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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Engine complaints

182 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 29, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Car would not shut off. Message appeared "Shift to park" on driver display, but car was in park. Had to cycle the gear shifter several times in order to get it to shut off.

NHTSA ODI #11418976

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine

When I park the car, it will not turn off. Gives the message "Action Required Shift to Park" But it gives that message while the car is in park. Originally, when it first started happening two years ago, it could not be reproduced. As such, while it was under warranty the problem could not be reproduced. Now it happens ove…

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When I park the car, it will not turn off. Gives the message "Action Required Shift to Park" But it gives that message while the car is in park. Originally, when it first started happening two years ago, it could not be reproduced. As such, while it was under warranty the problem could not be reproduced. Now it happens over 80% of the time I stop the vehicle. I mentioned the problem to the dealer but they could not replicate the issue. Eventually, if you move the transmission linkage around enough the error clears and you can turn the car off. But this puts excessive wear on the transmission linkage. And now, its out of its basic warranty. Its clear the problem has happened to many others out there, with far fewer miles than me (51,300 miles). Why isn't the manufacturer being held accountable for this issue?

NHTSA ODI #11418167

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2021
Engine

At approximately mile 370 of a 390 mile trip while operating the engine in hold mode, the engine overheated, requiring me to pull over to the side of the road, wait for the engine to cool, and then proceed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership using the battery in order to be repaired. The first warning I received was a "reduced e…

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At approximately mile 370 of a 390 mile trip while operating the engine in hold mode, the engine overheated, requiring me to pull over to the side of the road, wait for the engine to cool, and then proceed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership using the battery in order to be repaired. The first warning I received was a "reduced engine power" message. I scrolled through the status pages and found the coolant temperature to be 230 deg F. I continued to monitor the temperature until a few minutes later received the overheat warning and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle is a 2017 Chevrolet Volt with approximately 15,000 miles. The dealership found the EGR valve (part # 12691147) to be internally shorted and replaced it. From various internet reports this appears to be a common occurrence for this model year. This is a safety risk in that it is most likely a known defective part that fails prematurely totally unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI #11418055

29,965 miles · Mar 23, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

AFTER BEING PARKED FOR OVER 24 HOURS, WHEN WE STARTED THE VEHICLE WE GOT A MESSAGE SHIFT TO PARK. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR AND WAS UNDRIVEABLE. WE TRIED TO CONTACT ONSTAR FROM THE VEHICLE BUT THD CONNECTION KEPT BREAKING UP. WE GOT THROUGH ON OUR CELL AND WERE FORWARDED TO GM. THEY ORDERED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCECE. WHILE WAI…

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AFTER BEING PARKED FOR OVER 24 HOURS, WHEN WE STARTED THE VEHICLE WE GOT A MESSAGE SHIFT TO PARK. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR AND WAS UNDRIVEABLE. WE TRIED TO CONTACT ONSTAR FROM THE VEHICLE BUT THD CONNECTION KEPT BREAKING UP. WE GOT THROUGH ON OUR CELL AND WERE FORWARDED TO GM. THEY ORDERED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCECE. WHILE WAITING, WE AGAIN STARTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A BEW MESSAGE INITIALIZING: WAIT TO SHIFT BUT THE CAR DID NOT GO INTO GEAR. WHEN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ARRIVED, THEY ALSO TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. IN READING VARIOUS FORUMS, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A MAJOR REPAIR. I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FIR THIS ISSUE?

NHTSA ODI #11404401

28,000 miles · Mar 14, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I AM HAVING A 'SHIFT TO PARK' ISSUE. WHEN I STOP THE CAR AND SHIFT TO PARK, I ATTEMPT TO POWER OFF THE CAR. THE VOLT WILL NOT POWER OFF AND I GET AN ALERT ON THE DASHBOARD THAT STATES "SHIFT CAR TO PARK TO TURN OFF". BUT THE CAR IS ALREADY IN PARK. I AM UNABLE TO LOCK THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON FOR A FEW MINUTES. …

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I AM HAVING A 'SHIFT TO PARK' ISSUE. WHEN I STOP THE CAR AND SHIFT TO PARK, I ATTEMPT TO POWER OFF THE CAR. THE VOLT WILL NOT POWER OFF AND I GET AN ALERT ON THE DASHBOARD THAT STATES "SHIFT CAR TO PARK TO TURN OFF". BUT THE CAR IS ALREADY IN PARK. I AM UNABLE TO LOCK THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON FOR A FEW MINUTES. WORSE YET, IT IS INTERMITTENT. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT RE-STARTING AND STOPPING THE CAR IF USUALLY TURNS OFF. MY VOLT HAS ONLY 28K MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11402887

16,500 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN MID-2020, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS INCLUDING AGAIN TODAY. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS ISSUE CURRENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #11399720

27,000 miles · Jan 16, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

MY WIFE AND I WERE TAKING A 200 MILE TRIP. I WAS USING THE "HOLD" MODE, DRIVING AT 65 MPH, AND ABOUT 60 MILES INTO THE TRIP A MESSAGE CAME UP THAT I WAS IN REDUCED POWER MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND READ THE MANUAL AND THEN PROCEEDED ANOTHER 30 MILES USING THE ENGINE. I REDUCED MY SPEED TO 50 MPH…

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MY WIFE AND I WERE TAKING A 200 MILE TRIP. I WAS USING THE "HOLD" MODE, DRIVING AT 65 MPH, AND ABOUT 60 MILES INTO THE TRIP A MESSAGE CAME UP THAT I WAS IN REDUCED POWER MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND READ THE MANUAL AND THEN PROCEEDED ANOTHER 30 MILES USING THE ENGINE. I REDUCED MY SPEED TO 50 MPH. AFTER STOPPING FOR AN HOUR AT OUR DESTINATION, WE STARTED BACK HOME, BUT THE SAME ALERTS WERE ON THE SCREEN. I WENT TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, 5 MILES. BEFORE GETTING THERE THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. I HAD 40 MILES OF BATTERY LEFT SO I PROCEEDED THE LAST 2 MILES TO THE DEALER ON BATTERY POWER. THEY COULD NOT SERVICE THE VEHICLE SO I HAD IT TOWED BY AAA 90 MILES TO TULSA. THE DAY BEFORE I LEFT I HAD RECEIVED THE MONTHLY DIAGNOSTIC REPORT WHICH STATED ALL SYSTEMS WERE FINE. THE CAR HAS 27,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THE EGR VALVE, WHICH ARE BACK ORDERED. I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI #11388443

40,000 miles · Nov 13, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

PROPULSION POWER IS REDUCED WHILE DRIVING. POWER IS LOST AND BATTERY CELLS ARE DRAINED CHEVY DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY CAN NOT FIND ERROR OR ADDRESS PROBLEM. AFTER PHOTO SHOWING ERROR ON DASHBOARD.

NHTSA ODI #11374497

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

SHIFT TO PARK ISSUE. EVEN WHEN THE GEAR LEVER IS IN PARK POSITION AND TRYING TO SWITCH OFF THE POWER THE CAR STILL REQUEST TO MOVE TO PARK AND DOESN'T SWITCH OFF

NHTSA ODI #11374387

44,000 miles · Aug 7, 2020
EnginePower Train

CAR IS NOT TURNING OFF WHEN STOPPED. DISPLAYS "ACTION REQUIRED" SHIFT TO PARK. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN AROUND AND CHEVROLET HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11343896

Official recalls

0

No 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

2

PE23022 · 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.