57 of the 448 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Volt are about the fuel system — 13% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 63,500 miles.
57
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fully charged. Goes from electric to generator/gas propulsion and abruptly slowes about 1/2 speed. Very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11734728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing the Gas Engine on and the vehicle hesitated upon applying the accelerator for the remainder of the drive. My safety and that was others was at risk because the acceleration dropped quickly and I was on a busy freeway at the time when the Alert happened causing further hesitation. Upon stopping I could not get the vehicle to take a charge nor would it start up until a mechanic arrived and was able to confirm the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11715715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Propulsion power reduced error has happened many times but the recall lookup shows that there are no active recalls on our car. There was a recall on this problem in 2018 so I think it may have been done my the last owner but it is still having this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11695294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leaking from fuel tank at filler inlet. Defect in fuel tank assembly. Large puddle of gasoline formed under car after refueling causing buildup of fumes in closed garage. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than owner. There were no warning lamps prior to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11687358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 76-77 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The message "Low Propulsion" was displayed, and the engine revved significantly. The contact moved over to the far-right lane to pull over to the side of the road as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring temporarily. The contact had researched the failure online and became aware that the release of the accelerator pedal while the failure was occurring could temporarily correct the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is a reoccurring problem that is worsening. It is difficult to replicate (but becoming easier to replicate as the problem worsens). The problem conditions are as follows: -The car is fully charged The following drive conditions are required: - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “L” mode (aggressive regenerative braking), AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes some conditions that would NORMALLY engage regenerative breaking and redirect energy flow back to the high voltage battery. (E.g.: Beginning a drive by going up a small incline; then proceeding to drive down a decline.) OR - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “D” mode, AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes almost exclusively conditions that would NORMALLY trigger regenerative breaking and redirect flow back to the high voltage battery. IN BOTH cases: the instrument cluster, during conditions that would reflect regenerative breaking and energy flow back into the high voltage battery, instead reflects suddenly INCREASED electrical OUTPUT despite there being no increased demand for output from the driver. Expected behavior in these conditions would reflect a negative power output while the car is driven in regenerative conditions (e.g.: going down hill). In either of these cases, the final condition is that you fully stop the vehicle (via brake) during the regenerative conditions. DESPITE full depression of the brake, the car jerks forward violently and erratically, attempting to accelerate. Engaging the emergency brake does not cure the condition while the car is still in L or D driving mode, and it will continue to attempt to accelerate while held in place. Shifting in to neutral does stop the behavior. Shifting back to L or D from neutral will cause the vehicle to continue to attempt to accelerate. There are no error codes/lamps and sensors appear normal.
NHTSA complaint #11632232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle went into reduced propulsion mode and then shut-off while driving down the highway. Same issue as recall 18V397000 that was not applied to my VIN number as part of that recall. Please apply recall 18V39000 to my vehicle VIN. Chevy Volt owners also need the NHTSA to issue an edict to GM/ that the reset codes for the ECM/HPCM2 being given to the OBD2 bi-directional scanner companies so owners don't have to pay a ransom to the dealerships and GM to get there cars back up and running.
NHTSA complaint #11617611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine shuts off randomly...message "Engine not available". Car shut off on freeway at 60 mph. Got to shoulder, cycled start button...Engine started then resumed driving. Has now happened a few times since. Also code related to reduced propulsion... Used OBDII to clear codes but makes no difference. Sometimes the car starts and drives without problem. Other times, Engine rpm very erratic.
NHTSA complaint #11603457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test result was undisclosed; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an ASC high-voltage battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the ASC battery was replaced. The contact stated that the propulsion system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This report is in general for EV batteries and low propulsion, BMW also. When system moves to low propulsion the break lights do not eliminate so the vehicle slows very fast as if it is breaking but no break lights turn on, this creates a risk for other drivers, this occurs on steep mountain climbs when mountain mode was not engaged. What I want to happen is when low propulsion mode engages the break lights come on so that other drives can keep safe distance as I pull to the side for battery to recharge. This does not happen that often but when it does occur it creates a scary situation. A electric BMW also did this today. Please request a break light adaption for future EV batteries/Gas Powered vehicles. Keep in mind this is generally for electric cars that have a backup gas engine that powers after battery is depleted, they most often have issues on steep mountain climbs at freeway speeds and or in some cases as I witnessed today when behind a BMW cars slowing very quickly without alarms to other drivers. If the system can generate a low propulsion error warning drivers it can turn the break lights on also in if software is coded correctly. System should turn on break lights when this occurs for BMW and or other electric cars
NHTSA complaint #11586915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When starting the vehicle, which had some charge on the batteries, the engine immediately started and a message appeared on the speedometer screen which stated, "Propulsion Power Reduced,” and another message said, “speed limited to 25mph.” I was in a very busy part of Hollywood running errands for my job when this happened. I felt very unsafe driving under these circumstances as I often need to drive above 25mph to keep up with traffic and cross busy streets to avoid other cars. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not been taken to a dealership or anywhere else to have the issue looked at. The problem has occurred a few other times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warnings or other symptoms whatsoever prior to this issue occurring.
NHTSA complaint #11585069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1)A diagnostic inspection performed by Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro, N.C., during the week of Feb. 5-9 found that the car’s propulsion system suffered “catastrophic failure” and was a “total loss.” 2)My wife and I were in convoy when we drove off the used-car lot in Pittsboro, N.C., on [XXX], heading for my sister’s home in Greensboro. By the time we reached [XXX], the Volt would not reach highway speeds as heavy traffic sped past. As NHTSA has reported in another Volt investigation, “the problem could pose a safety risk if vehicles can’t move with the flow of surrounding traffic and is more serious if a stalled vehicle is unable to restart.” 3) On Tuesday, [XXX], a Terry Labonte Chevrolet service representative in Greensboro reported that the main battery had experienced “catastrophic” failure and the “major malfunction” represented a “total loss." 4) Factory dealer Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro performed the diagnostics. 5) An instrument-panel message appeared about 15 minutes after I drove the Volt off the used-car lot in Pittsboro. The message read “propulsion power is reduced.” The owner manual (Page 5-48) read: “The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but maximum acceleration and speed may be reduced.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11572872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 Volt will not charge or start. This happened suddenly. It has been working fine.
NHTSA complaint #11561760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving my plugin hybrid Volt on a highway when the engine stalled and the engine light turned on. I tap the throttle a few times to get it to stay on. It worked, but I had to continue to tap the throttle to keep it going. It also revved up sharply when it was in low gear. The vehicle was out of battery, so it was as running on engine.
NHTSA complaint #11561788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a notification on the dashboard that the engine is not in service and propulsion has been reduced. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety and myself has been deeply compromised because the issues cause the car to suddenly not accelerate without warning. The issue happened to me on a freeway and could have caused an accident due to the engine and propulsion systems stop functioning without warning. The vehicle has been inspected. There were no warnings on why the car was doing what it was doing. The only warning I received was that the engine and propulsion system has now stopped functioning.
NHTSA complaint #11558652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We purchased this car used in January 2023. Several times throughout 2023 we have gotten a Propoulsion Power Reduced warning. When this happens the car’s ability to accelerate drops and we have also had problems getting it to charge. Following one incident, we let the car sit for 4 days. While the car still would not charge using our at home level 2 charger, the warning went away and I was able to drive it to a dealership. They ran a software update which they said should resolve the issue. Three times since then, when turning the car on from parked it in parking lots away from home, it has given the warning. While driving the car to get it home, the warning has spontaneously resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11558031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. Propulsion Power Reduced -AGAIN. We have had this repaired recently & it’s back. Apparently it’s “not a problem” as long as check engine light is not on. Unfortunately, the engine light is on AGAIN - despite being reset. The car is not accelerating when needed. 2. “Brake Assist” light is on AGAIN- and I do not have power brakes. It is hard to stop. Could we at minimum get accurate warning systems & repairs that work? 2.
NHTSA complaint #11496963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car suddenly lost ability to accelerate normally while driving. It could only accelerate extremely slowly, seemingly with great effort. It displayed “PROPULSION POWER REDUCED SERVICE ENGINE SOON” and ENGINE NOT AVAILABLE” messages on the dashboard, and a check engine light came on. It sounds like it may be related to current GM recall 18215/ NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V397000, but nothing comes up when I search for this VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11494938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car’s hybrid battery shut down the car in the middle of the road. I was unable to turn it back on safely.
NHTSA complaint #11489049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is already a "Hybrid Propulsion System" recall for the 2013 Chevy Volt (Recall number 18V397000). My VIN is not part of the recall however I have been having the same issue described for a few years. My car has been seen by multiple different Chevy dealerships over the years to correct the issue and reprogram the computer system but the issue continues to happen. It is extremely scary and dangerous to be driving a car and it not be able to accelerate suddenly. What happens: When my car switches from electric to gas engine I get a propulsion error and am unable to accelerate. This happens while driving and I lose the ability to accelerate and it can also happen right away when my car turns on. It has happened numerous times while driving on the highway and my car essentially just turns off randomly while driving. Most recently I just got my car back from the dealership again about a week ago after having the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module and computer system updated again but propulsion issue remained immediately as a problem still.
NHTSA complaint #11478176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving through the grapevine and my car was losing propulsion. I had to drive in the slow lane with the semi-trucks. The semi trucks had to go around me. I am nervous about driving my car on a road trip to North Cal. I am not sure if that is normal, but I don't think so. The airbag light just went on. I am not sure why. My car has also on several occasions lost traction. Has anyone reported these problems before?
NHTSA complaint #11478056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service High Voltage System” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software bug. The dealer performed a software update and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,899.
NHTSA complaint #11469369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When Im driving on the hi way, it sounds like it keeps accelerating, sounds like its going to explode. The pulsation warning comes on, then the pulsation warning will go away and the sound goes away.
NHTSA complaint #11439619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a bearing that fails in the motor which is a safety issue and should be recalled. It causes the engine/transmission to lock up and become inoperable which can result in a crash. They even issued a bulletin regarding it (PIP5081), yet they have been refusing to cover it under warranty for me as well. This needs to be recalled and all affected owners should be reimbursed for any expenses they paid regarding this issue. General Motors must be held accountable for this safety issue. This has been confirmed by the dealer and all of these vehicles are experiencing the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11438594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 Volt has turned off while driving on multiple occasions, usually while on the highway. I have taken it to the Chevy dealer on several occasions and they are unable to find the problem. The vehicle "Propulsion System" warning has come on when the car suddenly decelerated while on the highway and eventually turned off. The vehicle is at the Chevy dealer who tells me they cells were not balanced and is no longer functioning. They are unable to replace the battery because Chevy is not releasing them so now the car is a paperweight in their parkinglot. Stopping on the highway is a serious problem.
NHTSA complaint #11435120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Before battery ran out went to gas, I got the Propulsion Power Limited warning on the dash slowed gradually to a halt, next day car is dead, it won't start or change, nothing. Code P0AFA and P1E00. All recalls were done a year before
NHTSA complaint #11429162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS STOPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DURING THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WILL POST AN ERROR ON THE DASH SCREEN. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE TRANSITIONS FROM ELECTRIC FUEL TO GASOLINE, WHEN THE ELECTRIC FUEL IS DEPLETED. CHEVY REFUSES TO REPAIR OR WARRANTY THE VEHICLE, ALSO THE DEALER REFUSES TO COMPLETE THE NECESSARY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL UNTIL YOU TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11415209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE UN-COMMANDED SELF ACCELERATION ISSUES IN MY 2013 CHEVY VOLT INCLUDING MY CONTACT INFORMATION. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11396357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THREE TIMES THE VEHICLE HAS LOST PROPULSION POWER RESULTING IN REDUCED ACCELERATION AND NO LONGER STARTING. IT IS AT A DEALERSHIP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR REPAIRS. THE RECALL INSTRUCTIONS WERE COMPLETED IN 2019; HOWEVER, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS NOW JUST CHARGING ME FOR REPLACEMENT ITEMS (112 VOLT BATTERY, CLUSTER) INSTEAD OF DEALING WITH THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE VOLTEC BATTERY THAT IS UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11364887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE AIRBAG SERVICE CONTINUALLY GOES ON WHILE DRIVING AND IN PARK. THERE HAS BEEN NO SPILLS OR RELATED ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BUT THE SENSOR HAS OBVIOUSLY MALFUNCTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #11322446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.