Chevrolet Volt Brake Problems

Brake complaints by model year

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  3148%
• 25k–50k
  914%
• 50k–75k
  1016%
• 75k–100k
  69%
• 100k–150k
  69%
• 150k+
  23%

What owners report

Was approaching an intersection with a stoplight that was red. Another car stopped at light. Applied brakes, but car slowed down only slightly, no matter how hard the brake pedal was applied. It was like braking on black ice, even though the cars wheels were still going around. Rear ended the car at the light. Suspect that computer was telling the car to try to charge the battery using the forward motion of the car instead of stopping the car. All air bags deployed. Injuries were limited to bruises, abrasions, and general body soreness. Vehicle currently in possession of Allstate Ins. Have requested that brake system be inspected, and computer info be downloaded. Car was totaled. No injuries in other vehicle. No previous problems, no warning lamps or messages prior to accident. …

I was in stop and go traffic; when the car in front of me stopped suddenly, I tried to brake. I was far enough back that I should have been able to stop in plenty of time. My brake pedal froze and would not depress (brake pump failure). There were no warning light prior. The car has less than 28,000 miles and relatively new tires.

Main Issue: Ongoing issue with stuck caliper causing the pads and wheels to overheat increasing the tire pressure to dangerous levels. The regenerative braking system is actually very effective in slowing the car when driven in L mode. If driven smartly, driver rarely have to use a lot of force using the physical brakes and rotors. Three times now, I have had issues where the front calipers were seized and the brakes were stuck causing the wheels to have visible smoke, odors and extreme temps. Perhaps they are not being used as much as normal brakes but service was done at the dealership on both cases, only to have the issue return within a year on a low mileage car. Looking at online forums, this appears to be a common issue with the Volt. Often the High Pressure Accumulator (HPA) is not properly reset during a brake job. …

A Shift to Park message displayed while the vehicle is in park. The car will not turn off and continues to run. The issue is well documented through GM/Chevrolet, as they have a service bulletin (19-NA-206) for it. That document specifically states that the Voltec Warranty covers this issue, but Chevrolet is refusing to service my car based on its VIN number, despite identifying it as the same issue. And for the last question, no lights initially came on but then the check engine light came back on. When the car was finally turned off at the dealership, it turned back on with no issue lights or messages.

My 2017 Chevy Volt has been making a clicking noise coming from the brake booster assembly since I have bought it. When your foot is released from the brake pedal, there is an audible click (3-4 times a second) inside of the cabin and I've decided to make a formal complaint as GM isn't taking the appropriate action to fix this issue. My reasoning is that this issue is not only common on the Chevy Volt, but also the Chevy Bolt as they share the exact same brake booster. For the Volt, dealers are instructed to replace the Brake Pedal Retainer - GM (39081933) and the Brake Master Cylinder - GM (84006919). This repair is often quoted in excess of $2,000 even though there is a very high likelihood of the issue returning even when the parts are replaced. …

Been having issues with the dealership sierra chevy of monrovia. Brake fluid light came on. My car has been at the dealer for over two months now in counting. Closer to 3 months. First time was in July 24, 2024 for a check engine light. Fast forward to today Nov 19th, 2025. The car has been back at the dealer for the same issue the brake fluid light. Its now almost past 2 weeks. I have talked to the service manager and advisor a week ago. they told me they are having issues finding where the leak is coming from after having my vehicle there the past month. So I told them it was fine for the mechanic to drive the vehicle and figure it out. Now its almost another week and the service manager and advisor are not responding to my calls and texts. Left the service manager 2 voicemails already. Please help me get my car fixed and back to me. …

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving in reverse the warning message "Reduced Propulsion" had displayed and suddenly the power steering failed and the vehicle lurched backward and crashed into a utility pole. During the incident, the driver pressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The daughter was able to drive the vehicle home in "Limp" Mode. The contact later examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the engine battery ECM had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 89,800.

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message service stabilitrak suddenly displayed. The brake pedal was still and the steering wheel failed to respond when turned as a result control of the vehicle was lost and the contact crashed into a bluff. The vehicle was destroyed. The driver sustained a sore body due to the impact and medical attention was not sought. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The local dealer (unknown) was called and informed that the vehicle was destroyed but the failure experienced was not discussed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

Related recalls (2)