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Model-year record

2013 Chevrolet Volt
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2013 Chevrolet Volt

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

308

Reports to NHTSA, 2013

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

37

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (50% of 308 reports), followed by electrical system (18%).

Air Bags50% · 155 reports
Electrical System18% · 54 reports
Power Train7% · 23 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System7% · 21 reports
Service Brakes5% · 14 reports
Engine3% · 8 reports
Steering2% · 5 reports
Tires2% · 5 reports

+ 12 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 308 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11517990, ODI 11695594, ODI 11676789, ODI 11636406, ODI 11603460.

Individual complaint reports(308)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Electrical SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11734728Details +

Fully charged. Goes from electric to generator/gas propulsion and abruptly slowes about 1/2 speed. Very dangerous.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11734728 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11720796Details +

The passenger presence sensor is failing or failed because every time someone sit in there the airbag turns on and off repeatedly every 2-3 mins and gives a service airbag warning and if no one is sitting in the passenger seat then it just stays on. Could be really dangerous if a wreck happens while it’s glitching in the off mode and could cause death. Multiple people have had this problem with the volts and there is even a thing you can by to completely bypass the airbag going off which shows how common the problem is if there is a solution to eliminate it in an unsafe/not factory manner

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720796 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11715715Details +

I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing the Gas Engine on and the vehicle hesitated upon applying the accelerator for the remainder of the drive. My safety and that was others was at risk because the acceleration dropped quickly and I was on a busy freeway at the time when the Alert happened causing further hesitation. Upon stopping I could not get the vehicle to take a charge nor would it start up until a mechanic arrived and was able to confirm the problem.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11715715 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2025 · ODI 11705337Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was flashing, and the messages "No Propulsion Power" and "No Power To Engine" were displayed. The contact stated that two individuals pulled over and assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to the side of the road to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested vehicle rental assistance, but the dealer was unable to provide assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in initiating a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 141,323.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11705337 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2025 · ODI 11695594Details +

The passenger occupancy sensor gives a false positive. The only way I can get rid of the beeping is plug in the seatbelt. I have read on Reddit forums that this is a very common problem with 2013 volts, but for some reason there isn't a recall. This is a safety issue. Thank you!

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11695594 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2025 · ODI 11695294Details +

Propulsion power reduced error has happened many times but the recall lookup shows that there are no active recalls on our car. There was a recall on this problem in 2018 so I think it may have been done my the last owner but it is still having this problem.

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11695294 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsSep 2025 · ODI 11690373 · 2 injuriesDetails +

The drivers side front seatbelt pretensioner assembly contains a braided steel cable. The cable, through normal use, has become damaged to the point that individual wires have broken free from the crimped connector. The damaged wires of the cable have penetrated through the plastic sheath covering the cable causing a needle sharp poking hazard when reaching one’s hand toward the seat back adjustment lever. My wife had a minor laceration to her finger and I was also poked when trying to identify the cause. Upon further inspection I found that approximately 80 percent of the diameter of the pretensioner cable had broken free from the crimped connector. In the event of a collision, the cable would likely break free from the seatbelt, possibly causing serious injury to the driver. I tried to obtain a replacement part through the GM dealer parts network, but the part is listed as discontinued and unavailable. This leaves the vehicle unsafe in the event of an accident. The damaged components are available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but myself. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior the the injury. I am the original owner of the vehicle and it has never been involved in a collision. The vehicle has been properly maintained and is used only for personal transportation.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
2 injuries
Open ODI 11690373 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 2025 · ODI 11687358Details +

Fuel leaking from fuel tank at filler inlet. Defect in fuel tank assembly. Large puddle of gasoline formed under car after refueling causing buildup of fumes in closed garage. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than owner. There were no warning lamps prior to failure.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11687358 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2025 · ODI 11676789Details +

Front passenger seat sensor intermittently fails, causing the Passenger Airbag indicator to switch to OFF (even if a passenger is present) with an accompanying "Service Airbag" message on the dashboard and illumination of the service airbag light. This occurs usually driving above 25mph, but can happen stationary, and lasts for anywhere from 5 seconds to a minute (more commonly shorter). The issue appears some weeks more than others, usually activating most days a week but sometimes have a week or two where it does not happen.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11676789 at NHTSA →
Hybrid Propulsion SystemMar 2025 · ODI 11651727Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 76-77 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The message "Low Propulsion" was displayed, and the engine revved significantly. The contact moved over to the far-right lane to pull over to the side of the road as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring temporarily. The contact had researched the failure online and became aware that the release of the accelerator pedal while the failure was occurring could temporarily correct the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11651727 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2025 · ODI 11636406Details +

Passenger presence does not detect people in it and makes it unsafe for passenger without airbags. This got closed and was state that there was a Chevy program to fix this as cited in the closing . I have called all over Chevy and there is no one who knows anything about this at all. If you know it or if they just started it to make it go away, please tell with with whom I can contact within Chevy to start the process

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11636406 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemDec 2024 · ODI 11632232Details +

This is a reoccurring problem that is worsening. It is difficult to replicate (but becoming easier to replicate as the problem worsens). The problem conditions are as follows: -The car is fully charged The following drive conditions are required: - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “L” mode (aggressive regenerative braking), AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes some conditions that would NORMALLY engage regenerative breaking and redirect energy flow back to the high voltage battery. (E.g.: Beginning a drive by going up a small incline; then proceeding to drive down a decline.) OR - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “D” mode, AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes almost exclusively conditions that would NORMALLY trigger regenerative breaking and redirect flow back to the high voltage battery. IN BOTH cases: the instrument cluster, during conditions that would reflect regenerative breaking and energy flow back into the high voltage battery, instead reflects suddenly INCREASED electrical OUTPUT despite there being no increased demand for output from the driver. Expected behavior in these conditions would reflect a negative power output while the car is driven in regenerative conditions (e.g.: going down hill). In either of these cases, the final condition is that you fully stop the vehicle (via brake) during the regenerative conditions. DESPITE full depression of the brake, the car jerks forward violently and erratically, attempting to accelerate. Engaging the emergency brake does not cure the condition while the car is still in L or D driving mode, and it will continue to attempt to accelerate while held in place. Shifting in to neutral does stop the behavior. Shifting back to L or D from neutral will cause the vehicle to continue to attempt to accelerate. There are no error codes/lamps and sensors appear normal.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11632232 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2024 · ODI 11617611Details +

Vehicle went into reduced propulsion mode and then shut-off while driving down the highway. Same issue as recall 18V397000 that was not applied to my VIN number as part of that recall. Please apply recall 18V39000 to my vehicle VIN. Chevy Volt owners also need the NHTSA to issue an edict to GM/ that the reset codes for the ECM/HPCM2 being given to the OBD2 bi-directional scanner companies so owners don't have to pay a ransom to the dealerships and GM to get there cars back up and running.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11617611 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJul 2024 · ODI 11603457Details +

Engine shuts off randomly...message "Engine not available". Car shut off on freeway at 60 mph. Got to shoulder, cycled start button...Engine started then resumed driving. Has now happened a few times since. Also code related to reduced propulsion... Used OBDII to clear codes but makes no difference. Sometimes the car starts and drives without problem. Other times, Engine rpm very erratic.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603457 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11603460Details +

Repeats constantly..."service airbag". Appears to stop for somewhat variable lengths of time with passenger in front seat. Seems to be related to presence sensor.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603460 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2024 · ODI 11601801Details +

While driving, the car developed a brake malfunction. when the brake pedal is depressed you can feel the pedal pulsating and was not slowing down until you pressed harder then the brakes apply abruptly causing risk of rear ending. Upon pulling over to the hard shoulder the pedal pulsating/drumming continued to happen even though the car is completely stopped and is in parking gear. The symptom is similar to the service bulletin PIC5734A. [XXX] The car was driven to the nearest dealership 'Dublin Chevorlet' in Dublin CA and the car has been there for 4 weeks since GM is unable to help resolve the problem. I have reached out to GM and opened a support case. Case number [XXX] ]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11601801 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2024 · ODI 11593400Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test result was undisclosed; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an ASC high-voltage battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the ASC battery was replaced. The contact stated that the propulsion system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11593400 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2024 · ODI 11586915Details +

This report is in general for EV batteries and low propulsion, BMW also. When system moves to low propulsion the break lights do not eliminate so the vehicle slows very fast as if it is breaking but no break lights turn on, this creates a risk for other drivers, this occurs on steep mountain climbs when mountain mode was not engaged. What I want to happen is when low propulsion mode engages the break lights come on so that other drives can keep safe distance as I pull to the side for battery to recharge. This does not happen that often but when it does occur it creates a scary situation. A electric BMW also did this today. Please request a break light adaption for future EV batteries/Gas Powered vehicles. Keep in mind this is generally for electric cars that have a backup gas engine that powers after battery is depleted, they most often have issues on steep mountain climbs at freeway speeds and or in some cases as I witnessed today when behind a BMW cars slowing very quickly without alarms to other drivers. If the system can generate a low propulsion error warning drivers it can turn the break lights on also in if software is coded correctly. System should turn on break lights when this occurs for BMW and or other electric cars

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11586915 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2024 · ODI 11585457Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the propulsion system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11585457 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2024 · ODI 11585069Details +

When starting the vehicle, which had some charge on the batteries, the engine immediately started and a message appeared on the speedometer screen which stated, "Propulsion Power Reduced,” and another message said, “speed limited to 25mph.” I was in a very busy part of Hollywood running errands for my job when this happened. I felt very unsafe driving under these circumstances as I often need to drive above 25mph to keep up with traffic and cross busy streets to avoid other cars. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not been taken to a dealership or anywhere else to have the issue looked at. The problem has occurred a few other times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warnings or other symptoms whatsoever prior to this issue occurring.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11585069 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2024 · ODI 11584744Details +

Sudden loss of power. Driving on freeway. Speed decreased by 25 mph. Just about avoided a rear end accident. Have seen that 2016 onwards Volts have experienced this malfunction. Request that it be noted that this is a 2013 model with less than 60,000 miles. Have already had the latest programming done by Chevy.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11584744 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2024 · ODI 11574144Details +

I have a 2013 Volt. Passenger Presence pad in the passenger front seat caused the "Airbag Service" warning light. It is very common. So many people have suffered from it. It cost over $1000. But it is not a recall.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11574144 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFeb 2024 · ODI 11572872Details +

1)A diagnostic inspection performed by Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro, N.C., during the week of Feb. 5-9 found that the car’s propulsion system suffered “catastrophic failure” and was a “total loss.” 2)My wife and I were in convoy when we drove off the used-car lot in Pittsboro, N.C., on [XXX], heading for my sister’s home in Greensboro. By the time we reached [XXX], the Volt would not reach highway speeds as heavy traffic sped past. As NHTSA has reported in another Volt investigation, “the problem could pose a safety risk if vehicles can’t move with the flow of surrounding traffic and is more serious if a stalled vehicle is unable to restart.” 3) On Tuesday, [XXX], a Terry Labonte Chevrolet service representative in Greensboro reported that the main battery had experienced “catastrophic” failure and the “major malfunction” represented a “total loss." 4) Factory dealer Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro performed the diagnostics. 5) An instrument-panel message appeared about 15 minutes after I drove the Volt off the used-car lot in Pittsboro. The message read “propulsion power is reduced.” The owner manual (Page 5-48) read: “The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but maximum acceleration and speed may be reduced.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11572872 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2024 · ODI 11566665Details +

The passenger side seat airbag sensor is malfunctioning. A message displaying “Service Airbag” comes up and the airbag light comes on. This happens numerous times during a typical drive (around 20 minutes) The airbag is turned off while the message and light is displayed. This issue has been occurring for about a year or two now. Starting around 90k miles, currently has 111k miles. I’ve done my research on this issue and many other Volt owners have this issue. Which is caused by a defect in the passenger side sensor mat in the seat that can fold over itself with normal use, causing the issue.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11566665 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11561760Details +

My 2013 Volt will not charge or start. This happened suddenly. It has been working fine.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11561760 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11561788Details +

I was driving my plugin hybrid Volt on a highway when the engine stalled and the engine light turned on. I tap the throttle a few times to get it to stay on. It worked, but I had to continue to tap the throttle to keep it going. It also revved up sharply when it was in low gear. The vehicle was out of battery, so it was as running on engine.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11561788 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2023 · ODI 11561316Details +

Airbag Sensor Service light keeps going off. Passenger side.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11561316 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11558652Details +

I received a notification on the dashboard that the engine is not in service and propulsion has been reduced. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety and myself has been deeply compromised because the issues cause the car to suddenly not accelerate without warning. The issue happened to me on a freeway and could have caused an accident due to the engine and propulsion systems stop functioning without warning. The vehicle has been inspected. There were no warnings on why the car was doing what it was doing. The only warning I received was that the engine and propulsion system has now stopped functioning.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11558652 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11558031Details +

We purchased this car used in January 2023. Several times throughout 2023 we have gotten a Propoulsion Power Reduced warning. When this happens the car’s ability to accelerate drops and we have also had problems getting it to charge. Following one incident, we let the car sit for 4 days. While the car still would not charge using our at home level 2 charger, the warning went away and I was able to drive it to a dealership. They ran a software update which they said should resolve the issue. Three times since then, when turning the car on from parked it in parking lots away from home, it has given the warning. While driving the car to get it home, the warning has spontaneously resolved.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11558031 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2023 · ODI 11546243Details +

Intermittent warning for front passenger airbag. Module saying service airbag comes on and off when front passenger is occupying seat. Just a quick anecdote just had car inspected warning does not appear while someone is occupying front seat, nor does it appear if someone is occupying rear seats.

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11546243 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11540942Details +

The airbag for the passenger seat is faulty and turns off and on, took it to the dealership and they said it was a $1000 to fix it. Said it was a bad wiring harness

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11540942 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2023 · ODI 11539281Details +

High voltage charging system.. changed out the coolant sensor and the bypass coolant value and still getting high charging error.. machanics can’t figure out the issue and now we can use it as an electric car.. light returns after sitting for an hour and a half in the off position.. something is clearly wrong with the design of the electric side of the car

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11539281 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11537677Details +

Passenger airbag sensor intermittent error. Says service airbag. Goes off after someone has been sitting in vehicle and exits vehicle. Not reliably reproducible but seems to be happening with greater frequency.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11537677 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2023 · ODI 11535746Details +

Vehicle does not allow driver to driven uphill when packed uphill but keeps rolling down the hill even upon being throttled. Also emergency brake goes not catch but locks the wheel. Chevy diagnosed the issues agreed is manufacture defect, parties contracted agreement singed for repairs at no cost. Upon arrival of parts Roseville Chevrolet wanted $4,500 be paid said it was out of warrantee contrarily with the written agreement. Presently I have minors cannot ride in the car. The car may also cause accident and injury to owner and other road users if not fixed.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11535746 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2023 · ODI 11530200 · fireDetails +

I arrived at the charging station and plugged the charging handle into the charge port. At this time an audible shorting sound was heard coming from inside the handle followed by a burst of flames and white smoke. This flame immediately went out and the smoke subsided slightly before building back up and darkening. By the time that the fire department arrived, the car's engine had caught fire resulting in a total loss. Additionally, the charging handle of the station had melted, alongside the side mirror of a neighboring vehicle. It appears that there was a failure to detect the initial fault or at least a lack of protections for shorts. The parts are no longer available upon inspection, unless you have contact with the EVSE manufacturer, ChargePoint. My safety was put directly at risk. The charging handle shorted in my hand. In the unlucky case that the short made contact with me, I likely would've died on the spot or been at risk of burns from the subsequent fire. Additionally, should I have been in the car, I noticed when trying to get pictures of the inside, that the doors had remained locked. The problem cannot be reproduced because the car is burnt. The car has been inspected by insurance representatives alongside the look over by firefighters and police officers on site during the fire. There were no issues inside the vehicle hinting to any problem. I had used the charging station next to this one consistently each day going into work with no problems. When I arrived, the car which is usually parked at this problem charger was in the spot I usually used, which caused me to use this problem charger. While the exact cause is somewhat unknown, the initial perception by fire fighters, police, and myself were that the fire was due to the EVSE handle shorting out. The evidence for this is the location of the fire damage external to the vehicle and the melted handle. Chargepoint disagrees but does not state an alternative possible cause.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11530200 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2023 · ODI 11517990 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

Passenger Airbags failed to engage when occupied during accident, drivers side activated. Results in injured passenger

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11517990 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2023 · ODI 11511529Details +

According to NHTSA's own filing - Action PE19013 - GM's response to the action was to "establish a cost reduction program". I have now had this exact problem diagnosed, and repaired at a cost of $1,133. Neither GM, nor the Chevrolet dealership where I had the repair done had any information or provided and discounts or cost reduction. Either NHTSA has lied in its report, or GM has lied to NHTSA in order to close this incident. I should have the cost of this repair "reduced".

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11511529 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2023 · ODI 11511299Details +

Passenger airbag sensor mat is malfunctioning Leaking water from passenger side AC, drain line or structure

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11511299 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2022 · ODI 11499347Details +

The passenger presence sensor module has developed a fault. The service airbag soon warning pops up when a front seat passenger gets out of the seat. I can manually recreate the problem by pressing down on the seat bottom cushion and then when I release pressure the warning reappears and then goes away after 10 seconds. I will now need to replace the module and get the vehicle reprogrammed, or find a junkyard seat and hope it doesn't have the same problem. You really should have required GM to do more on this issue when you investigated it! From what I understand, there is not a 'cost reduction program' for having the dealer replace this defective part. This seems to be a very common problem that has perhaps gone underreported, but is obviously going to happen given the design of the sensor pad where it develops a fatigue failure.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11499347 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2022 · ODI 11496963Details +

1. Propulsion Power Reduced -AGAIN. We have had this repaired recently & it’s back. Apparently it’s “not a problem” as long as check engine light is not on. Unfortunately, the engine light is on AGAIN - despite being reset. The car is not accelerating when needed. 2. “Brake Assist” light is on AGAIN- and I do not have power brakes. It is hard to stop. Could we at minimum get accurate warning systems & repairs that work? 2.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11496963 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2022 · ODI 11496093Details +

I have the failure from PE19013. I read in the closing that "GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. Based on this cost reduction program...; ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation." I contacted two dealerships who are unaware of this program. I then contacted the Chevy Support Center, who said to contact the dealership when I asked for an alternative contact. I then asked to speak to a supervisor with a promised call back, that did not occur. Attached is the transcript of the chat with Chevy Support Center. The two issues: 1. The safety issue still exists and disables the air bags when occupied by a person of proper size for the airbags. 2. The reduced cost program is something that both dealerships and the Chevy Support System is unaware of itself. The investigation was closed on the premise of a support system that is impossible to find information on.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11496093 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsNov 2022 · ODI 11494959Details +

There are two issues with the seat belt on the driver’s seat. 1) The buckle (female portion, the part with the button) is stuck and won’t release the tongue (male portion) without intervention with a screwdriver. 2) The plastic portion of the tongue (male portion) of the seatbelt caught on my clothes and snapped, and the whole tongue assembly fell off the webbing. Definitely a safety concern if there’s no longer a way to buckle the seat belt because the male end fell off.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494959 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 2022 · ODI 11494938Details +

Car suddenly lost ability to accelerate normally while driving. It could only accelerate extremely slowly, seemingly with great effort. It displayed “PROPULSION POWER REDUCED SERVICE ENGINE SOON” and ENGINE NOT AVAILABLE” messages on the dashboard, and a check engine light came on. It sounds like it may be related to current GM recall 18215/ NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V397000, but nothing comes up when I search for this VIN.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494938 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2022 · ODI 11494347Details +

Passenger Sensor fails to turn on when an occupant of normal size is in the passenger seat, precluding air bag deployment. This is a very common issue with 2013 models.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494347 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2022 · ODI 11492761 · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the electric battery would not charge and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the 12v battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The 12v battery was replaced and the failure was remedied. The contact stated that later while driving the central battery pack located under the center console had overheated causing a loud noise within the cabin of the vehicle. The contact had sustained a burn to the right shoulder which did not require medical treatment. After parking in the garage and shutting the vehicle off the vehicle rolled backward making contact to the with the garage door. No damage to the garage door was reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 18V397000(HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11492761 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2022 · ODI 11491032Details +

PASSENGER AIRBAG ERROR INDICATOR. I took my 2013 Volt to the dealer who indicated it was a sensor error in the seat and requires a 1000.$ seat and sensor replacement. My Volt has 80K miles and no collisions or accidents. There is no justifiable reason for me to replace the front seat for 1000.00 due to a poorly designed wire harness or sensor. I won't risk having a front seat passenger due to this malfunction. Furthermore I can't sell the vehicle. Why has the NHTSA closed this complaint?

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11491032 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2022 · ODI 11491035Details +

The High Voltage charging system error message has chronically been triggered despite numerous mechanic visits, sensor and coolant replacement. I am now told this is a software issue and hope to have it resolved. This issue has cost hundreds of dollars in inspection and troubleshooting and hundreds of gas miles that should have been EV driven. The error prevents EV charges and I must rely on the gas back up.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11491035 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2022 · ODI 11490427Details +

passenger occupancy sensor malfunction. Passenger airbag turns off intermitently even while occupied by an adult. I have not been to dealership, but understand it is a $1000 repair. This is also happening in a 2012 volt that I own.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11490427 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2022 · ODI 11489049Details +

The car’s hybrid battery shut down the car in the middle of the road. I was unable to turn it back on safely.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11489049 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2022 · ODI 11486613Details +

Stacia was driving the vehicle on September 20th on a residential street. She was driving at 25 MPH. All of the sudden the brakes slammed on by themselves and the car slammed to a stop. Luckily there were not any cars around, or there would have certainly been an accident. If this had happened on the Interstate or on a busy street there likely would have been a serious accident. The vehicle was taken for service and it was determined that the Brake Pedal Position Sensor failed. This was replaced by Eric Von Schledorn Chevrolet. Our concern is that the failure of one sensor could cause a potential catastrophic accident. We wanted to bring this to your attention in case others have had a similar issue, and a recall may be necessary.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11486613 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electrical System · 15V145000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Hybrid Propulsion System · 18V397000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.

Risk: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 23V516000Details +

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Pedestrian alert sounds

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.

Passenger Sensing System

In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-013 to assess the potential safety related effects of a malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in 2012-2013 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Consumers reported that due to a malfunction of the PSS, the air bag system malfunction indicator light (MIL) was activated. Many of the complaints noted the malfunction occurred after the warranty period expired and mentioned high repair costs as a major deterrent to the repair of the vehicle.The PSS sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the frontal passenger air bag. The PSS may develop a malfunction due to bunching of the sensor mat in the seat trench. The bunching of the sensor mat could cause the mat to repeatedly fold in the same location. Over time, the repeated folding can cause an increased resistance in the sensor mat. An increased resistance in the PSS sensor mat is detected as a fault in the air bag system diagnostic. If this fault is detected, a diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the air bag control unit and the air bag MIL will illuminate.Further, if the fault is detected, the passenger frontal and knee air bags will be suppressed in a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment regardless of the nature of size of the occupant of the front passenger seat.The report counts shown above include only those reports that specifically address the issue covered by this investigation, failure of the PSS sensor mat. Reports alleging only that the air bag light is on with no cause stated, or where a different cause was otherwise identified, were excluded as the air bag light could be illuminated for system faults other than a PSS malfunction.The subject vehicles have been in service for approximately ten (10) years. An analysis of General Motors (GM) warranty data for the subject vehicles, including a comparison with other agency and manufacturer data pertaining to similar occupant detection system failure investigations, indicates the subject vehicles experience a comparatively low complaint rate for this issue given the number of years the vehicles have been in service.GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. Based on this cost reduction program as well as:1) a comparatively low warranty rate; 2) no reported injuries, deaths or asymmetric deployments; and 3) the age of the vehicles; ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. 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 new circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

Crash-test ratings

2013 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Volt1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive354037

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2013 Chevrolet Volt: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?

Owners filed 308 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (50% of complaints) and electrical system (18%).

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Volt at 37 mpg combined.