Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Chevrolet Volt Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns across the Chevrolet Volt, 2011–2019. Owners have filed 1,866 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 9 model years with settled counts, the 2017 drew the most (699) and the 2019 the fewest (34).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Chevrolet Volt complaints by model year

1,866 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2019 · 34 complaints
  • 2015 · 44 complaints
  • 2011 · 49 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2017 · 699 complaints
  • 2013 · 308 complaints
  • 2012 · 245 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2011–2019. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Chevrolet Volt owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component201120122013201420152016201720182019
Electrical system 2386632718773118711
Fuel/propulsion system 63753191163234732
Power train 3222446512198516
Engine 426379848182503
Air bags 88616132721220
Unknown or other 117159220114418
Service brakes 323196642793
Vehicle speed control 11160263281

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Chevrolet Volt recalls (8)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Volt model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Volt
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
23V516000Jul 27, 2023Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode201344.4%
18V673000Sep 26, 2018Rear Seatbelt Retractor May Not Lock/FMVSS 2082018, 201994.6%
18V576000Aug 30, 2018Insufficient Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons2018, 201995.9%
18V397000Jun 14, 2018Loss of Propulsion Power in Low Voltage Condition201388.4%
17V621000Oct 5, 2017Improper Air Bag Inflation201693.8%
15V442000Jul 10, 2015Steering Gear Not Tightened to Specification201590%
15V145000Mar 13, 2015On, but Unattended, Vehicle may cause CO Poisoning2011, 2012, 201389.8%
13V271000Jun 27, 2013Brakes May Lock Up/FMVSS 126, 1352012—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Chevrolet Volt (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2019★★★★★5★5★5★5 hb fwd
2018★★★★★5★5★5★5 hb fwd
2017★★★★★5★5★5★5 hb fwd
2015★★★★★4★5★5★4 dr fwd
2014★★★★★4★5★5★4 dr fwd
2013★★★★★4★5★5★4 dr fwd
2012★★★★★4★5★5★4 dr fwd
2011★★★★★4★5★5★4 dr fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

201137 mpg
201237 mpg
201337 mpg
201437 mpg
201537 mpg
201642 mpg
201742 mpg
201842 mpg
201942 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Chevrolet Volt FAQ

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Volt had?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns that cover at least one Chevrolet Volt model year from 2011 to 2019. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Chevrolet Volt year has the most complaints?

Among the last 9 model years with settled counts, the 2017 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (699) and the 2019 the fewest (34). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

Across the 2011–2019 model years, owners most often name the electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, power train in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Chevrolet Volt get?

EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Volt at 42 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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