2016 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 3 Known Issues
2016 model year · 770+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 770+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power ($0-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown with 520 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2016 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
STEERING
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Chevrolet Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 770+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power, "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown, 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has 3 known issues documented across 770+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power. 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 is the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power?
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… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown?
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. GM's bullet… Repairs typically run $10-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead?
A widely documented Volt fault where the 12V auxiliary battery drains while the car sits, leaving an otherwise fully-charged EV completely dead and unable to power up. Root causes include parasitic draw from modules that fail to sleep (OnStar/telematics hang-ups, software bugs) a… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.