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2013 Chevrolet Volt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 169.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

213 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

19 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2024
Service Brakes

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…

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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. [XXX] 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 [XXX] ]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11601801

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11535746

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

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 br…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11496963

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2022
Service Brakes

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 stre…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11486613

90,388 miles · Aug 6, 2021
Service Brakes

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 fa…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11428101

73,625 miles · Sep 25, 2019
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH CHARLOTTE CHEVROLET (9325 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273, (704) 444-0109) WHERE THE BRAKE MODULA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH CHARLOTTE CHEVROLET (9325 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273, (704) 444-0109) WHERE THE BRAKE MODULATOR VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,625.

NHTSA ODI #11258176

45,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Service Brakes

INSIDE REAR BRAKE PAD MATERIAL SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BACKING RESULTING IN DAMAGED BRAKE ROTORS AND ERRATIC BRAKING. ALL OTHER BRAKE PADS IN SATISFACTORY CONDITION. THESE WERE THE OEM BRAKES AND ROTORS.

NHTSA ODI #11204764

105,000 miles · Jan 30, 2019
Service BrakesCrash

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 A…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11173158

46,000 miles · Nov 19, 2018
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLEN GWYNN CHEVROLET (1400 S BRAND BLVD, …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLEN GWYNN CHEVROLET (1400 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204, (844) 633-8153) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. *DT *JB

NHTSA ODI #11152447

22,700 miles · Oct 24, 2018
Service BrakesCrash

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 RECAL…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11142498

Official recalls

3

23V516000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jul 27, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

18V397000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Jun 14, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

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.

15V145000 · Electrical System:ignition; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Mar 13, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

PE19013 · Passenger Sensing System

Opened Sep 17, 2019 · Closed Jul 2, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-013 to assess the potential safety related effects of a malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in 2012-2013 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Consumers reported that due to a malfunction of the PSS, the air bag system malfunction indicator light (MIL) was activated. Many of the complaints noted the malfunction occurred after the warranty period expired and mentioned high repair costs as a major deterrent to the repair of the vehicle.The PSS sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the frontal passenger air bag. The PSS may develop a malfunction due to bunching of the sensor mat in the seat trench. The bunching of the sensor mat could cause the mat to repeatedly fold in the same location. Over time, the repeated folding can cause an increased resistance in the sensor mat. An increased resistance in the PSS sensor mat is detected as a fault in the air bag system diagnostic. If this fault is detected, a diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the air bag control unit and the air bag MIL will illuminate.Further, if the fault is detected, the passenger frontal and knee air bags will be suppressed in a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment regardless of the nature of size of the occupant of the front passenger seat.The report counts shown above include only those reports that specifically address the issue covered by this investigation, failure of the PSS sensor mat. Reports alleging only that the air bag light is on with no cause stated, or where a different cause was otherwise identified, were excluded as the air bag light could be illuminated for system faults other than a PSS malfunction.The subject vehicles have been in service for approximately ten (10) years. An analysis of General Motors (GM) warranty data for the subject vehicles, including a comparison with other agency and manufacturer data pertaining to similar occupant detection system failure investigations, indicates the subject vehicles experience a comparatively low complaint rate for this issue given the number of years the vehicles have been in service.GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. Based on this cost reduction program as well as:1) a comparatively low warranty rate; 2) no reported injuries, deaths or asymmetric deployments; and 3) the age of the vehicles; ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.