2019 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2019 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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Community Reported

250 owners

On the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt, 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.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Cadillac ELR

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
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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UpgradeAutomotive relay replacement set for common relay failures (Bosch Automotive Relay 5-Pin 12V)
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UpgradeDigital multimeter for diagnosing fuse, relay, and module electrical faults (Innova Digital Multimeter)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,000

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250+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence250 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

520 owners

On the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt, 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
UpgradeHigh-performance AGM battery with excellent cold cranking amps and deep cycle capability (Optima RedTop AGM Battery)
View on Amazon
UpgradeOEM-quality replacement battery with reliable performance (ACDelco Professional AGM Battery)
View on Amazon
UpgradeAutomatic battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain issues during storage (Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger Maintainer)
View on Amazon
UpgradeOEM-quality replacement sensor for accurate readings and proper system function (Bosch Replacement Sensor)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$10 - $1,400

Research This Issue

520+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence520 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 770+ owner reports, the 2019-2019 Chevrolet Volt has 2 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. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

The 2019-2019 Chevrolet Volt has 2 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. The issue i… Repairs typically run $10-$1,400. Severity: medium.

2019 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt: "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown#

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 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power?

What is the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown?