Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 | −65% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2018 | 225 | 1.8× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2017 | 702 | 5.9× | — | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2016 | 170 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2015 | 44 | −77% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2014 | 93 | −55% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2013 | 308 | 2.2× | 3 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2012 | 245 | 1.7× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2011 | 49 | −80% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Volt year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Volt problems
Latest Chevrolet Volt recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023.
Seat belts › Rear/other
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Hybrid propulsion system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
Air bags › Frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Volt should you avoid?
2017, 2013, 2018 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Volt years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2017.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Volt?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Volt years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (705), fuel & propulsion system (514) and transmission & drivetrain (432). Electrical complaints peak in the 2017 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Volt had?
8 recalls across 2011–2019. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Chevrolet Volt recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.