2018 Chevrolet Volt

225 complaints on file, page 1 of 12.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Foley, ALUnknown or other

   The vehicle operates normally in all-electric mode for its full range of approximately 48 miles. The failure occurs consistently at the exact moment the high-voltage battery depletes and the vehicle attempts its automatic transition from electric propulsion to the internal combustion engine. At the point of transition, an unexpected surging or sudden acceleration occurred, followed immediately by a propulsion power reduced warning and an engine not available message on the instrument panel. The gas engine completely failed to engage or deliver power. Because the battery was depleted, the vehicle suffered an immediate, severe loss of motive power and rapidly decelerated in active traffic despite full depression of the accelerator pedal. This sudden inability to maintain road speed during the powertrain handover left the vehicle stalled in traffic, creating an acute risk of a rear-end collision. The vehicle has not yet undergone formal inspection or scanning by a dealership or repair facility due to diagnostic fee barriers that should be covered by manufacturer safety protocols. The vehicle and its components remain in their failed, unmodified state and are available for inspection upon request. The failure condition involves a breakdown in hybrid powertrain handoff systems, consistent with documented defects in the battery energy control module (BECM) under GM Special Coverage Program N232432680, or critical failures in the engine management and exhaust gas recirculation circuits that prevent transition to gasoline power. General Motors must investigate and address the safety implications of plug-in hybrid vehicles abruptly losing all motive power when electric charge is exhausted.

   NHTSA complaint 11767729
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Encino, CAFuel/propulsion system

   2018 Chevy Volt LT. Diagnosed with a bad battery section on September 9, 2026. Warranty part number # 24060120 ordered by dealer. Status September 28, 2026 - Part back-ordered / No ETA. Dealer refuses to provide a loaner car while waiting for the part.

   NHTSA complaint 11767495
3. Filed Sep 25, 2026Failure Dec 26, 2025Columbus, OHElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   FAILURE SUMMARY & SAFETY RISK: While operating in live traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and entered a "Propulsion Power Reduced" failsafe mode, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle is currently grounded and remains available for inspection upon request. WARNING SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSTIC CODES: The instrument cluster illuminated the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine), the ABS warning indicator, and displayed a persistent "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" message. A diagnostic trouble scan confirmed active high-voltage communication failures and powertrain faults: U2603 (Lost Communication with Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module), P25A2 (Brake System Control Module Requested MIL), and ABS code C0500-00. PRIOR HISTORY & FAILURE TO CURE: This identical high-voltage Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure previously occurred in December 2025 at 97,808 miles and was presented to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for repair. The facility claimed the vehicle was repaired, but the exact same catastrophic high-voltage failure recurred in under 4,000 miles (at 101,635 miles). MANUFACTURER POLICY & OBSTRUCTION OF REPAIR: General Motors recognized this hazardous defect under Special Coverage N232432680 (covering BECM replacement for 15 years/150,000 miles at $0.00 cost). This policy links to GM Master Bulletin 07-00-89-037S mandating direct-bill Courtesy Transportation for grounded safety defects. Despite this, when presented for warranty repair, the authorized Chevrolet dealership explicitly refused intake and refused to honor the transportation mandate, stating on the record: "Yes, I do decline". GM Corporate (Case 98734634) admitted coverage applied but failed to compel franchise compliance, leaving a dangerous, immobilized high-voltage hybrid vehicle stranded without access to safety-mandated repair bays.

   NHTSA complaint 11766936
4. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026San Antonio, TXElectrical system, Power train

   The vehicle frequently fails to register that the transmission has been shifted into Park. When this happens the instrument cluster displays "Action Required / Shift to Park" and the power (STOP/START) button will not shut the vehicle off. The condition is intermittent. I can usually clear it only by shifting through the gear positions and back into Park repeatedly, sometimes many times, before the vehicle will power down. SAFETY RISK: Because the transmission control module does not confirm Park, I have no assurance the parking pawl is engaged when I leave the vehicle, creating a rollaway hazard. The vehicle also cannot be shut down, which leaves its systems energized and drains the 12-volt battery, risking being stranded. I now apply the parking brake at every stop as a precaution. WARNING MESSAGE: The "Action Required / Shift to Park" message first appeared within days of purchase. I bought the vehicle used on 07/29/2026 at 69,471 miles and reported the fault to the selling dealer on 08/10/2026, twelve days later. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Yes. On 08/19/2026 the selling dealer's service center diagnosed the cause as "internal shifter microswitch failure" and recorded the correction as "Replaced Transmission shifter controller assembly and cleared codes" (repair order 1133072). The fault returned within approximately half a day. On 08/26/2026 the dealer opened a second order for the same concern, recording the same cause and the same correction and listing the same part, shifter assembly part number 13540961 (invoice 1133224). The vehicle is currently at that service center and the defect is not corrected. The condition is worsening — it occurs more often and takes more attempts to clear than when first reported. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, by police, or by an insurance representative.

   NHTSA complaint 11760020
5. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026Corpus Christi, TXEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   I was driving back from [XXX] on XXX, when I received a "propulsion power limited" message on my dash with a check engine light. I pulled off to a nearby gas station and tried to scan the code to figure out what was going on when I then received the message "Engine unavailable" and the car shut off. I checked the fuse box and found that the F03 Fuse had blown. I replaced the fuse and attempted to start the car again. It began normally, but then after driving 10 feet, I received the "engine unavailable" message again with a check engine light and the car no longer had power and I had to coast into a parking spot. I checked the fuse again and found it was blown. If I had not stopped in the gas station, I would have been stranded on the side of the highway, or worse yet, I would have stalled out on the highway and potentially got hit. I had my car towed to a dealership who eventually completed their inspection of the car on XXX and determined that the EGR Valve had failed (the servo motor burned out and blew the F03 Fuse). This is a well known issue on the 2nd Generation of Volts and it is likely faulty servo motors in the EGR valves. The Dealership even included in its financial assistance request to Chevy on my behalf that the EGR valve failure is a known issue. When asked if there was any preventative maintenance suggested to prevent the EGR valve from failing, the service technician indicated that there wasn't anything that I did as the end user to cause the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11759887
6. Filed Aug 17, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Lake Oswego, ORFuel/propulsion system

   I was driving on an interstate in Seattle, and the car completely died. A check engine light went on. I had to roll into the shoulder and call for a tow to the dealership's service department. Here is what they found: ----60GCZ ENGINE REPAIR DIAG/ customer reports the ses lamp is on with reduced propulsion message displayed. Check and advise. 1. Tested vehicle and verified reduced propulsion power message and SES light. Scanned vehicle for codes and found multiple P0489, P0030, P0031, P0132, P0135, P0137, P0443, P0458, P0597, P0598, P06DA, P06DB, and P103C. Traced back to no power on circuit 5293. Traced back to blown 15-amp fuse 3 of under hood fuse block. Found bulletin #24-NA-080 stating this can be caused by a short in the EGR valve. Tested circuit 5293 and found short at the EGR valve. Advise EGR valve and cooler replacement then retest.---- We disconnected the EGR valve, which means we are driving only on gas, not electric. We cannot charge it anymore. The cost to replace the valve and cooler is over $4k because Chevrolet does not make the vehicle anymore or the EGR valve part apparently. This is a SIGNIFICANT safety hazard if the car is going to simply die suddenly. It is a miracle I did not get hit.

   NHTSA complaint 11757544
7. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure May 28, 2026San Jose, CAPower train, Unknown or other

   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
8. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Houston, TXElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   While driving on a highway the car started to hesitate, a message appeared on the console "Propulsion power is reduced" and the engine light turn on. After driving some miles, a new message appeared: "Engine unavailable, service soon" and the car only ran on electric power, no motor engine. I had the same problem 3 year ago and the dealer identified the problem as a shorted EGR valve. This time I knew this shorted EGR valve burns the F3 fuse. I managed to get to a car part shop and bough several fuses (15 amp). After replacing the fuse 3 times I managed to get to the dealer. The repairs cost $3000+ (up from $1000+ 3 years ago). This problem is well documented on the GM service technical bulletin "21-NA-116" dated February, 2023. Three years ago I was in the middle of nowhere in South Texas and it took 6 hours to get a tow truck This time I was lucky enough to be close to to a town that the remain battery power was enough to get to the store where I bought the fuses. GM should recall this part and do a proper fix

   NHTSA complaint 11755062
9. Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026West Jordan, UTElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Steering

   The Vehicle had a the BECM fail at 64,000 miles. This is a known issue that GM still refuses to recall, and is refusing to warranty

   NHTSA complaint 11754026
10. Filed Jul 28, 2026Failure Jul 11, 2026Mason, MIFuel/propulsion system

    I was investigating a thumping sound coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. I discovered that the left fuel tank strap had completely broke into two pieces and was no longer holding up the tank. The fuel tank straps are not readily viewed on the vehicle until you lower/remove the underbody aerodynamic material. It appears that the underbody aerodynamic material may have been contributory by retaining dirt and trapping moisture in contact with the tank straps. The failed tank strap parts are available for inspection. No other indication of the failed tank strap other than the minor noise and no other inspections have been performed on the failed component.

    NHTSA complaint 11753393
11. Filed Jul 24, 2026Failure Jul 13, 2026Naples, FLElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system

    The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failed. Before repair, the check-engine light appeared intermittently, the vehicle sometimes had difficulty starting, and the indicated electric range could suddenly drop from about 30 miles to zero despite a charged high-voltage battery. When this occurred, the gasoline engine started unexpectedly. The air conditioning also intermittently blew warm air until the vehicle was restarted. These symptoms created a safety concern because propulsion mode and indicated range could change without warning, and the vehicle could fail to start in traffic or another unsafe location. An authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed the problem. The dealer retrieved DTCs U2624 and U2629, performed circuit testing, and diagnosed an internal short in the BECM causing loss of communication with high-voltage battery modules. The dealer stated this failure caused the warning light, starting issue, sudden loss of indicated battery range, and air-conditioning symptoms. The BECM was replaced and programmed after removal of the high-voltage battery assembly. The warning light first appeared about one month before repair, with the other symptoms becoming more apparent in early July 2026. The vehicle had approximately 80,918 miles when inspected. The failed component was retained by the dealership as a core and is not available to me for inspection. To my knowledge, the vehicle was not separately inspected by police, insurance, or GM engineering personnel. My vehicle was excluded from GM Special Coverage N232432680 even though it is a 2018 Chevrolet Volt with the same confirmed BECM failure addressed by that program and NHTSA investigation PE23022. I paid $3,970.56 for the repair. I am filing this complaint because this defect can cause no-start, loss of indicated battery range, warning lights, unexpected propulsion changes, and potentially reduced propulsion, while some affected 2016–2018 vehicles appear excluded from the special coverage.

    NHTSA complaint 11752752
12. Filed Jul 6, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Richardson, TXElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system

    The car suddenly lost power and produced error messages on the screen. I had to quickly change lanes to get out of traffic on the highway. My dealer diagnosed the issue as a BECM malfunction and quoted a repair cost of approximately $3500. However, due to my car originally being registered in California, this failure is not covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680 (issued March 2024), which provides an extended warranty for BECM issues on affected 2016-2018 Volts up to 15 years or 150,000 miles. My VIN does not qualify for this coverage despite the vehicle being within the model years affected by known BECM soldering/connection failures. This appears to be part of a broader pattern of BECM defects in 2016-2019 Volts that can lead to sudden loss of propulsion, as previously investigated by NHTSA. GM should extend coverage or issue a recall for all affected vehicles, as this defect compromises vehicle safety and leaves owners with expensive out-of-pocket repairs for a known issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11748652
13. Filed Jul 6, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026Maynard, MAUnknown or other

    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
14. Filed May 1, 2026Failure Apr 29, 2026Charlotte, NCFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    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
15. Filed Apr 29, 2026Failure Apr 28, 2026Allentown, PAElectrical system, Power train

    The vehicle (2018 Chevrolet Volt) is experiencing an intermittent failure of the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Diagnostic trouble code P1E5B was stored in the system. This is a well-documented defect in this vehicle population that frequently results in a sudden, unexpected loss of propulsion power while driving ("Propulsion Power Reduced" mode), posing a significant safety risk in high-speed traffic. ​Although a Chevrolet dealership confirmed the presence of the stored fault code, they refused to perform the repair under the extended warranty (Special Coverage N23243268) because the Check Engine Light was not actively illuminated at the exact time of inspection. The manufacturer requires the vehicle to be operated until the fault recurs, exposing the driver and others to the danger of stalling on highways or at busy intersections. The failed component remains in the vehicle and is available for inspection.

    NHTSA complaint 11734473
16. Filed Apr 3, 2026Failure Apr 2, 2026Chicago, ILUnknown or other

    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
17. Filed Mar 23, 2026Failure Jan 11, 2026Antioch, CAFuel/propulsion system

    The vehicle losses power on high speed, check engine comes on, low propulsion massage displays. Vehicle does not charge. Issues similar to the investigation DCS6812.

    NHTSA complaint 11726565
18. Filed Feb 8, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2026Lake Elsinore, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    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
19. Filed Dec 22, 2025Failure Dec 21, 2025Gig Harbor, WAPower train

    My 2018 Chevrolet Volt frequently fails to recognize when the vehicle is shifted into Park. The dashboard displays “Shift to Park” even though the gear selector is already in Park. When this occurs, the vehicle will not power off, requiring multiple attempts to move the shifter before shutdown is possible. This creates a safety risk because the vehicle may be left powered on unintentionally and may not properly secure itself in Park. In one occasion, the vehicle moved backwards even when shifter was in Park, which created a collision risk. This is a known defect affecting many GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt, and has been widely reported by owners. I am concerned about unintended vehicle movement, battery drain, and driver safety.

    NHTSA complaint 11706600
20. Filed Dec 17, 2025Failure Dec 15, 2025111,000 milesRowlett, TXElectrical system, Engine, Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the battery module became inoperable. While attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Engine Unavailable - Service Soon” was displayed. The contact was unable to use the vehicle. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-261. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11705567