Chevrolet Volt years to avoid (and the best years)
1,861 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls across 9 model years, 2011 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 1,861complaints
- 8recalls
- 39reported crashes
- 16reported fires
- 38reported injuries
Which Chevrolet Volt years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Volt year to avoid is 2017. The typical Chevrolet Volt year has 169 complaints on file.
- 2017: 697 complaints, 4.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (44% of complaints) and the fuel system (34% of complaints).
What are the best Chevrolet Volt years?
The Chevrolet Volt years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (34), 2015 (44) and 2011 (49). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 | 0.2× | 2 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2018 | 222 | 1.3× | 2 | 4 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 697 | 4.1× | 0 | 8 | 11 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 169 | 1.0× | 1 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2015 | 44 | 0.3× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 93 | 0.6× | 0 | 5 | 2 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2013 | 308 | 1.8× | 3 | 8 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
| 2012 | 245 | 1.4× | 2 | 6 | 11 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 49 | 0.3× | 1 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 50 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Electrical & infotainment23 (46%)
- Airbags & seat belts9 (18%)
- Engine & powertrain8 (16%)
- Steering, suspension & tires5 (10%)
- Other systems3 (6%)
Recalls (8)
Airbags · 23V516000 · Jul 2023 · model year 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Seat belts · 18V673000 · Sep 2018 · model years 2018, 2019
If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Brakes · 18V576000 · Aug 2018 · model years 2018, 2019
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V397000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2013
If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Airbags · 17V621000 · Oct 2017 · model year 2016
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Steering · 15V442000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V145000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Safety · 13V271000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2012
If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.