IllustrationHad to replace EGR valve after losing power on the highway back in 2022. Lost power steering and reduced engine power while driving at highway speeds, luckily was able to get off the highway and limp the car back to my house. I almost crashed due to loosing engine power and power steering. It's appears to be a BECM issue.
2017 Chevrolet Volt
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Volt years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt are substantially higher than the model-year median of 169.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Volt years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
720–25K
10725–50K
3850–75K
2175–100K
11100–150K
1150K+
250 reports with mileage · 447 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 310 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 233 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 219 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 reports9 fire reports10 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
310 reportsWe bought the car for our son when he began to drive. We liked the idea that it was gas and electric. At the time, our son was into electric vehicles. At 44, 000 miles, 7/10/20 the car was taken to the dealership. The engine light was on at this point, the message displayed "Propulsion Power is Reduced". Once the diagnostic was …
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We bought the car for our son when he began to drive. We liked the idea that it was gas and electric. At the time, our son was into electric vehicles. At 44, 000 miles, 7/10/20 the car was taken to the dealership. The engine light was on at this point, the message displayed "Propulsion Power is Reduced". Once the diagnostic was done it was said that the EGR valve needed replacing. Of course, this is during the of COVID. Everything was shut down. No one is working. It is now a wait game. Prior to this our Chevy Volt has been in and out of the dealership with either recall or something else. We enjoy the car because of how it operates with gas and electric. Fast forward it is 80,000 miles now, and the car is at the dealership again. It has currently been there for almost a month. After blowing fuses it has be diagnosed as the EGR valve needs replacing again. The part is not available currently. No one seems to know when it might be available. The part cannot be purchased from our local distributor. GM is the only ones who makes it is our understanding. There is no other dealership near us that has certified technicians who can work on them. We called around and asked. We want to know what the solution is. How can this be prevented? We were over an hour away from home and no dealership was open when it went out the last time. It became worse to the point that we were stopped on the road with flashers on because it was not safe to pullover. Prayer works.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the Battery Range Zero Miles message displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The Propulsion Power Reduced message was then displayed, and the engine inadvertently shut off. The contact coasted the vehicle to …
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The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the Battery Range Zero Miles message displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The Propulsion Power Reduced message was then displayed, and the engine inadvertently shut off. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and shifted the transmission into park(P) when the Shift to Park message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who reprogrammed the power inverter module, and cleared the DTC codes. The failure recurred 60 days later, and the vehicle was towed to Chevrolet Van Nuys (5949 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401), where the 12V battery was replaced and the DTC codes were cleared; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to Chevrolet Van Nuys (5949 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401), but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23022 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was 61,956.
On 2/11/23, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt displayed a check engine light and the engine started to overheat, as determined by the driver from the dash coolant temperate display, while driving down the interstate after 1 hour of driving. The car was pulled over to the side of the road and towed home. Upon inspection of the Chevy Volt…
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On 2/11/23, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt displayed a check engine light and the engine started to overheat, as determined by the driver from the dash coolant temperate display, while driving down the interstate after 1 hour of driving. The car was pulled over to the side of the road and towed home. Upon inspection of the Chevy Volt later, the F03 15 amp mini-fuse(referred to as non-walk home fuse) in the main engine fuse block had blown, which had likely caused the electronically controlled thermostat to close and the engine to quickly overheat, due to lack of coolant. The reason why the F03 15 amp mini-fuse blew is because the control board for the EGR valve catastrophically failed and overloaded the fuse of this important shared electrical circuit. The electronic thermostat is part of this shared circuit, in addition to the EGR valve and possibly other important vehicle functions. I consider this cascade of electronic and engine/cooling failures to be a safety issue for the driver, in addition to being a poor design. As GM doesn't currently have any replacement EGR valves for our 2017 Chevy Volt, which includes the EGR valve control board, we are forced to disconnect the EGR valve from the vehicle and replace the F03 15 amp mini-fuse, in order to make the car drivable. This is contributing to increased vehicle emissions and reduced vehicle efficiency. In locations with emissions inspections, this EGR valve parts shortage results in the vehicle failing inspection and being made undrivable. I think the NHTSA should force GM to recall any 2nd generation Chevrolet Volt vehicles that have this defective EGR valve/control board, due to its cascading effect on the safe operation of the Volt.
WE WERE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE BATTERY HAD PLENTY OF CHARGE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A WARNING NOTICE ABOUT PROPULSION POWER PROBLEM AND THE CAR CONVERTED TO GASOLINE MODE. WE CONTINUED TO DESTINATION AND PARKED. WHEN WE WENT TO START THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. HAD CAR TOWED TO OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (ALL SERVICE D…
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WE WERE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE BATTERY HAD PLENTY OF CHARGE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A WARNING NOTICE ABOUT PROPULSION POWER PROBLEM AND THE CAR CONVERTED TO GASOLINE MODE. WE CONTINUED TO DESTINATION AND PARKED. WHEN WE WENT TO START THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. HAD CAR TOWED TO OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (ALL SERVICE DONE THERE) AND THAT IS WHERE IT IS STILL SITTING. THE PART NEEDED (BATTERY) IS ON BACK ORDER. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 21, 2023. TODAY IS MARCH 13, 2024! AS OF TODAY....APPROACHING 250 DAYS SITTING IN THE DEALERSHIP OPEN LOT,
50 miles into a 500 mile trip, my Volt displayed a warning message, "propulsion power reduced." It operated almost normally for the first 250 miles and we were able to reach our destination, but the propulsion battery was not able to recharge from the engine power as efficiently as usual. An auto shop at the destination who does…
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50 miles into a 500 mile trip, my Volt displayed a warning message, "propulsion power reduced." It operated almost normally for the first 250 miles and we were able to reach our destination, but the propulsion battery was not able to recharge from the engine power as efficiently as usual. An auto shop at the destination who does not specialize in EVs examined the car and found a fault in the engine control module, but the car was otherwise in drivable condition. On returning home, the car was required to climb a long steep hill. It gave the message "engine unavailable" on the freeway and began running on its battery reserves, which were barely enough to reach the nearest exit. If the car had run out of battery reserves where pulling over to stop would be unsafe, a dangerous situation would have resulted. The car had to be towed home. An EV specialist mechanic inspected the car and diagnosed a faulty EGR valve resulting in a short in the power to the engine control module. The car has been waiting at the mechanic for a new EGR valve for 5 months due to a nationwide parts shortage. Two months ago the request for the new EGR valve was escalated to a "STACK order" but I still have no updates on when the new part will actually be available. Online forums dedicated to the Volt have many posts about cars waiting for months for a new EGR valve. Two weeks ago, I contacted the Chevrolet parts concierge about the issue. They took down all my contact information and stated they would be in touch. Today after not hearing back from Chevrolet, I called the parts concierge again. The staff found no record of my previous call.
My car is lurching very dramatically while on battery-only. Especially over 35-40 miles an hour. I was run off the road last week and am becoming fearful for my safety in this car. I have heard that there may be something wrong with the battery or. BECM.
Propulsion error, steering wheel locked up today, last week shut off to dead stop while idling, trouble restarting. Speed and sudden battery drop issues. 14 miles without any power steering. Unsafe.
Took Vehicle into the local auto store to scan a engine alert and the error came up as P1E00 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module or the BECM (battery energy control module). After looking the error code up and researching online, found that many of the same symptoms are happening. The car wonts start intermittently and a message …
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Took Vehicle into the local auto store to scan a engine alert and the error came up as P1E00 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module or the BECM (battery energy control module). After looking the error code up and researching online, found that many of the same symptoms are happening. The car wonts start intermittently and a message saying there is a power loss. last night the message came up and even though the battery showed full charge, it was running on Gas and only capable to speeds around 40-45 mph.
EGR valve failed, and car stopped driving on the highway.
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
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
2PE23022 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To The Battery Energy Control Module
Opened Nov 29, 2023 · Closed Mar 3, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:propulsion System; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm)
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). 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 future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). 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 future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Electrical System:propulsion System
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). 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 future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm)
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). 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 future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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.