NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
233 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 9, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
I had the BECM fail as part of many 2017 volts with this issue at around 40K miles. This failure has caused multiple near accidents with immediately losing power at highway speeds. The last time this happened (after the BECM was replaced) was a couple of weeks ago. They said the reason for the failure was a programming issue, an…
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I had the BECM fail as part of many 2017 volts with this issue at around 40K miles. This failure has caused multiple near accidents with immediately losing power at highway speeds. The last time this happened (after the BECM was replaced) was a couple of weeks ago. They said the reason for the failure was a programming issue, and they have updated it. It is flabbergasting to me that a programming issue can result in such a dangerous result. The car reduced propulsion on the highway and got stuck on the offramp while trying to pull over on the busy highway. Not only were we left stranded on the highway with me being 8 and a half months pregnant, but my husband almost got into an accident twice while trying to make it over safely. Chevy needs to be accountable for these significant failures that seem to continuously happen to Chevy Volts. It's not just the BECM - they have multiple things that are causing extremely dangerous results. When they replaced the BECM they also replaced the 12V (with significant out of pocket cost to us) and leaving us with no vehicle for a long time. We bought a new car right after this incredibly scary incident.
NHTSA ODI #11600663
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
The propulsion system stopped working altogether while the car was in motion. The battery charge gauge went from 1/2 to full. The charging information screen displayed a message reading "unable to charge." The air conditioning only blew out hot air, but the coolant temperature gauge read 194-degrees F (within "normal"). The "che…
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The propulsion system stopped working altogether while the car was in motion. The battery charge gauge went from 1/2 to full. The charging information screen displayed a message reading "unable to charge." The air conditioning only blew out hot air, but the coolant temperature gauge read 194-degrees F (within "normal"). The "check engine" light also came on. Diagnostics found the F3UA fuse blown and a faulty EGR valve. A service bulletin for this exact issue was published by GM in February 2023. The company is aware of the issue but is leaving it for customers to discover while operating the vehicle. Safety inspections and oil change centers do not catch this issue. This is a safety concern and should be recalled immediately.
NHTSA ODI #11600182
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
check engine light has been on since Oct of 2023 due to needing EGR valve. Dealership placed order for part number 12691147 in Oct and says it has been on backorder from GM with no estimated delivery date. I just placed an order for the same part via GM parts center. Again, says on backorder. Is there anyway to get a hold of GM …
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check engine light has been on since Oct of 2023 due to needing EGR valve. Dealership placed order for part number 12691147 in Oct and says it has been on backorder from GM with no estimated delivery date. I just placed an order for the same part via GM parts center. Again, says on backorder. Is there anyway to get a hold of GM parts to escalate getting this? We cannot get the car inspected with this issue and are worried about the safety of the car.
NHTSA ODI #11600129
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
I have needed a new EGR valve for my 2017 Volt for 11 months now. GM told me this in August of last year. I was able to continue to drive the car (without a passing inspection) since then, until recently I was on the highway and my car simply stopped responding to the throttle. I slowly coasted to a stop on the shoulder and was …
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I have needed a new EGR valve for my 2017 Volt for 11 months now. GM told me this in August of last year. I was able to continue to drive the car (without a passing inspection) since then, until recently I was on the highway and my car simply stopped responding to the throttle. I slowly coasted to a stop on the shoulder and was eventually able to get started and off the road, into a parking lot. This is a serious safety issue as I ended up going 20 mph on the highway for a while, which easily could have caused an accident. GM needs to be held responsible for not supporting this part in a timely manner. This is a known issue amongst Volt owners and GM does not seem the least bit interested in making things right.
NHTSA ODI #11597217
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
On a recent trip on a highway on our 2017 Chevy Volt, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation [EGR] failed and caused "low propulsion" errors. We ended up with a surprise bill of more than a thousand dollars to replace the EGR cooler assembly, but the problem was not resolved. The dealership then said we need to replace the EGR Valve whic…
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On a recent trip on a highway on our 2017 Chevy Volt, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation [EGR] failed and caused "low propulsion" errors. We ended up with a surprise bill of more than a thousand dollars to replace the EGR cooler assembly, but the problem was not resolved. The dealership then said we need to replace the EGR Valve which is estimated above $2700 plus labor. Upon checking the GM-Volt users community this is a reoccurring issue on several thousands of vehicles and the inflated price is due to the fact that GM redesigned the EGR valve to fix their original faulty design. We as consumers shouldn't be responsible for such an outrageous cost and mainly safety due to a design flow by GM. This issue should warrant a recall by GM to fix the issue once and for all.
NHTSA ODI #11595437
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
Three incidents in the last few weeks. My 2017 Chevy Volt today has about 84,000 miles. First incident, While driving on an interstate at about 50 mph I suddenly lose ability to accelerate. There was some beeping, dashboard turns yellow, I get a low fuel warning and I cannot accelerate. I pull over on interstate. Re-start vehi…
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Three incidents in the last few weeks. My 2017 Chevy Volt today has about 84,000 miles. First incident, While driving on an interstate at about 50 mph I suddenly lose ability to accelerate. There was some beeping, dashboard turns yellow, I get a low fuel warning and I cannot accelerate. I pull over on interstate. Re-start vehicle and car restarts. Second incident, driving about 20 mph leaving a neighborhood. I have 4 passengers, all kids. The same exact error happens. I’m unable to accelerate though I’m pushing down on gas, fuel light turns yellow. Low fuel light. I pull over. I restart vehicle. Car starts normally. Car goes into shop. Chevy dealership says it’s the catalytic converter. About a week later, 3rd incident. Entering highway at about 60 mph, trying to accelerate and merge into traffic doing 70 mph. I cannot accelerate past 60 mph, I hear the beeps, fuel gauge turns yellow, low fuel warning. Check engine light turns on. Several days prior to this, I had a low propulsion error on dashboard momentarily. But it went away when I restarted vehicle. Safety of myself, passengers and other drivers were out at risk as there was no warning that I would lose ability to accelerate. There was a no fuel warning but my gas tank was mostly full.
NHTSA ODI #11594304
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
The EGR valve had an electrical short, causing the 15A F03 fuse to blow. This causes a "reduced propulsion" message to appear and also causes the vehicle to start overheating. The faulty EGR valve is available for inspection. This failure occurred while we were on the interstate driving 70mph. We were also at least an hour from…
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The EGR valve had an electrical short, causing the 15A F03 fuse to blow. This causes a "reduced propulsion" message to appear and also causes the vehicle to start overheating. The faulty EGR valve is available for inspection. This failure occurred while we were on the interstate driving 70mph. We were also at least an hour from home/family. The EGR valve short is a known problem with Gen 2 Chevy Volts. Online message boards are filled with posts about this issue. The vehicle was inspected by a Chevy dealership (we had to have it towed). However, the EGR valve is on national backorder with no ETA on when they would be available again. We are currently driving the car with the valve unplugged. However, this causes the engine to run less efficiently and at higher temperatures, so we cannot run it for long periods of time. There were no warnings before the problem occurred, it just suddenly happened while we were driving on the interstate. Luckily we were near an off ramp and a hotel; since the problem occurred on Easter weekend, there weren't any dealerships open.
NHTSA ODI #11594279
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
While driving down the highway a "reduced propulsion" message appeared on the dashboard and the drive became very rough if speed changed, also the engine temperature increased but it did not overheat before we could stop. This was diagnosed as an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve failure. I spoke to multiple dealers and did…
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While driving down the highway a "reduced propulsion" message appeared on the dashboard and the drive became very rough if speed changed, also the engine temperature increased but it did not overheat before we could stop. This was diagnosed as an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve failure. I spoke to multiple dealers and did research online as well and this is a very common issue on this vehicle. So common that the part is impossible to get and has an eight month wait which means I cannot drive my vehicle. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EGR Valve How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My car had reduced propulsion, engine temperature increased and it suddenly lost speed quickly on highway when my foot was removed from gas pedal. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, Chevrolet is aware of this issue and say we just have to wait 8 months for the part. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No pre-warning a "reduced propulsion" message and a check engine light turned on at the time of the EGR valve failure.
NHTSA ODI #11592562
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Driving at freeway speeds when suddenly the cars propulsion power failed and I went from 75mph to 45mph with no warning and no way to accelerate. Happened multiple times even after pulling over and turning the car on and off. I was told by the dealership that was a gas engine part and that I could drive it on the electrical engi…
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Driving at freeway speeds when suddenly the cars propulsion power failed and I went from 75mph to 45mph with no warning and no way to accelerate. Happened multiple times even after pulling over and turning the car on and off. I was told by the dealership that was a gas engine part and that I could drive it on the electrical engine only. When attempting to drive on the electrical engine, I received a notice of engine failure and had to coast into the driveway of a dealership. I was told the engine “could explode” if I continue to drive it
NHTSA ODI #11591648
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
The car stalled at a high rate of speed on a freeway because of EGR failure. Engine check light is on, along with a warning about a critical problem with emissions system that requires immediate attention. The part is out of stock in all dealership within a reasonable reach. The problem is under warranty, but I have made multipl…
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The car stalled at a high rate of speed on a freeway because of EGR failure. Engine check light is on, along with a warning about a critical problem with emissions system that requires immediate attention. The part is out of stock in all dealership within a reasonable reach. The problem is under warranty, but I have made multiple attempts to fix this issue with no success.
NHTSA ODI #11591283
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.