2013 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 model year · 340+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 340+ owner reports, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1) with 180 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

160 owners

On the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt, 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
UpgradeDorman clock spring — restores airbag and horn function (Dorman Clock Spring)
View on Amazon
TipCheck NHTSA.gov for active recalls — repairs are performed free at authorized dealers

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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160+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence160 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

180 owners

On the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt, 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.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Acura NSX, Chevrolet Silverado EV

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
UpgradeHigh-performance AGM battery with excellent cold cranking amps and deep cycle capability (Optima RedTop AGM Battery)
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UpgradeOEM-quality replacement battery with reliable performance (ACDelco Professional AGM Battery)
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UpgradeAutomatic battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain issues during storage (Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger Maintainer)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $2,500

Research This Issue

180+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 340+ owner reports, the 2013-2013 Chevrolet Volt has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction, High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

The 2013-2013 Chevrolet Volt has 2 known issues documented across 340+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 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 $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction?

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 ai… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)?

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 re… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

2013 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt: Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt: High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Volt problems?

What is the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction?

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)?