NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
233 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I was driving at about 50mph all of a sudden I got a propulsion error and my car stopped working it had no power! People had to swerve around me and I was almost hit. My car would not drive I shut it off and back on multiple times. Finally it started but would not go above 25 it was so scary. I went to the dealership they said i…
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I was driving at about 50mph all of a sudden I got a propulsion error and my car stopped working it had no power! People had to swerve around me and I was almost hit. My car would not drive I shut it off and back on multiple times. Finally it started but would not go above 25 it was so scary. I went to the dealership they said it’s known issue since 2016 and that my miles were too high so it would not be covered to fix the total amount it almost 3,000 this seems unfair that Chevy would continue to sell a vehicle knowing it had issues with a energy control module and not fix it for free. Especially when you could be killed while driving it!!
NHTSA ODI #11639289
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
N232432680 / PE23022 On some 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Volt vehicles, a malfunction involving the battery energy control module (BECM) may cause a reduced power mode, a no start condition, or a no charge condition. The above safety issue required an extended warranty recall for *all* 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts due to a kn…
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N232432680 / PE23022 On some 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Volt vehicles, a malfunction involving the battery energy control module (BECM) may cause a reduced power mode, a no start condition, or a no charge condition. The above safety issue required an extended warranty recall for *all* 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts due to a known issue with failing battery energy control modules (BECM). The warranty was not extended to vehicles sold in CARB states, as the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) warranty is the same as the extended warranty granted by the NHTSA investigation which resulted in the extended warranty noted above. (N232432680) However, it GM's practice to decline warranty coverage for a CARB vehicle with the PZEV warranty if it is not longer registered in a CARB state, thereby skirting around the special coverage from the NHTSA investigation. This is a circumvention of the findings by the NHTSA and the safety of motorists.
NHTSA ODI #11638691
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
Propulsion Power Reduced and car had trouble breaking and would stall for a moment. Will not let me use the EV range even though the ev battery is at fully charge.
NHTSA ODI #11634142
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
On [XXX] my 2017 Chevy Volt was having propulsion issues, and later would not start at all. This was not the first instance of propulsion issues, fortunately I was able to pull the vehicle into parking lots. The vehicle was towed to Midway Chevrolet, 2323 W Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023. On Friday [XXX] the dealership called me t…
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On [XXX] my 2017 Chevy Volt was having propulsion issues, and later would not start at all. This was not the first instance of propulsion issues, fortunately I was able to pull the vehicle into parking lots. The vehicle was towed to Midway Chevrolet, 2323 W Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023. On Friday [XXX] the dealership called me to let me know the vehicle was ready for pickup. After my arrival at Midway the car was driven one last time and must have experienced trouble, so it was checked out. Midway then informed me that one of the 32 Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) was not producing enough voltage to propel the vehicle and not drivable. Midway ordered the replacement BECM and when I inquired several days later I was told the BECM was on backorder and they hoped to have the BECM in September 2024. In September I was told that part might be available in December 2024. I have checked with the GMPARTSCENTER and other component distributers and told the part was on national back order. Although I was fortunate the vehicle didn't die completely while I was driving it, it was certainly a concern. The vehicle has now been at Midway for 6 months and the lack of availability of the replacement BECM is a concern. What if another section of the battery has a voltage issue once I get the vehicle back? I will be placed in an unsafe situation and facing months of having the vehicle at the dealership waiting on parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11632668
Mileage unknown · Dec 25, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
Power surge I hit the gas to cross the highway and lack of power then got home the next morning started the car and it started serging in the driveway then it shut down altogether.
NHTSA ODI #11632347
Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
This is a safety issue for Chevy Volt. After seven years of good operation, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt stopped running in traffic while we were driving on [XXX]. The Check Engine Light was on, and "Reduced Propulsion" Message on dashboard panel. We brought it to the dealer from whom we purchased the vehicle. Tech Report paraphr…
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This is a safety issue for Chevy Volt. After seven years of good operation, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt stopped running in traffic while we were driving on [XXX]. The Check Engine Light was on, and "Reduced Propulsion" Message on dashboard panel. We brought it to the dealer from whom we purchased the vehicle. Tech Report paraphrased, Customer states CK Engine Light is on and "Reduced Propulsion" Message on dash Fault Codes: P0030, P0031, P0054, P0135, P0403, P0405, P0443, P0458, P0489, P0597, P0598, P06DA, P06DB Found fuse [F03] blown for EGR valve Likely EGR Valve sticking and causing fuse to blow. The technician stated the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve is defective, and needs to be replaced. Replacements are scarce, on backorder, and can be many weeks or months to wait for a part. Many report their Volt unusable, sitting idle, waiting for EGR replacement. EGR valve replacement cost is quoted as $2800, which is quite expensive for a valve replacement. This has been happening in recent time to many Volt owners. There are many reports in online forums and no the GM forum website. [XXX] There has been no diligence, interest, nor cooperation from GM. The cost of replacing the defective valve is usurious, outrageous, indefensible. This is a problem well known by GM, who neglects their obligation to contact owners of a safety hazard inherent in their vehicles. The Volt's EGR valve can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" [F03] fuse, which was our experience. This is a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11632222
Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Problems with EGR valves still in defects, and engine gaz motor loose power. GM don’t have enough parts to resolve them.
NHTSA ODI #11632090
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
My car stopped all of a sudden and lost power while my wife was driving. She could've been in a major accident since the car lost power. This has happened a few times in the past. Luckily she wasn't on the freeway or she could've been rear ended at highway speeds. There were warning lamps that said check engine and "Lost Pro…
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My car stopped all of a sudden and lost power while my wife was driving. She could've been in a major accident since the car lost power. This has happened a few times in the past. Luckily she wasn't on the freeway or she could've been rear ended at highway speeds. There were warning lamps that said check engine and "Lost Propulsion". This should be looked at closely as my safety as well as the safety of others was at risk. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! I had my car towed to the nearest auto repair shop where it is being looked at.
NHTSA ODI #11630490
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
The vehicle tells me to "stop and shift to park" while I am driving, and power was lost to accessories such as the climate control. Since the EGR was identified as the cause of the problem, the car remains on "Propulsion Power Reduced" mode. The EGR has been backordered for months, if not years, and aftermarket third-party EGR v…
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The vehicle tells me to "stop and shift to park" while I am driving, and power was lost to accessories such as the climate control. Since the EGR was identified as the cause of the problem, the car remains on "Propulsion Power Reduced" mode. The EGR has been backordered for months, if not years, and aftermarket third-party EGR valves are not readily available either. However, there is no recall, and this is clearly a common problem on these vehicles as attested on GM-Volt forums. The EGR failed about one year ago, but now the message on reduced propulsion power is presented every time I start the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11629322
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
On November 8, I was on a 5 hour drive and after 4 hours while driving on the gas engine since the 43 mile electric range was already depleted, a warning suddenly appeared on the dashboard screen - Shift to Park, something about reduced propulsion and the check engine light came on. I was driving 55 mph on a highway and immediat…
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On November 8, I was on a 5 hour drive and after 4 hours while driving on the gas engine since the 43 mile electric range was already depleted, a warning suddenly appeared on the dashboard screen - Shift to Park, something about reduced propulsion and the check engine light came on. I was driving 55 mph on a highway and immediately had no propulsion whatsoever. Tried to pull over and barely got to the edge of the highway with cars and trucks speeding behind me and then around me. On the roadside, the car would turn on and off and I could change gears with the shifter, but no matter what I did the propulsion to move the car would not work. The car had to be towed to the nearest dealership for repairs where it remains.
NHTSA ODI #11625121
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.
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