NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
308 reports800 miles · May 25, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
WHEN IN LOW GEAR (HIGHER REGENERATIVE BRAKING), WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER SOME BUMPS, THE REGEN BRAKING STOPS CAUSING A FEELING OF A LURCH FORWARD. A 'LOW TRACTION" LIGHT APPEARS. THIS CAUSES A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE OF APPROXIMATELY 35BHP, A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE STYLE PULSATION OF THE REGEN SHOULD …
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WHEN IN LOW GEAR (HIGHER REGENERATIVE BRAKING), WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER SOME BUMPS, THE REGEN BRAKING STOPS CAUSING A FEELING OF A LURCH FORWARD. A 'LOW TRACTION" LIGHT APPEARS. THIS CAUSES A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE OF APPROXIMATELY 35BHP, A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE STYLE PULSATION OF THE REGEN SHOULD BE EMPLOYED, NOT A DISCONTINUATION OF THE REGEN BRAKES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593935
11,669 miles · May 8, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
THE VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING/FAILED TO START SINCE JUNE 2013. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SERVICE DUE TO REPAIRS = 42 DAYS IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS. GM CONTINUES TO REPLACE/RECALL PARTS ON THE HYBRID BATTERY AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS CONCERNING SECONDARY PROBLEMS. I AM AFRAID THIS VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AGAIN WHIL…
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THE VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING/FAILED TO START SINCE JUNE 2013. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SERVICE DUE TO REPAIRS = 42 DAYS IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS. GM CONTINUES TO REPLACE/RECALL PARTS ON THE HYBRID BATTERY AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS CONCERNING SECONDARY PROBLEMS. I AM AFRAID THIS VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AGAIN WHILE I AM DRIVING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT HURTING ME OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD. CLEARLY, IT IS A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587172
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2014
Electrical SystemEquipmentVisibility
LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS WIFE 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT, WHO HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HVAC SYSTEM NOT COOLING THE REAR SEATS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS NEAR 100 DEGREES; REQUESTING THAT GM ACCEPT THE RETURN OF THE VEHICLE AND PURCHASE PRICE BE REFUNDED.*SD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS WOULD FOG UP WHENEVER HUMIDITY WAS PR…
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LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS WIFE 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT, WHO HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HVAC SYSTEM NOT COOLING THE REAR SEATS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS NEAR 100 DEGREES; REQUESTING THAT GM ACCEPT THE RETURN OF THE VEHICLE AND PURCHASE PRICE BE REFUNDED.*SD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS WOULD FOG UP WHENEVER HUMIDITY WAS PRESENT, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, WAS READING THE VEHICLE WAS IN DETROIT, THE RE-GENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM AND ACCELERATION HAD DOWNGRADED AFTER THE LAST SOFTWARE UPDATE.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10584881
7,500 miles · Apr 15, 2014
Air BagsSeat Belts
WHEN A CELL PHONE IS PLACED ON THE CENTER OF THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND ARMS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. NO WEIGHT REQUIRED. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10582973
7,500 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ERRONEOUSLY DEPRESSED THE DRIVE MODE BUTTON AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,900.
NHTSA ODI #10578662
19,900 miles · Apr 8, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MY CHEVY VOLT WAS AT A CAR WASH AND THE ATTENDANT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF WHILE STILL IN "D" GEAR. THE CAR IS ABLE TO ROLL AND MOVE WHILE IN THIS GEAR. I WAS SURPRISED SO I TESTED IT FOR MYSELF, AND SURE ENOUGH YOU'RE ABLE TO TURN THE POWER OFF AND EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN 'D'. EVERY CAR I'VE OWNED (AUTOMATIC) FORCES…
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MY CHEVY VOLT WAS AT A CAR WASH AND THE ATTENDANT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF WHILE STILL IN "D" GEAR. THE CAR IS ABLE TO ROLL AND MOVE WHILE IN THIS GEAR. I WAS SURPRISED SO I TESTED IT FOR MYSELF, AND SURE ENOUGH YOU'RE ABLE TO TURN THE POWER OFF AND EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN 'D'. EVERY CAR I'VE OWNED (AUTOMATIC) FORCES YOU TO SHIFT INTO P OR N BEFORE ALLOWING THE KEY TO REMOVE. THIS IS A GREAT CONCERN FOR ME, SO I CALLED MY VOLT ADVISOR TODAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS ROLLED INTO THEIR GARAGE, AND THE BEHAVIOR WAS BY DESIGN AND NORMAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578140
9,100 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
CAR GAS ENGINE STARTED, (ENGINE RUNNING DUE TO TEMP). RAN FOR JUST A FEW SECONDS, THEN SHUT DOWN AND WENT INTO "SERVICE MODE" - KILLING BOTH THE GAS ENGINE AND ELECTRIC MOTOR - WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY BUTTONS ON DASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572851
18,000 miles · Feb 19, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME STIFF FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME STIFF FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA ODI #10564937
10,500 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Service Brakes
DRIVING IN LOS ANGELES CONSISTS OF LOTS OF UNEVEN ROADS FULL OF POTHOLES. AS I WAS TRYING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE HIT AN UNEVEN ROAD AND A POTHOLE I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF MY BRAKES AND IT FELT LIKE MY VEHICLE WAS SLIDING. IT WAS A BRIEF 2-3 SECOND FEELING BUT VERY UNSETTLING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561604
500 miles · Jun 27, 2013
StructureVisibility/wiper
BOTTOM HALF OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS NOT PROPERLY BONDED TO THE BODY. PROBLEM WAS NOTICED DUE TO A WHISTLING NOISE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. PUSHED ON THE GLASS FROM THE INSIDE I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GLASS WITH LITTLE PRESSURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522126
Official recalls
3Jul 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.
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.
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
2DP22005 · 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.
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