224 of the
2,964 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Volt
are about the other systems —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
What component or system failed? When the BCEM failed on my car, it led directly to the transmission failing as well as the PIM. I was driving normally then had a completely inoperable car with no warning. I was told to pay over $17k for repairs by the dealership because there is no recall on the transmission, but I see proof that this is a common issue among Volt users. There needs to be a recall and repair to keep the road safe. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving on a busy road to school when my car fully locked up, jerked like crazy, and became inoperable. If I had been somewhere like a freeway instead of in front of a school, I likely would have become badly injured when the wheels stopped even turning. The tow truck even had to use wood under my wheels to get it onto the tow truck. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took it to the dealership and worked only with them. They replaced the BCEM without charge but have left me with an inoperable vehicle because I am unwilling to pay twice the cost of the car to repair it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer? Dealership. But also, as mentioned, this is clearly common and needs to be recalled. A 2018 car with 117k miles of gentle driving on a well maintained vehicle shouldn't be failing, and there shouldn't be so many Volts being sold for parts because their transmission failed. This is clearly a dangerous issue related to production and should have a recall. Were there any symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I bought the car with just under 16k miles in 2021 and within 3 months I had symptoms, but the dealership couldn't figure them out, as they happened intermittently and only in heat, and the dealership always sent me away without repairs. The failure itself happened at 62°, but was foreshadowed by lesser versions of its demise.
NHTSA complaint #11755386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2018 Chevy Volt started making a creaking and clanking noise when driven at low speeds. Dealer diagnosed the problem as being the rear shocks and bushing. Replacing these did not fix the problem. Not sure if this is a safety issue or not.
NHTSA complaint #11748638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear view camera display experiences intermittent failures. The display only occasionally works when the car is placed in reverse. This has led to nearly impacting one or more pedestrians when the car is driven in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11736666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dealer non-Compliance with Recall N192273600 I am reporting Anderson Chevrolet for failure to identify and perform a mandatory federal emission recall while the vehicle was in their possession for service. Because the dealer neglected their statutory duty to perform the free recall repair, I was forced to spend $584.83 at independent shops to diagnose and fix a defect that is a direct mechanical match to the recall repair. General Motors has denied reimbursement, claiming the independent shops repair is ineligible, despite the fact that the dealer’s original negligence created the need for the independent repair. I did call the General Motors Customer Relations department, was told by Breanna a case would be opened and followed up by Angel. No case number given. Angel called the next day and informed me the reimbursement was denied because services were rendered by an independent shop.
NHTSA complaint #11729081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It was the XXX recall for the DTC P0442/check engine light code. The dealership said that the recall had been satisfied in 6/2020 by putting a buffer in to separate the 2 lines but not replacing the part. Now the exact same code DTC P0442/check engine light in the exact spot that occurred for the original recall. The dealership originally quoted $5,093, then after me complaining that it is the same recalled problem they dropped the cots to $2384. I believe that is an agreement that the manufacturer should cover this. Of course I will have to pay to get my car but I would like the manufacturer to reimburse me for it seeing it was a manufacturer default. I spoke to the manufacturer they flat out refused to cover it. I obviously disagree. Would like you to pressure them to change their decision. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11716611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
GM is not honoring coverage from N232432680 for CARB vehicles in non-CARB states. They have failed to tie CARB vehicle vins to the coverage in N232432680.
NHTSA complaint #11713581 — 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.
My EGR system caused a check engine light. P0401 This is an extremely well documented issue on Gen2 Volts, especially 2017 models. Simply searching "EGR" on the Volt subreddit or forums returns hundreds of related threads. This issue can lead to a clogged EGR valve, causing further damage. A temporary resolution is unplugging the EGR valve, which i have not yet done. But this leaves the CEL illuminated, and without daily scanner, I wouls not know if other issues arise, causing a significant safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11692401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dashboard displays “Shift to Park” message even when the shifter is in the park position for the past month. I am unable to turn off the vehicle completely until I Shift to drive then back to park multiple times.
NHTSA complaint #11691369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving 50mph on a 4 lane highway, propulsion reduced speed and engine unavailable message came on and the car immediately shut down, a car almost hit me because of it. I had to hurry up jump out and try and push it off the road out of oncoming traffic! After about 15 minutes of turning car off and then back on. It finally started again, I then drove 1/4 mile and it did it again this time as turning left across a 2 lane highway with traffic oncoming, once again had to hurry up and jump out and push it out of the road! This was such an extremely scary situation for me and I thank god my wife wasn’t driving with our daughter and grand kids! This is the 2nd time because on 8/1/2025 it did the same thing while driving on a major 4 lane toll road, was able to pull off to side of the highway BUT had to be towed home!
NHTSA complaint #11678142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], our 2018 Chevy Volt experienced a critical BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) failure while being driven by our [XXX] daughter. The failure caused the vehicle to enter limp mode, resulting in a severe loss of power and the inability to shift properly. Most alarmingly, the brakes failed to function correctly—despite being fully engaged, the car continued to move forward at a red light, placing our daughter in immediate danger. She was only able to safely stop the vehicle by maneuvering it off the road into a parking lot. This BECM defect is a well-documented issue for Chevy Volts from 2016 to 2018. However, Chevrolet has refused to cover our VIN under the existing special service bulletin, despite our vehicle using the same faulty part number as those included in the recall, and has provided no explanation for this exclusion. As a result, we are being forced to pay $2,100 out of pocket to replace a part that GM knows is defective. This is an unacceptable financial burden for a safety-critical issue. GM should immediately issue a recall for all vehicles equipped with this faulty part number to ensure the safety of all drivers and prevent further undue costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Purchased: March 2017, new from Quality Chevrolet, Escondido, CA I am reporting a persistent and worsening issue with the “Shift to Park” system in my 2017 Chevy Volt. The problem began approximately three months after purchase (mid-2017) and has continued to worsen over time. Initially, the issue occurred intermittently, but it now happens every time I attempt to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle fails to recognize that it is in Park, displaying a “Shift to Park” message on the dashboard even when the gear selector is correctly positioned. This prevents the car from shutting off properly and poses a safety and battery drain risk. I brought the vehicle to Quality Chevrolet for service on the following dates: June 2017 April 2018 August 2020 Despite these visits, the dealership failed to diagnose or resolve the issue. On July 9, 2025, I returned to the same dealership, and they finally diagnosed the problem as a faulty jumper harness and switch contact, quoting $586 plus tax for the repair. I requested a goodwill repair from GM, given that the issue began within the warranty period and has been ongoing for years, but my request was denied. This is a known and widespread issue affecting many GM vehicles, and I believe it represents a design or manufacturing defect that should be subject to a recall or broader investigation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to ensure consumer safety and accountability.
NHTSA complaint #11672449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was attempting to purchase this vehicle from Payless Used car sales in Anchorage Alaska. I noticed odometer discrepancies between the mechanic reported odometer in 2022 and the present odometer in 2025. The 2022 reported odometer was 60000, and now in 2025 it is 47000. When I made this concern to the salesman he asked me to leave. I left and won’t consider purchasing from this dealership in the future.
NHTSA complaint #11666841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
•Vehicle lost power while driving on the highway at speed. The vehicle would not run with gas engine power or EV charge basically died on the road in traffic. After coming to a stop safely but not without some close calls vehicle would not start even with car having fuel of two types in it. •The battery charge would not register, and the car would not start for a little while. Display showed nothing and was only making a dinging sound. Around half hour later the vehicle started, and I drove it to my home and parked it. I have not been driving it as it seems like a safety concern with the battery system and not feeling reliable. I had tried to charge it after the initial event and it did not charge. I did only a little research on cost for battery issues and the cost made me very put off even looking at the car. The car has been sitting sense August of last year. I took the car into a GM repair shop a week ago and the shop told me that the BECM module is weak. I looked this up and found that there is a lot of people having the same issue! Also, there are 19000 cars just like mine who got a recall or Special coverage. I am told I don’t meet the requirements for the coverage even though my car has the issues. They say my VIN is not on the list, clearly this special coverage did not go far enough. There appears to be some gaps in the coverage of this issue there are tons of people having this issue a full recall should be investigated and enacted there is clearly a problem that should be addressed. The fact that most cases do not happen when the car is running seem to put this on everyone’s back burner but people are being harmed financially while GM uses loop holes to not address an issue that could cost people there time, hard earned money, lost wages, even there life if this malfunction causes accidents. There was and is clearly enough to warrant action. Letting GM get away with a half Hearted attempted at fixing this is a crime.
NHTSA complaint #11663558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shifter malfunctions when shifted to PARK. Car does not recognize shifted to PARK and error message appears on dash. States, SHIFT TO PARK. Will not fully shut off vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11661334 — 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.
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.
BECM is broken. Not covered under special warranty but have been told the PZEV warranty would cover it. Dealer & GM will not even discuss covering it. This should not be a VIN specific fix as the part is identical in all 2016-2018 Chevy Volts.
NHTSA complaint #11653569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When moving the shifter to the "P" position after parking, the car will refuse to turn off with the message on the dash: "Action Needed: Shift to Park". Shifter is in Park position but car will not recognize this and does not turn off. The issue can sometimes be resolved by pressing the shifter knob button repeatedly, or by pulling the shifter all the way back to drive and forth to park multiple times until the message is cleared. This happens about 4/10 times that I drive, There is currently a bulletin posted by Chevy for a fix. However, the fix is only covered under a "warranty" and the Chevy repair center at the dealership quoted $400 to complete the repair out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11649108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.