Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 698 safety complaints
about the 2017 Chevrolet Volt with the US government. Of those, 8 describe a crash, 9 mention a fire, 11 people were injured and no death is recorded. No recall campaign has been matched to this year, make and model.
The most complained-about system is the electrical system,
named in 310 complaints, 44% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 36,000 miles,
the median across the 250
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers April 2016 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
698 complaints on file
698
Complaints
8
Describe a crash
9
Mention fire
11
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
Complaints halved year on year: 47 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 114 in the twelve before.
No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not
the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production
ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 310 · 44%
310 44%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 233 · 33%
233 33%
POWER TRAIN 219 · 31%
219 31%
ENGINE 182 · 26%
182 26%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 114 · 16%
114 16%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 32 · 5%
32 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 27 · 4%
27 4%
STEERING 16 · 2%
16 2%
AIR BAGS 12 · 2%
12 2%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 9 · 1%
9 1%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 9 · 1%
9 1%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5 · 1%
5 1%
0127254
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 698.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2024 at 144.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2017 Chevrolet VOLT, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
5 HB FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
9.3%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
PE23022
Closed preliminary evaluation · opened November 29, 2023 · closed March 3, 2025
the electrical system
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005
Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
the electrical system
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 injured
The two original equipment hydraulic struts that support either side of the rear trunk lid failed. It is available for inspection. The safety of my husband and I is/was put at risk because when you open the trunk, the lid is not staying up like it did, causing it to crash down on your head, back of neck, shoulder, arm, hand, etc., causing injury that is potentially fatal. The faulty parts are still in place and not inspected yet by a dealer, service center, police or insurance company. No warnings given for this faulty equipment, hence the danger of its unexpected suddenness. It started about 2 weeks ago. I spoke with General Motors, the Florida DMV and the Chevrolet dealership where the …
NHTSA complaint 11499963, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 injured · fire · 20,000 miles
URGENT URGENT. THIS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2017 VOLT. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE FOUND TWO OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. GM DIDN'T EVEN INVESTIGATE BEFORE DENYING LIABILITY, THEY MADE A DETERMINATION OVER PHOTOS. ALL 3 VEHICLES HAD OVER 20K MILES ON IT. OTHERS LIVES MAY BE IN DANGER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
NHTSA complaint 11092751. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed · 13,900 miles
WHEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE (PHOTO 08); WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE, THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF THE GARAGE, ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME (PHOTO 09), LEAVING SKID MARKS (PHOTOS 06 & 07) ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CAR WAS IN NORMAL ELECTRIC MODE AT THE TIME. I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR ON MAY 3RD FROM DAVE GILL CHEVROLET IN COLUMBUS, OH. THERE WERE 12,490 MILES ON THE CAR AT PURCHASE AND A LITTLE LESS THAN 14,000 MILES AS THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I AM UPLOADING NINE (9) PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint 11100529. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed · 20,000 miles
MY VOLT WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR BY A RED LIGHT RUNNER. I HAD JUST STARTED TO ENTER INTO THE INTERSECTION A SECOND OR SO AFTER MY LIGHT TURNED GREEN, SO NOT GOING VERY FAST. THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING 25-35 MPH (APPROX.). THIS WAS ON A CITY STREET, BOTH ONE WAYS STREETS SO THAT DRIVER WAS ABLE TO BUILD UP SOME MOMENTUM. I WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR TO MY LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE). THE DAMAGE WAS ENOUGH TO TOTAL THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint 11306849. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I would like to file a formal complaint. 2017 Volt suffered an EVAP purge line hole due to the failure of the remedy applied under NHTSA Campaign ID 19V891000. Recall #N192273600 was completed on my vehicle in 2020 by installing a protective bumper. That bumper failed by shifting out of place, and the A/C line has now rubbed a hole completely through my EVAP purge pipe—the exact failure the recall was designed to prevent. I called GM and asked for a Goodwill Policy adjustment, and they refused as my dealer had already offered me a $500 reduction to the repair. The total cost of the repair is over $2700.
NHTSA complaint 11766506. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
3rd failure of EGR valve (GM part 12691147, superseded by 19436521) on this vehicle. 10/10/2019 at 11,336 mi: Check Engine Light and Driver Information Center displayed "Loss of Propulsion" message; EGR valve diagnosed as cause and replaced by dealer under warranty at no cost. 11/2023 at approx. 30,000 mi: EGR valve failed again; dealer stated OEM part was no longer available from manufacturer due to supply shortage and installed a third-party replacement part; repair not covered, paid out of pocket. 8/26/2026 at 49,864 mi: EGR valve failed a third time; a used, refurbished part was sourced due to continued unavailability of a reliable new OEM part, with repair scheduled for 9/14/2026, …
NHTSA complaint 11763303, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 injured · towed · 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Propulsion Power Reduced" and "Shift to Park" messages were intermittently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost automotive power and stalled, and the contact pulled over to the shoulder to avoid a crash. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact sustained emotional distress from the failure. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery energy control …
NHTSA complaint 11761865, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that he had experienced a recurring loss of propulsion that would occur shortly after vehicle startup, which was attributed to a failure with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The failure caused the check engine, ABS, Stabili-Trak, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights to illuminate. The contact informed the local dealer of the failure and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer acknowledged that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the failure, but the vehicle was not included. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was …
NHTSA complaint 11757651, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet is denying that my car is included in Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680, because of where it was built. The car is now in Kentucky, which is not a CARB state. Was the reason for a vehicle not to be included in the bulletin because it would be included under CARB? It seems like a loophole they are using not to fix my car. Am I wrong?
NHTSA complaint 11755240. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
POWER TRAIN
Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction Module replaced but not covered under Special Coverage N232432680
NHTSA complaint 11755054. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, no campaign on file for this vehicle.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst