RoadVitals

2016 Chevrolet Volt Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
169
Latest Jun 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

77
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased the above-listed 2016 Chevrolet Volt through Carvana, relying on the contractual promise that the BECM was covered under Special Coverage N232432680 for up to 15yrs or 150k miles. The vehicle has suffered persistent, severe mechanical and electrical issues resulting in a prolonged loss of use: 1. Initial Breakdown and Delivery: The vehicle originally had a Reduced Propulsion Power Alert on Monday [XXX] around 8pm and nearly caused me to be rear ended on a major road due to accelration issues. It then officially broke down on Tuesday, [XXX]. It was then delivered to Vic Koenig Chevrolet (1040 E Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901) via Tow By Freedom Towing the following Friday, May 29, 2026. 2. Delayed Work Start & Shop Stay: Vic Koenig Chevrolet was able to officially begin diagnostic and repair work on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The facility held the vehicle for several weeks to address the failures. 3. Brief Release and Immediate Re-Breakdown: I picked up the vehicle upon its supposed completion on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Then less than 24 hours later, on Wednesday, [XXX], the vehicle suffered a recurring breakdown and had to be returned to the dealership immediately. 4. Wrongful Coverage Denials: On Thursday June 19, 2026, Silver Rock claims representatives issued explicit coverage denials to me via text message. That same day, service representatives from Vic Koenig Chevrolet phoned Silver Rock multiple times to provide diagnostic evidence, But SilverRock repeatedly issued oral denials over the phone. They stated the PCM and BECM were not included in the contract, screenshots of the vontract state the opposite. SilverRock sent this refusal via email to me on June 19. I also contacted GM by phone on Wednesday 5/27/26 and so did the dealership and they refused to cover my vehicle under the Special Warranty for the known issue. I tried to request a cost reduction and they denied it again on 6/22/26. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11745571 · filed Jun 22, 2026

I have a 2016 Chevy volt. It had to be towed to a Chevy dealership because it will not drive. The BECM module has failed, as is apparently the case with so many volt owners. GM, as a result of lawsuits about this car, extended the warrantee to fix the issue, but my vin number is not included in the case. The gar is a brick, and there is no way to fix it now. GM doen't even replace these batteries any more, and most often just buys back the bad vehicles. I still owe 9k on this car and it is useless now. I need help. These are the codes is is throwing. B101D P1EOO P1EAC POAFA B3111 U3001 U2401 U2603 U2604 U2605 U2606 U2617 U2618 U2619 U2620 U2621 U2622 U2623 U2624 P1FD1 P1FD2 P1FD3 P1FD4

NHTSA ID 11725794 · filed Mar 20, 2026
All 77 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) on my 2016 Chevrolet Volt has failed. The vehicle and the component are currently located at my home address and are available for inspection upon request. As of writing this now. This failure caused the vehicle to enter a "reduced power mode" and subsequently resulted in a no-start and no-charge condition. The sudden loss of propulsion power presents a severe safety and crash risk, as the vehicle can lose motive power and stall unexpectedly while in transit. Prior to the complete failure, the vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light and a "Reduced Propulsion Power" message on the dashboard. The local Chevrolet dealership has inspected the vehicle, pulled the associated diagnostic trouble codes, and officially confirmed that the BECM has failed. General Motors has already acknowledged this specific safety defect through Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680, which extends BECM warranty coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles to prevent sudden loss of propulsion. However, GM corporate and the dealership are refusing to honor this bulletin. They are denying coverage due to an administrative database flaw because my vehicle's under-hood VECI label designates it as an original California (CARB/PZEV) vehicle, GM's system excluded my VIN from the Special Coverage bulletin automation. Furthermore, because the vehicle is currently registered in a non-CARB state (Texas), the original CARB warranty is considered void. GM is using this internal database loophole to deny repairing a documented safety defect.

NHTSA ID 11747550 · filed Jun 30, 2026

I purchased the above-listed 2016 Chevrolet Volt through Carvana, relying on the contractual promise that the BECM was covered under Special Coverage N232432680 for up to 15yrs or 150k miles. The vehicle has suffered persistent, severe mechanical and electrical issues resulting in a prolonged loss of use: 1. Initial Breakdown and Delivery: The vehicle originally had a Reduced Propulsion Power Alert on Monday [XXX] around 8pm and nearly caused me to be rear ended on a major road due to accelration issues. It then officially broke down on Tuesday, [XXX]. It was then delivered to Vic Koenig Chevrolet (1040 E Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901) via Tow By Freedom Towing the following Friday, May 29, 2026. 2. Delayed Work Start & Shop Stay: Vic Koenig Chevrolet was able to officially begin diagnostic and repair work on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The facility held the vehicle for several weeks to address the failures. 3. Brief Release and Immediate Re-Breakdown: I picked up the vehicle upon its supposed completion on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Then less than 24 hours later, on Wednesday, [XXX], the vehicle suffered a recurring breakdown and had to be returned to the dealership immediately. 4. Wrongful Coverage Denials: On Thursday June 19, 2026, Silver Rock claims representatives issued explicit coverage denials to me via text message. That same day, service representatives from Vic Koenig Chevrolet phoned Silver Rock multiple times to provide diagnostic evidence, But SilverRock repeatedly issued oral denials over the phone. They stated the PCM and BECM were not included in the contract, screenshots of the vontract state the opposite. SilverRock sent this refusal via email to me on June 19. I also contacted GM by phone on Wednesday 5/27/26 and so did the dealership and they refused to cover my vehicle under the Special Warranty for the known issue. I tried to request a cost reduction and they denied it again on 6/22/26. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11745571 · filed Jun 22, 2026
All 64 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have a 2016 Chevy volt. It had to be towed to a Chevy dealership because it will not drive. The BECM module has failed, as is apparently the case with so many volt owners. GM, as a result of lawsuits about this car, extended the warrantee to fix the issue, but my vin number is not included in the case. The gar is a brick, and there is no way to fix it now. GM doen't even replace these batteries any more, and most often just buys back the bad vehicles. I still owe 9k on this car and it is useless now. I need help. These are the codes is is throwing. B101D P1EOO P1EAC POAFA B3111 U3001 U2401 U2603 U2604 U2605 U2606 U2617 U2618 U2619 U2620 U2621 U2622 U2623 U2624 P1FD1 P1FD2 P1FD3 P1FD4

NHTSA ID 11725794 · filed Mar 20, 2026

While I driving in the past week, a warning that "propulsion power reduced" appeared on my dashboard several times. The last time that I had driven the car, the heater would not turn off, and the smell of burnt rubber filled the car and then dissipated soon after. The car would only run in it's gas engine mode, and not switch over to electric mode, as it usually would. The next morning, the car would not start. The dash board would light up as if the car started, but when I shifted into drive, a warning appeared on the dash, "Shift to park", as it would when the car is not running. I could not start the vehicle. After plugging the vehicle in, a warning appeared on the console stating that "Charging is not available". The car was towed to the dealership. Their diagnosis showed that the Battery Energy Control Module had failed and must be replaced. They later confirmed that an electric cable needed to be replaced that was "corroded", but they could not confirm the cause of the corrosion because the cable was disposed of already. After researching online, I found that GM issued a Special Coverage bulletin: N232432680, citing a common malfunction of the Battery Energy Control module in 2016 to 2018 Chevy Volts that "causes a reduced power mode, a no start condition, or a no charge condition." The Special Coverage was to extend the warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. After inquiring the dealer about the Special Coverage, they claimed that our car is not covered under the warranty. After calling customer service, they claimed the coverage comes from NHTSA, and GM only issues orders by VIN, and therefore cannot cover the issue. After calling NHTSA, I was told the special coverage is not a national recall, and is internal to GM. The GM dealership still claims that the control module on our car is not covered under the warranty, and have denied the request for a manager inspection or investigation.

NHTSA ID 11711001 · filed Jan 14, 2026
All 50 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

49
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The engine light came on, but the car would run and so took it to the dealer. They determined that the EGR valve had failed and would cost $2400 to repair. Apparently, this is a common failure point for Generation 2 Chevy Volts. If it might trigger a forced recall, I'd like to add this to the list.

NHTSA ID 11717029 · filed Feb 10, 2026

Component/System Failed: The engine of my 2016 Chevrolet Volt experienced a sudden internal crack, leading to complete engine failure. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable, posing potential risk if it had occurred while driving. Sudden loss of engine power could have caused a crash or left me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and others. Problem Reproduction / Confirmation: The failure was confirmed by a GM dealership, which performed a full inspection and documented the engine crack. The dealership verified that the crack was sudden and not caused by negligence or improper maintenance. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and all reports are available. I have also submitted the issue to GM corporate for warranty review. No police or insurance representatives have reviewed this, as this was a mechanical failure with no collision. Warning Lamps or Symptoms: No warning lights, messages, or unusual symptoms appeared prior to the failure. The engine appeared to operate normally until the sudden failure. Upon failure, low oil and low propulsion error message appeared on dash. Current no dash lights are on in the vehicle. Assessment of Cause: Based on dealership inspection and documentation, the failure appears sudden and possibly related to a defect in emissions-related engine components. No external damage or user error contributed to the failure.

NHTSA ID 11703409 · filed Dec 6, 2025
All 49 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11713506 · filed Jan 26, 2026

With PHEV battery at 0%, it's normal for the gas engine to kick in. What's not normal is when the infamous BCEM propulsion system failure happened. First, it shut off the ICE engine and reverted to EV mode when I have 0% charges left. The system also reduced power to the car. Luckily, I wasn't on the freeway, or this could end up really badly. I was at the point where I could no longer accelerate and was coming to a stop really quick. Because I was still on local street, was able to safely pull over to the side of the road and turned off the system completely. I waited a minute or 2, turn the car back on and the engine kicked on immediately. Please have GM issue a recall for this problem TSB 18-NA-261 because if this happens to someone on the freeway when their battery is at 0% and BCEM shuts off the gas engine with loss propulsion failure, it can result in serious accidents and deaths.

NHTSA ID 11623021 · filed Oct 31, 2024
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving in reverse the warning message "Reduced Propulsion" had displayed and suddenly the power steering failed and the vehicle lurched backward and crashed into a utility pole. During the incident, the driver pressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The daughter was able to drive the vehicle home in "Limp" Mode. The contact later examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the engine battery ECM had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 89,800.

NHTSA ID 11614848 · filed Sep 16, 2024

MY 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT IS EXHIBITING THE "SHIFT TO PARK" ISSUE. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN I SHIFT TO PARK AND ATTEMPT TO SHUT MY CAR OFF, IT ALERTS ME THAT I NEED TO SHIFT IN ORDER TO PARK. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON, THEN TURN IT OFF AGAIN, SOMETIMES I MOVE THE SHIFTER OR FLICK THE SHIFTER BUTTON TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID 11338889 · filed Jul 12, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front passenger airbag sensor is off even when there is no person sitting in the front passenger seat. It is off also when adult passenger is seating in the seat. It looks by pages of manual folded that previous owner had similar problem. That could possibly impact non-deployment of air-bag in a case of collision. My google search shows there was a recall of Volt 2013 models for that problem.

NHTSA ID 11561687 · filed Dec 24, 2023

WARNING ABOUT AIRBAG SYSTEM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND TOLD TO BRING CAR TO DEALER WITHIN 1 DAY. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET WITH MY SON IN FRONT. I DON'T KNOW EXACT PARTS BUT I BROUGHT IT TO CHEVY AND THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR FIX (SO THE CAR IS STILL THERE WHILE I APPEAL). IT WAS SOMETHING ABOUT THE SYSTEM IN THE SEAT AND POSSIBLY DASH THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ID 11282009 · filed Nov 24, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving in reverse the warning message "Reduced Propulsion" had displayed and suddenly the power steering failed and the vehicle lurched backward and crashed into a utility pole. During the incident, the driver pressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The daughter was able to drive the vehicle home in "Limp" Mode. The contact later examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the engine battery ECM had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 89,800.

NHTSA ID 11614848 · filed Sep 16, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE MESSAGE SERVICE STABILITRAK SUDDENLY DISPLAYED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN TURNED AS A RESULT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BLUFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SORE BODY DUE TO THE IMPACT AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN) WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BUT THE FAILURE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT DISCUSSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

NHTSA ID 11299570 · filed Jan 15, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VOLT CENTER DISPLAY HAS GONE BLANK, PROBABLY A BAD SCREEN. THE DISPLAY SERVES MULTIPLE PURPOSE: INFOTAINMENT, NAVIGATION, CHARGING CONTROL (BEING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE), AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE BACK UP CAMERA DISPLAY. THE REAR HATCHBACK VISIBILITY IS VERY POORLY DESIGNED, WITH GREAT DEPENDENT & RELIANCE ON DRIVER TO USE THE BACK CAMERA. WITHOUT THE DISPLAY, BACKING DRIVER CAN NOT SEE A SMALL CHILD NOR ANY OBJECT.

NHTSA ID 11290287 · filed Dec 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WARNING ABOUT AIRBAG SYSTEM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND TOLD TO BRING CAR TO DEALER WITHIN 1 DAY. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET WITH MY SON IN FRONT. I DON'T KNOW EXACT PARTS BUT I BROUGHT IT TO CHEVY AND THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR FIX (SO THE CAR IS STILL THERE WHILE I APPEAL). IT WAS SOMETHING ABOUT THE SYSTEM IN THE SEAT AND POSSIBLY DASH THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ID 11282009 · filed Nov 24, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed shift to park on display. Vehicle will not respond or display any status other than shift to park. Vehicle towed to dealership. Diagnosis of their mechanic is failed BECM module. Vehicle was brought to dealership 3yrs ago with infotainment center problems. Infotainment Software was updated but problem persisted. 2 years ago it was brought to dealership with complaint of intermittent inability to charge propulsion battery. Sunshine Chevrolet stated their mechanic could not diagnose issue so it was not covered under warranty. I demonstrated intermittent charging issue by plugging vehicle into dealership charger in front of showroom. I was at that time allowed to leave without paying diagnostic charge. 1½ years ago while car was still under warranty car failed to start. Called dealership. They stated it could be 12volt battery. I purchased and replaced battery at dealership. Car started but intermittent charging issue and intermittent infotainment issue continued. GM is refusing to cover BECM replacement saying Car is now out of 8yr warranty time frame.

NHTSA ID 11564678 · filed Jan 10, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1. AN ERROR APPEARS "SHIFT TO PARK" WHEN PARKING. THE CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT IT IS SHIFTED TO PARK THUS IT CONTINUES TO RUN EVEN WHEN POSITIONED ON PARK. A RUNNING VEHICLE THAT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF AND CAN RUN ON GAS IS A CONSIDERABLE HAZARD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2016 VOLT.

NHTSA ID 11419631 · filed Jun 4, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When attempting to power down the car, a message, “Action required, Shift to Park” appears and car will not power down. After repeated attempts, sometimes requiring 10 or more, by re-starting the car and attempting to power down, it has eventually powered down. This problem is intermittent and the car WILL power down successfully repeated times, and then do it’s “shift to park” refusal to power down. There are hundreds of complaints on the GM Volt owners’ forum and even a Technical Service Bulletin No. 19-NA-206 dated February 2020 (maybe even more recent, but that’s the latest one I know of). The service bulletin also includes the Chevy Blazer, Malibu, Traverse and GMC Acadia (which, I understand, there is now a class action suit in that regard). If the car will not power down, it could drain the battery and leave the driver stranded, as well as making the car unable to be locked, which could also be a safety issue.

NHTSA ID 11470132 · filed Jun 20, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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