67 of the
2,964 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Volt
are about the throttle and cruise control —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
67
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
I was driving my 2018 Chevy Volt at about 30 mph on EV mode. The battery was at 50%, the car was performing normally. Then the battery jumped to 100%, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle lost power. I was in rush hour traffic and unable to get the vehicle to go faster than 5-10 mph. I switched to "normal" mode to engage the gasoline engine, hoping this would help but it did not. The gas engine RPM fluctuated wildly and did not restore the ability to accelerate the vehicle. I was still unable to go faster than 5-10 mph. I was a few blocks from home and managed to get home safely. The engine code was P1E00. I put the vehicle on the charger and it seemed fine the next day. This exact situation I ran into - reduced engine power - is addressed in Special Coverage N232432680, which includes this vehicles VIN. I took the car to the GM dealer today and they are telling me that the car is fine, they can find no problems. I mentioned that this issue is covered under Special Coverage N232432680, and was told that unless they can reproduce the issue in the shop, that they cannot apply Special Coverage N232432680.
NHTSA complaint #11735155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle has had multiple incidents of surging of the propulsion system both on battery power and when powered by the internal combustion engine, causing loss of propulsion and sudden acceleration almost causing collisions multiple times. We have paid for over $4,000 in repairs that are not covered under the propulsion system warranty, and these repairs have not remedied the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11713506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Experiencing intermittent propulsion system failure with multiple simultaneous warning messages on 2017 Chevrolet Volt at approximately 59,000 miles. WARNINGS DISPLAYED: - "Propulsion Power Reduced" message - "Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System" (false alert - all tires properly inflated and recently replaced) - Multiple dashboard warning lights including exclamation point indicators - Vehicle exhibits abnormal driving characteristics PATTERN: Issue occurs intermittently while driving. Vehicle can be restarted and may operate normally afterward, then fault returns unpredictably. SAFETY CONCERN: This matches documented Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure pattern referenced in GM investigation N232432680/PE23022 and Customer Satisfaction Program 17228 recall N172096420 for reduced propulsion power in 2016-2018 Volts. Review of owner complaints shows other 2017 Volt owners experiencing sudden complete loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations requiring evasive action by other drivers. RISK: Loss of propulsion power while driving with dependent passengers creates serious crash risk. Vehicle is used for daily transportation of minor children. REQUEST: Vehicle exhibits known defect pattern but manufacturer has not extended recall coverage. Request investigation into whether recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11710156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving in stop and go traffic on a relatively busy road when I was cut off. I braked hard to avoid a collision. Immediately afterwards, the car would not respond to the accelerator and would not go forward. I was in the middle of the road and the car would not respond. It could have caused an accident. I put the car into park and then back into drive and it seemed to work again. But I am now worried about the car.
NHTSA complaint #11705387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine light starts blinking and telling me propulsion power reduced, and then I cannot use the cruise control after that turns on, and it starts losing power, driving on I 70 after work all of a sudden it turned on and wet from going 76 miles an hour to 52 on highway I 70 where the speed limit was 75. This problem was a recall problem which was fixed and now is happening again on the same part and having the same problems.
NHTSA complaint #11702324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a GM scan tool to diagnose the issue, revealing the code P1E00 for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, which was cleared without a thorough investigation. I was advised to return if the issue reoccurred. Despite the reset, the problem persisted, and on February 9th, 2024, I scheduled another appointment due to my Chevy Volt's High Voltage battery charging only to 65% capacity despite indicating a full charge. Subsequently, on February 11th, 2024, the check engine light illuminated again, and on February 12th, 2024 and again on November 25th, 2025, while driving to work, both times I experienced a loss of propulsion power on the highway, placing my safety at risk and lost all power in a traveling lane of traffic. These ongoing issues with propulsion power and the high-voltage battery charging system are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Despite multiple visits to the dealership and attempts to diagnose and resolve the problem, it persists, indicating a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. The reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illuminationI urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of Chevy Volt drivers and passengers. It is imperative that General Motors addresses these issues promptly and implements appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11701635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving approximately 65 MPH on an interstate highway, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. Very shortly after, the dashboard screen displayed the message "propulsion power reduced," and the internal combustion engine turned on. The vehicle's power was significantly reduced, almost causing an accident when another car started merging without checking their blind spot, forcing me into the left lane in front of a third vehicle that had to brake sharply to allow me to accelerate to keep up with traffic in that lane. Upon scanning the vehicle with an OBDII reader, codes P1E00, P1F06, U2603, U2604, U2605, U2606, U2617, and U2618 were present. Together, these codes indicate an issue with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The vehicle is currently at a Chevrolet dealer, awaiting replacement of the BECM under the applicable warranty extension.
NHTSA complaint #11678683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I got a warning from my car a little over a week ago (around 6/1, unsure of exact date) that I needed to service the battery charging system, but then the check engine indicator light shut off and so did the warning light. The hybrid battery took a charge with no issues after that. Then, I left work the evening of 6/9 and drove home. On my way home, the check engine light came back on, followed by warnings that I needed to shift to park. Before I could pull over, my car stopped moving. Cars had to stop abruptly behind me and navigate around me into incoming traffic. I shifted to park, then tried to turn my car off and on again. I tried to switch between the gas engine and the battery, I tried to move my vehicle in any way. I couldn't get it into neutral to push it out of traffic. I turned on my hazard lights and a person came out from his house to assist in directing traffic away from my car for about an hour while I waited for a tow truck to arrive. The kind bystander who directed traffic and I were very concerned about a car accident happening due to my stopped vehicle. A police officer stopped by to check on us and try and get my vehicle into neutral but he was unable and said he was on his way to a 911 dispatch so he did not write a report of any kind that I could see. He told me the vehicle placement was not safe and I agreed with him. The tow truck came as he was leaving. The dealership I sent my car to said it is likely a short circuit in the 12v battery but I know the BECM in the Chevy Volt is known to cause similar behavior. Dealership refused to service the BECM when asked about it.
NHTSA complaint #11666820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving northbound on a freeway downhill, my vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed a "Shift to Park" message while still in motion. I was unable to accelerate, and the engine became unresponsive. The vehicle began coasting with no power, creating a dangerous situation. A semi-truck was in the lane next to me, and a car was behind me — I nearly got into an accident while trying to safely exit the roadway. This is the second report I’ve made regarding the same issue. The unexpected "Shift to Park" malfunction while driving is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
NHTSA complaint #11657016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown My car has been accelerating and decelerating on it’s own while I’m driving.I got it checked with Fix Finder and states that my EGR Valve and ABS System failed. I brought it to a mechanic for a repair and I was told that the valve was unplugged so they plugged it back in and cleaned it , and said that everything was fine it said it might also be the cause of the failed ABS System but everything looks fine. After I got it fixed, it’s doing the same again and it’s worse this time. The car is accelerating on it’s own faster than what it did but the dashboard is saying 0mph. I was driving in the highway when it happened and it’s scary so I had to pull over.
NHTSA complaint #11656857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring and potentially hazardous issue in my Chevrolet Volt 2017.The vehicle frequently displays a “Shift to Park” warning message even when the gear shifter is correctly in the Park position. This malfunction prevents the car from shutting off properly, posing both safety and operational concerns. This issue is widely reported among Chevrolet Volt owners, and General Motors has acknowledged it in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 19-NA-206). Despite this, no formal recall has been issued to ensure a permanent solution for affected drivers. My Volt currently has 138000miles, and although it is outside of the Voltec Warranty period, this is clearly a manufacturer defect—not a result of normal wear and tear. The problem affects the safe operation of the vehicle and may lead to battery drain, inability to power down the car, and driver confusion. I strongly urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this issue and consider initiating a recall to protect drivers and ensure accountability. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11656069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On December 2023 the vehicle lost power and lost control while driving speed limit 55 Mph followed by check engine light associated codes due to known issue with BCEM controller failing. June 2024 Vehicle experienced the same issue with duplicate check engine codes associated with prior issue. Dealer states the vehicle has a bad battery pack and has been there for over 8 months. Vehicle has a BECM warranty due to a law suite filed and also has a battery pack warranty from GM that was extended for 150,000 miles or 10 years.
NHTSA complaint #11646116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The EGR valve failed. This caused the vehicle to have insufficient propulsion while driving. The dealer has confirmed the EGR valve is the problem. The vehicle is at the dealership. The check engine light came on. The dealer is now stating the replacement EGR valve is a $4000 part because GM stopped making the part when they discontinued the Volt. An EGR valve should cost $250-$400 not $4000. The current trade-in value of my vehicle is only $7000. I cannot get my vehicle fixed due to the cost and the vehicle is too dangerous to drive due to the power loss issues.
NHTSA complaint #11642680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The issue started with a forward push while lowering my speed while coming to a stop. It then progressed to a trembling engine. Then it progressed to the car struggling to effectively switch from electric to gas and back. It then would only be usable on electric range and the engine would not start and would be greyed out. Now, it only works on engine mode, it uses fuel like a pick up truck, it loses power while driving due to trying to switch to electric mode and back, and it struggles to accelerate. It will do it while idle as well as while driving 45mph and up. It barely has any propulsion power and I have to turn my hazards on any time I am going to accelerate. If I brake hard the engine will shake violently and then shut off. I then have to switch gears from drive to park or neutral to park to drive to reengage the engine. Recently it has turned on all the accessories but the ev and the gas is greyed out and there is zero propulsion power. I replaced the 12v battery thinking it might have been dying and it still has the same issue. I read about the class action lawsuit for the BCEM and have made an appointment the dealership but when I told them what was wrong with it the said we need to wait for the diagnostics.
NHTSA complaint #11631693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 9/18/24 I was driving my Chevrolet 2018 Volt on a freeway, traveling at approximately 55 mph while starting to exit the freeway. In the middle of fast-moving traffic, on the freeway offramp and starting to decelerate, the car suddenly displayed a message saying "Propulsion Power is Reduced." A micro-second later, the displayed message changed to read "Action Required: Shift to Park" and in that moment I lost control of the car's powertrain. I continued to break, coming to a slow stop in the middle lane of a multi-lane offramp, with other cars speeding past and around me. I attempted to power the car down and reboot it, moving the gear shift into "Park" position as instructed, but nothing changed. The car remained totally inoperable. I was on a slight decline and noticed the car moving forward pulled by gravity, so I steered the car to the farthest right of the offramp/parallel street, where I put my hazard signals on and requested the car be towed to a mechanic. I was endangered because the car lost entire propulsion while in the middle of fast-moving freeway traffic, and fellow motorists were endangered as well. I have learned that this same behavior occurs routinely with 2nd generation Volts; that there is a special bulletin related to the car's BCEM *and* a related class-action lawsuit posed against GM/Chevrolet. I requested Chevrolet take preemptive action to repair the BCEM, as I am fearful the issue will repeat and cause additional danger to myself and fellow motorists, but Chevrolet says they cannot repair the part until it is diagnosed as defective... which will occur when/if the part fails again, and I'm already in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11617333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This car has a failed EGR valve which first became evident in March of 2024. There are no parts available, this in an emissions issue but the failure causes blown fuses which can cause the car to completely stop running which is a safety issue. Reduced propulsion is a symptom which is dangerous and this has been confirmed by three Chevy dealerships. I have had the EGR valve cleaned to the tune of $1200, have a deposit on a new valve which doesn't seem to exist for $850. There were no other messages before the failure. I am driving the car with the EGR valve disconnected, mostly on the battery power but no end is in sight to this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11615510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had the BECM fail as part of many 2017 volts with this issue at around 40K miles. This failure has caused multiple near accidents with immediately losing power at highway speeds. The last time this happened (after the BECM was replaced) was a couple of weeks ago. They said the reason for the failure was a programming issue, and they have updated it. It is flabbergasting to me that a programming issue can result in such a dangerous result. The car reduced propulsion on the highway and got stuck on the offramp while trying to pull over on the busy highway. Not only were we left stranded on the highway with me being 8 and a half months pregnant, but my husband almost got into an accident twice while trying to make it over safely. Chevy needs to be accountable for these significant failures that seem to continuously happen to Chevy Volts. It's not just the BECM - they have multiple things that are causing extremely dangerous results. When they replaced the BECM they also replaced the 12V (with significant out of pocket cost to us) and leaving us with no vehicle for a long time. We bought a new car right after this incredibly scary incident.
NHTSA complaint #11600663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought the car new in 2015 and after about only 40,000 miles I began getting a Propulsion Reduced error and the car would have very slow acceleration. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the accelerator for $500. It drove fine for a month, but then the acceleration was reduced again. I took it back to the dealer and they were stumped. They wanted to charge me $1300 just to replace some wires, but they weren't confident that would fix the problem. I declined. As it stands now I can toggle the F08 fuse and that temporarily fixes it for about an hour or so, but the error always comes back and the car has a hard time accelerating. Not safe. I called GM and they suggest I take it to another Chevrolet dealer, so I'm going to do that. I'm also going to reference NHSTA Special Coverage N232432680 Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction to see if they can replace the BECM. This is a common problem with 2016 Chevy Volts. If they can't fix it, I'll look into the California Lemon Law to see if I can get my money back on the car. I appreciate your support on this.
NHTSA complaint #11589877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] while traveling at highway speed my Chevrolet volt abruptly lost propulsion and an alert was displayed to pull over and turn car off. I was on [XXX] in California a 4 lane highway forced to cross 3 lanes of traffic at an exceptionally slow speed in heavy traffic. It is a miracle a crash did not occur. Fortunately other drivers were aware and able to stop or quickly change lanes. AAA towed directly to Stewart Chevrolet in Colma Ca. It was diagnosed and I was advised it is under warranty HOWEVER parts are on back order. Today [XXX] ~ the car still has not been repaired and I have been advised parts will not ship until September 2024. This is both dangerous and unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.