Chevrolet Volt Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2011-2019 model years · Based on 1,110+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,110+ owner reports, the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power ($0-$3,000 repair) and Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown with 520 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA received 61 complaints about second-generation Volts losing motive power due to Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure. The BECM manages the high-voltage battery system, and when it fails, the vehicle can stall, enter a reduced power state, or refuse to start. Loss of power can occur at any speed, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle may be unable to restart after a BECM-related shutdown.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of propulsion power while driving
- Vehicle enters reduced power mode unexpectedly
- Vehicle will not start or restart after shutdown
- Multiple warning messages on dashboard simultaneously
- Battery system fault codes stored in BECM
How to Fix
BECM replacement at a dealer costs $1,500-$3,000. The module must be programmed to the specific vehicle VIN. Check if a software update addresses your specific BECM behavior before committing to replacement. For vehicles under Voltec warranty (8 years/100,000 miles), BECM replacement is covered at no cost.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 250+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteBECM failure can cause sudden loss of power at highway speeds. If you experience any propulsion loss, pull over safely and do not attempt to restart repeatedly - this can cause further damage. Have the vehicle towed to a dealer for diagnosis. Under Voltec warranty (8yr/100k mi), BECM replacement is covered
- TipBefore replacing the BECM ($1,500-$3,000), have the dealer check for software updates first. Some BECM issues are resolved with a calibration update rather than hardware replacement. Get a second opinion from a Volt-specialized shop if the dealer immediately recommends replacement
Second-generation Chevrolet Volts (2016-2019) have a widespread manufacturing defect that prevents the vehicle from recognizing that it is in Park, displaying a persistent "Shift to Park" error message. The vehicle cannot be powered off normally, draining the battery. The issue is caused by a faulty shift position sensor or worn shift mechanism contact. GM released Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 but offered limited repair coverage. DIY fix parts cost under $30 but dealer quotes range from $450-$1,400.
Common Symptoms
- "Shift to Park" message displayed when vehicle is in Park
- Vehicle will not power off or shut down normally
- Key fob unable to lock doors after exiting
- Battery drains if vehicle cannot shut down properly
- Intermittent issue that worsens over time
How to Fix
Check if GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 covers your vehicle under the Voltec Warranty. The actual fix involves replacing the shift lever contact assembly ($10-$30 in parts). Many owners successfully fix this themselves in 30-45 minutes. If the dealer refuses warranty coverage, reference the Voltec warranty terms and escalate to GM customer service.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipThis is a $10-$30 DIY fix that takes 30-45 minutes. The shift lever contact assembly is the culprit. Do NOT pay $1,400 at a dealer for this repair. Search YouTube for "Volt shift to park fix" for step-by-step guides. The parts are available on Amazon and eBay
- NoteGM Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 covers this under the Voltec warranty. If your dealer refuses warranty repair, escalate to GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Many owners have been successful getting this covered even on out-of-warranty vehicles by referencing the bulletin
First-generation Volts (2011-2015) can experience battery coolant heater failure. The heating coil is located inside the battery pack and can develop isolation faults, causing the vehicle to run on gasoline only when the battery is below 50 degrees F. The poor design placement requires opening the battery pack to test and replace the heater coil. A failing heater coil measures below the required 80 ohms isolation resistance. This significantly reduces EV range in cold weather and can trigger fault codes.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle runs on gasoline only in cold weather (below 50F)
- Battery will not charge or hold charge in cold temperatures
- Reduced EV range in winter months
- Engine runs constantly even with full battery charge
- Battery coolant temperature warning messages
How to Fix
Have the dealer measure the heater coil resistance (should be 80 ohms). Replacement requires removing and opening the battery pack, which is a major service operation ($1,500-$2,500). Under the Voltec warranty (8yr/100k mi), this is covered at no cost. For out-of-warranty vehicles, some EV specialty shops can perform the repair for less than dealer pricing.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipIf your Gen 1 Volt only runs on gas in cold weather but works fine in warm weather, the battery coolant heater is likely failing. Have the dealer measure isolation resistance - below 80 ohms confirms the failure. The repair requires battery removal and is covered under Voltec warranty
- TipKeep the Volt plugged in during cold weather. The Level 1 or Level 2 charger will precondition the battery before departure, reducing stress on the battery heater. Parking in a garage above 50F eliminates the need for the battery heater entirely
The 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt has a known issue with the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) malfunction. The PSS incorrectly classifies the front passenger seat status, which can cause the airbag system malfunction indicator light to illuminate and potentially prevent the passenger airbag from deploying properly in a crash. GM issued a recall to address the sensor calibration.
Common Symptoms
- Airbag warning light illuminated on dashboard
- Passenger airbag OFF indicator lit with passenger seated
- Intermittent airbag warning light activation
- SRS fault codes stored in airbag module
- Recall notice received from GM
How to Fix
Check your VIN for recall eligibility at nhtsa.gov. The dealer will reprogram or replace the passenger sensing module at no cost under the recall. Do not ignore the airbag warning light - the passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash while this fault is active.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 160+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteThis is a safety recall affecting airbag deployment. Check your VIN immediately at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If the airbag warning light is on, the passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash. Free repair at any Chevrolet dealer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,110+ owner reports, the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power, Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction, "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?
The 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 known issues documented across 1,110+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power and Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Volt problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Volt issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power, typically costs $0-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Chevrolet Volt is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Volt. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt with 4 documented issues from 1,110+ owner reports.
Get DIY Repair Guides for Your Chevrolet Volt
AI-powered step-by-step repair and maintenance guides tailored to your exact vehicle. Enter your year, make, and model to get started.
Get Started Free