Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Volt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact's husband stated that while attempting to park the vehicle while driving approximately 1 mph, the brakes would not function. The contact stated that the stabilitrak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,388.
While driving, the car developed a brake malfunction. when the brake pedal is depressed you can feel the pedal pulsating and was not slowing down until you pressed harder then the brakes apply abruptly causing risk of rear ending. Upon pulling over to the hard shoulder the pedal pulsating/drumming continued to happen even though the car is completely stopped and is in parking gear. The symptom is similar to the service bulletin PIC5734A. [redacted] The car was driven to the nearest dealership 'Dublin Chevorlet' in Dublin CA and the car has been there for 4 weeks since GM is unable to help resolve the problem. I have reached out to GM and opened a support case. Case number [redacted] ].
Stacia was driving the vehicle on September 20th on a residential street. She was driving at 25 MPH. All of the sudden the brakes slammed on by themselves and the car slammed to a stop. Luckily there were not any cars around, or there would have certainly been an accident. If this had happened on the Interstate or on a busy street there likely would have been a serious accident. The vehicle was taken for service and it was determined that the Brake Pedal Position Sensor failed. This was replaced by Eric Von Schledorn Chevrolet. Our concern is that the failure of one sensor could cause a potential catastrophic accident. We wanted to bring this to your attention in case others have had a similar issue, and a recall may be necessary.
Vehicle does not allow driver to driven uphill when packed uphill but keeps rolling down the hill even upon being throttled. Also emergency brake goes not catch but locks the wheel. Chevy diagnosed the issues agreed is manufacture defect, parties contracted agreement singed for repairs at no cost. Upon arrival of parts Roseville Chevrolet wanted $4,500 be paid said it was out of warrantee contrarily with the written agreement. Presently I have minors cannot ride in the car. The car may also cause accident and injury to owner and other road users if not fixed.
1. Propulsion Power Reduced -AGAIN. We have had this repaired recently & it's back. Apparently it's "not a problem" as long as check engine light is not on. Unfortunately, the engine light is on AGAIN - despite being reset. The car is not accelerating when needed. 2. "Brake Assist" light is on AGAIN- and I do not have power brakes. It is hard to stop. Could we at minimum get accurate warning systems & repairs that work? 2.
At low speed (under 5 MPH) I stepped on the brake pedal and had no response. I stomped down with all my might and still had absolutely no response from either the power antilock nor the manual brake. The car continued forward with no slowing until it hit the car ahead of me, traveling several feet before doing so. I never felt any brake engagement including 'pumping' of the antilock or any slowing. I was on a city street and had been at a full or near full stop before letting off the brake to roll forward. I was going straight ahead. Brakes have been regularly serviced.
In an emergency braking situation on a city street to avoid a car I hit the brake pedal and it went to the floor, no pulse from the ABS system. Hit curb and bumper hit fence. Took car to service to learn ABS electronic controller failed. No warning light on dash of any kind. Have learned GM has issued a bulletin but no recall major safety issue. Cost to repair $2400.00. Car is in perfect condition, has been trouble free and has only 23,000 miles on it.
While driving in rush hour traffic this Chevy Volt's entire electrical system crashed causing me to crash right along with it. No brakes (antilock braking system fail)no steering or horn even worse...no air bags.... Results: multi-car collision with no fatalities but, several injurys.
This is the third incident since I had this car along with charging issue in the beginning of ownership this Chevrolet Volt has been been deem total from the accident that occurred on January 6 because of the steering locking up
While the brake pedal is pressed, if one side of the car goes over a pot hole, the car loses braking power and continues forward even though the brake pedal is pressed. For example, if the right front tire goes into a pothole while trying to stop at an oncoming red light, the car displays a message in red letters on the dashboard referencing low traction while simultaneously losing braking power. The car continues forward with no braking power even though I still have my foot on the brake pedal. It only recovers braking power after two seconds. Unfortunately, by then, it might be too late to stop. This has happened twice. This is obviously a dangerous software error with the traction or anti-lock braking system.
Brake complaints in other Volt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, 6% of the model year's 308 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Volt brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Volt brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.