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 stated while driving approximately 76-77 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The message "Low Propulsion" was displayed, and the engine revved significantly. The contact moved over to the far-right lane to pull over to the side of the road as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring temporarily. The contact had researched the failure online and became aware that the release of the accelerator pedal while the failure was occurring could temporarily correct the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test result was undisclosed; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an ASC high-voltage battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the ASC battery was replaced. The contact stated that the propulsion system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service High Voltage System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software bug. The dealer performed a software update and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,899.
1)A diagnostic inspection performed by Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro, N.C., during the week of Feb. 5-9 found that the car's propulsion system suffered "catastrophic failure" and was a "total loss." 2)My wife and I were in convoy when we drove off the used-car lot in Pittsboro, N.C., on [redacted], heading for my sister's home in Greensboro. By the time we reached [redacted], the Volt would not reach highway speeds as heavy traffic sped past. As NHTSA has reported in another Volt investigation, "the problem could pose a safety risk if vehicles can't move with the flow of surrounding traffic and is more serious if a stalled vehicle is unable to restart." 3) On Tuesday, [redacted], a Terry Labonte Chevrolet service representative in Greensboro reported that the main battery had experienced "catastrophic" failure and the "major malfunction" represented a "total loss." 4) Factory …
This report is in general for EV batteries and low propulsion, BMW also. When system moves to low propulsion the break lights do not eliminate so the vehicle slows very fast as if it is breaking but no break lights turn on, this creates a risk for other drivers, this occurs on steep mountain climbs when mountain mode was not engaged. What I want to happen is when low propulsion mode engages the break lights come on so that other drives can keep safe distance as I pull to the side for battery to recharge. This does not happen that often but when it does occur it creates a scary situation. A electric BMW also did this today. Please request a break light adaption for future EV batteries/Gas Powered vehicles. …
There is already a "Hybrid Propulsion System" recall for the 2013 Chevy Volt (Recall number 18V397000). My VIN is not part of the recall however I have been having the same issue described for a few years. My car has been seen by multiple different Chevy dealerships over the years to correct the issue and reprogram the computer system but the issue continues to happen. It is extremely scary and dangerous to be driving a car and it not be able to accelerate suddenly. What happens: When my car switches from electric to gas engine I get a propulsion error and am unable to accelerate. This happens while driving and I lose the ability to accelerate and it can also happen right away when my car turns on. It has happened numerous times while driving on the highway and my car essentially just turns off randomly while driving. …
When starting the vehicle, which had some charge on the batteries, the engine immediately started and a message appeared on the speedometer screen which stated, "Propulsion Power Reduced," and another message said, "speed limited to 25mph." I was in a very busy part of Hollywood running errands for my job when this happened. I felt very unsafe driving under these circumstances as I often need to drive above 25mph to keep up with traffic and cross busy streets to avoid other cars. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not been taken to a dealership or anywhere else to have the issue looked at. The problem has occurred a few other times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warnings or other symptoms whatsoever prior to this issue occurring.
We purchased this car used in January 2023. Several times throughout 2023 we have gotten a Propoulsion Power Reduced warning. When this happens the car's ability to accelerate drops and we have also had problems getting it to charge. Following one incident, we let the car sit for 4 days. While the car still would not charge using our at home level 2 charger, the warning went away and I was able to drive it to a dealership. They ran a software update which they said should resolve the issue. Three times since then, when turning the car on from parked it in parking lots away from home, it has given the warning. While driving the car to get it home, the warning has spontaneously resolved.
I received a notification on the dashboard that the engine is not in service and propulsion has been reduced. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety and myself has been deeply compromised because the issues cause the car to suddenly not accelerate without warning. The issue happened to me on a freeway and could have caused an accident due to the engine and propulsion systems stop functioning without warning. The vehicle has been inspected. There were no warnings on why the car was doing what it was doing. The only warning I received was that the engine and propulsion system has now stopped functioning.
I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing the Gas Engine on and the vehicle hesitated upon applying the accelerator for the remainder of the drive. My safety and that was others was at risk because the acceleration dropped quickly and I was on a busy freeway at the time when the Alert happened causing further hesitation. Upon stopping I could not get the vehicle to take a charge nor would it start up until a mechanic arrived and was able to confirm the problem.
Related recalls
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Volt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, 19% of the model year's 308 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Volt fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-397 (hybrid propulsion system, Jun 14, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Volt fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.