad battery section on September 9, 2026. Warranty part number # 24060120 ordered by dealer. Status September 28, 2026 - Part back-ordered / No ETA. Dealer refuses to provide a loaner car while waiting for the part.

   NHTSA complaint #11767495 · source
2. 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
3. Filed Aug 27, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   I was driving back from [XXX] on XXX, when I received a "propulsion power limited" message on my dash with a check engine light. I pulled off to a nearby gas station and tried to scan the code to figure out what was going on when I then received the message "Engine unavailable" and the car shut off. I checked the fuse box and found that the F03 Fuse had blown. I replaced the fuse and attempted to start the car again. It began normally, but then after driving 10 feet, I…

   NHTSA complaint #11759887 · source
4. Filed Aug 17, 2026ORFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was driving on an interstate in Seattle, and the car completely died. A check engine light went on. I had to roll into the shoulder and call for a tow to the dealership's service department. Here is what they found: ----60GCZ ENGINE REPAIR DIAG/ customer reports the ses lamp is on with reduced propulsion message displayed. Check and advise. 1. Tested vehicle and verified reduced propulsion power message and SES light. Scanned vehicle for codes and found multiple P0489,…

   NHTSA complaint #11757544 · source
5. 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
6. 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
7. Filed Jul 28, 2026MIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was investigating a thumping sound coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. I discovered that the left fuel tank strap had completely broke into two pieces and was no longer holding up the tank. The fuel tank straps are not readily viewed on the vehicle until you lower/remove the underbody aerodynamic material. It appears that the underbody aerodynamic material may have been contributory by retaining dirt and trapping moisture in contact with the tank straps. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11753393 · source
8. 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
9. 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
10. Filed May 1, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    I was driving my 2018 Chevy Volt at about 30 mph on EV mode. The battery was at 50%, the car was performing normally. Then the battery jumped to 100%, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle lost power. I was in rush hour traffic and unable to get the vehicle to go faster than 5-10 mph. I switched to "normal" mode to engage the gasoline engine, hoping this would help but it did not. The gas engine RPM fluctuated wildly and did not restore the ability to accelerate…

    NHTSA complaint #11735155 · source
11. Filed Mar 23, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The vehicle losses power on high speed, check engine comes on, low propulsion massage displays. Vehicle does not charge. Issues similar to the investigation DCS6812.

    NHTSA complaint #11726565 · source
12. Filed Feb 8, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    It was the XXX recall for the DTC P0442/check engine light code. The dealership said that the recall had been satisfied in 6/2020 by putting a buffer in to separate the 2 lines but not replacing the part. Now the exact same code DTC P0442/check engine light in the exact spot that occurred for the original recall. The dealership originally quoted $5,093, then after me complaining that it is the same recalled problem they dropped the cots to $2384. I believe that is an…

    NHTSA complaint #11716611 · 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