Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
380–25K
2925–50K
6050–75K
4775–100K
33100–150K
6150K+
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
What owners actually said
308 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2022
Hybrid Propulsion System
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 …
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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. Most recently I just got my car back from the dealership again about a week ago after having the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module and computer system updated again but propulsion issue remained immediately as a problem still.
NHTSA ODI #11478176
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System
I was driving through the grapevine and my car was losing propulsion. I had to drive in the slow lane with the semi-trucks. The semi trucks had to go around me. I am nervous about driving my car on a road trip to North Cal. I am not sure if that is normal, but I don't think so. The airbag light just went on. I am not sure wh…
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I was driving through the grapevine and my car was losing propulsion. I had to drive in the slow lane with the semi-trucks. The semi trucks had to go around me. I am nervous about driving my car on a road trip to North Cal. I am not sure if that is normal, but I don't think so. The airbag light just went on. I am not sure why. My car has also on several occasions lost traction. Has anyone reported these problems before?
NHTSA ODI #11478056
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control
Stuck accelerator pedal during acceleration
NHTSA ODI #11475407
80,899 miles · Jun 15, 2022
Hybrid Propulsion System
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11469369
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2022
Structure
Leaking water when it rains under the drivers side floor board.
NHTSA ODI #11465034
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
When placing the vehicle in park, an error message "shift to park" lights up even as the car is turned off. This has been an issue with early models of the Chevy Volt. I have owned 4 of them. Every single one of them had this same problem. My current two Volt I just obtained both have this error message. The car thinks it's…
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When placing the vehicle in park, an error message "shift to park" lights up even as the car is turned off. This has been an issue with early models of the Chevy Volt. I have owned 4 of them. Every single one of them had this same problem. My current two Volt I just obtained both have this error message. The car thinks it's not in park when it is.
NHTSA ODI #11463176
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
When placing the vehicle in park, an error message "shift to park" lights up even as the car is turned off. This has been an issue with early models of the Chevy Volt. I have owned 4 of them. Every single one of them had this same problem. My current two Volt I just obtained both have this error message. The car thinks it's…
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When placing the vehicle in park, an error message "shift to park" lights up even as the car is turned off. This has been an issue with early models of the Chevy Volt. I have owned 4 of them. Every single one of them had this same problem. My current two Volt I just obtained both have this error message. The car thinks it's not in park when it is.
NHTSA ODI #11463174
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2022
Air Bags
When an adult passenger >100lb is sitting in the front passenger seat, the service airbag light comes on and the dashboard says "Service Airbag". This lasts for 30-60 seconds at random times at all speeds from 0 to 60+ mph. The dealer reported that this will cost roughly $1000 for labor in addition to the heavily backordered par…
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When an adult passenger >100lb is sitting in the front passenger seat, the service airbag light comes on and the dashboard says "Service Airbag". This lasts for 30-60 seconds at random times at all speeds from 0 to 60+ mph. The dealer reported that this will cost roughly $1000 for labor in addition to the heavily backordered part costing $400 and not being available for weeks.
NHTSA ODI #11462168
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2022
Air Bags
I filed a complaint in 2019, it prompted an investigation. NHTSA Action Number: PE19013 I had not heard back from NHTSA or GM so I searched the NHTSA website and found that an agreement was made to close the investigation, in part because GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the su…
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I filed a complaint in 2019, it prompted an investigation. NHTSA Action Number: PE19013 I had not heard back from NHTSA or GM so I searched the NHTSA website and found that an agreement was made to close the investigation, in part because 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." When I attempted to have my vehicle repaired, the dealership didn't know what I was talking about. I contacted GM headquarters to inquire about the cost reduction program and I was told that they would look into it and get back with me. They denied me, they outright lied to NHTSA to close the investigation. My car still has an airbag problem and I am asking NHTSA to take enforcement action. Since they lied, I believe a fitting remedy would be for GM to pay 100% of the repair. After all, it's the very same thing that happened with the Chevrolet Malibu that prompted a recall. Thank you, Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11460155
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2022
Electrical System
The car keeps getting a false error code that does not allow the charging of the electric battery, this has also prevented me from completing a smog check. Was brought to the dealers attention that the error is being caused by an issue with the software and was told it was the sensor in the coolant reservoir. Was forced to chan…
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The car keeps getting a false error code that does not allow the charging of the electric battery, this has also prevented me from completing a smog check. Was brought to the dealers attention that the error is being caused by an issue with the software and was told it was the sensor in the coolant reservoir. Was forced to change that part and still have the same issue as it was not the part the dealer indicated. This seems to be a too common problem with the Chevy VOLT as many other owners have reported the same issue.
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.
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.
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.
2013 Chevrolet Volt Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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