2017 Chevrolet Volt

In March 2026, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt (89,300 miles) would not charge nor start, and had to be towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership in Portland, Oregon. The dealership diagnosed an internal fault in the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) producing U26XX diagnostic trouble codes, per GM bulletin #18-NA-261, and replaced the BECM under GM Special Coverage N232432680 — GM's field remedy for a known BECM defect affecting 2016–2019 Volts that causes reduced power, no-start, or no-charge conditions (the subject of NHTSA investigation PE23022).The remedy failed immediately. On the day the vehicle was returned to us (March 26, 2026), the check engine light illuminated while driving home on public roads, and the vehicle failed to charge that same night — the identical condition it had before. It was towed back to the dealership. The dealership's second work order confirms in writing that the vehicle "will not start after previous repairs and is having the same issues," and attributes the failure to the high-voltage battery contactor. The dealership informed us the part is no longer produced and cannot be obtained, advising that the vehicle be scrapped. Safety concerns: (1) after the repair, the dealership returned the vehicle to us as fixed, and we drove it approximately 26 miles home on public highways in traffic, unaware the defect was still present — the check engine light illuminated during that drive. This defect is the subject of NHTSA investigation PE23022 into sudden loss of propulsion, we unknowingly operated a defective vehicle in conditions where that failure could have occurred at highway speed; (2) GM's official field remedy for this known defect (Special Coverage N232432680) failed within hours of being performed; and (3) the parts required to complete the remedy are reportedly discontinued, leaving a known safety defect permanently unrepairable. Supporting documents uploaded: dealer repair orders, and the GM warranty history of the N232432680 repair

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving at highway speeds over 100 miles away from home with my child in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion power and entered 'Propulsion Power Reduced' mode, dropping vehicle speed immediately and creating an extreme hazard with high-speed highway traffic. A full computer scan revealed active diagnostic codes U2603 through U2624, confirming an internal hardware communication failure of the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). This matches GM Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-261. The vehicle has over 150,000 miles, but I have only owned the car since January. This is a known, systemic manufacturing defect (cracked internal circuit board solder joints) that creates a critical safety liability regardless of vehicle mileage. GM has refused to remedy the safety defect due to the mileage limit.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Received "reduced propulsion" message, with no engine detected. Car slowed to a near stop while driving on the Interstate highway. Very dangerous to have that suddenly happen. Message popped up randomly with no prior warning.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was not going to put in a complaint about this failure but after learning about GM creating a special extended warranty program for this issue, I felt it should be addressed and treated as a recall. The battery energy control module (BECM) failed on my 2017 Chevrolet Volt at exactly 170,000 miles in December of 2024, leaving me in a dangerous position on the roadway and almost causing me to be rear ended due to losing the ability to accelerate. I had no choice but to have the vehicle towed to a dealership where it was eventually repaired with an out of pocket cost of $1900. My vehicle was not eligible for the extended warranty program which I find to be unacceptable.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

BECM failure. My car is available for inspection upon request. This car has unexpectedly stopped adequately accelerating all of a sudden while on the road! This problems has been confirmed by the dealership. The manufacturer has not inspected it. Not much warning. I found out SOME not ALL chevrolet volt 2017 users got their BECM replaced without cost because it is a WELL KNOWN ISSUE with the car. Chevrolet did not provide extended warranty for all chevrolet volt users even though it is an issue with most volts. I do drive much. I got the car when it was brand new and in 8 years accumulated 77k miles. If I had known all of the cars would have had this safety issue I would not have bought the car in the first place. Chevrolet expects me to pay 2500 out of pocket for something they know is faulty and dangerous in their vehicles.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Egr valve went out ; causing a fuse to go out; which triggered a limp home mode: stranding me on side of road

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Brought car into Chevrolet dealership for intermittent “miss” when driving. Dealer diagnosed it needed an EGR valve replaced at a cost of around $4,000.00 which is a significant portion of the cars value.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Failure of Battery Energy Control Module (BECM), within the high voltage battery. Vehicle is unable to charge and sets “reduced power” message. GM released special coverage bulletin for this issue (N232432680), but this vehicle is not listed due to which state it was registered. Continued failure of the BECM will lead to inoperability of the vehicle.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while parked. The check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair would be at the owner's expense. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, there were several error codes provided through the Mobile App for engine-related failures. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Coolant was found inside the Lithium-Ion battery module when the dealership opened it to repair a different issue. They condemned the battery on the spot. There was no damage to the battery module. All PMs were performed at Chevrolet dealerships throughout the life of the car. All recalls were fixed. Including the BECM replacement the car is known have problems with. Car had 127,000 miles on it. One of the service reps even admited that he's seen it on multiple cars and that it is a manufacturing problem. Dealership said the repair is 29,000. The car was 35000 new 10 years ago. Thank God there was no fire, I drove my family around in that car for years. The dealership won't even let me see the diagnosis report online anymore...

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Three separate high-voltage battery section failures within one year, each causing complete loss of propulsion. Two occurred at freeway speeds on [XXX]. FAILURE 1 ([XXX]): Vehicle lost propulsion. Dealer diagnosed DTC P0AFA (low voltage), failed cell in Battery Section 3. Section 3 replaced under GM Special Coverage N232432680 (BECM, 15yr/150k). Vehicle out of service approximately six months awaiting GM authorization and parts. FAILURE 2 ([XXX]): Vehicle lost propulsion on [XXX] at night at freeway speeds. Required towing. Dealer diagnosed DTC P0AFA, Cell 85 at 1.85V in Battery Section 1 (different section). Section 1 replaced under same Special Coverage. Vehicle returned Jan 28, 2026. FAILURE 3 ([XXX], ~300 miles after Failure 2 repair): Vehicle again lost propulsion on the freeway with check engine light, then progressed to no-start condition. Towed to dealer. Diagnosed Feb 20, 2026: DTC P0AFA, Cell 57 at 1.5V in Battery Section 2 (GM minimum spec 2.5V). Third distinct section failure. Vehicle remains at dealer awaiting GM repair authorization as of filing date. SAFETY CONCERN: Loss of propulsion at freeway speeds is an immediate safety hazard. During the Nov 2025 event, the vehicle lost power on [XXX] at night in active traffic. The progressive failure pattern (three different sections failing sequentially in the same pack, identical DTC) suggests a systemic defect rather than isolated component failures. Prior section replacements have not resolved the underlying problem. Vehicle has been usable approximately 20 total days in the past 12 months. All repairs performed or pending under GM Special Coverage N232432680. GM Case [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a GM scan tool to diagnose the issue, revealing the code P1E00 for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, which was cleared without a thorough investigation. I was advised to return if the issue reoccurred. Despite the reset, the problem persisted, and on February 9th, 2024, I scheduled another appointment due to my Chevy Volt's High Voltage battery charging only to 65% capacity despite indicating a full charge. Subsequently, on February 11th, 2024, the check engine light illuminated again, and on February 12th, 2024, November 25th, 2025, January 11th, 2026, and February 12, 2026 while driving to work, both times I experienced a loss of propulsion power on the highway, placing my safety at risk and lost all power in a traveling lane of traffic. These ongoing issues with propulsion power and the high-voltage battery charging system are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Despite multiple visits to the dealership and attempts to diagnose and resolve the problem, it persists, indicating a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. The reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of Chevy Volt drivers and passengers. It is imperative that General Motors addresses these issues promptly and implements appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Several years ago, when I was driving the vehicle, I got a sudden "reduced propulsion alert" and the onboard coolant temperature gauge showed a significant spike in temperature. To avoid overheating, I had to pull over on the side of the highway. In the onboard fuse box, there was a blown F3 fuse. I replaced the fuse and the same issue happened again last year. After some online research, it is clear that the EGR valve failed. Unplugging the valve and replacing the fuse has returned the vehicle to normal operations, but it's now out of compliance with local emissions regulations. GM has failed to properly produce replacement parts. As of Feb 11, 2026, a local GM dealer in Bloomington, IN quoted a backorder and unclear wait time on a replacement part and quoted me at $2,000+ just for the part. If not for my quick thinking, this part failure could have overheated my vehicle causing extensive damages. GM has failed to produce enough replacement parts and given the safety issues associated with a blown fuse and overheating, NHTSA should order a recall on this part and force GM to replace the parts for owners. This is a widespread problem documented among Volt owners, and the only stopgap issue is to drive the vehicle out of compliance with local emissions rules.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the message stating that the propulsion was reduced was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact arrived at the destination and parked the vehicle, and the message “Shift to Park” was displayed even though the gear shifter was in park(P). The message “Charging Unavailable” was displayed. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle, the mileage was reduced from 72 miles to approximately 29 miles during the winter months, and 42 miles during the summer months, while still indicating a FULL charge. The “Shift to Park” failure had occurred twice the previous year, and the vehicle was turned off and restarted to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the hybrid power train control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the website, and a case was filed; however, a representative was not reached. The failure mileage was approximately 26,500.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There is a ongoing problem with the BECM on 2016-2018 volts. Mine is one of them. Contacted Chevrolet and they say my vin isn’t under the extended coverage. I believe it should be and can’t stand they won’t cover my car under warranty. Is there anything you can do?

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My car started having issues with the hybrid system, with fault alerts related to the drive motor control module, hybrid powertrain control module, and battery energy control module in the transmission, and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed. The engine light had been on for about a week, and I was waiting for availability at work to take it to a mechanic. While driving around 70 mph on the highway, a “Propulsion Power Reduced” message suddenly came on and the car started limiting its speed. As I kept driving, the power continued to drop, making it unsafe to stay at highway speeds and putting both me and other drivers at risk since the car couldn’t keep up with traffic and could slow down unexpectedly. I took it to an independent mechanic who confirmed the issue and warned me it was dangerous to drive because the speed would keep decreasing as power dropped. So far, only an independent mechanic has inspected it. After doing some research, I found this is a very common problem with 2016–2018 Chevy Volts, with many people reporting similar situations where their cars lost power or started jerking at high speeds and they had to pull over.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2017 Chevy Volt stalled, wont charge, safely concerns. safety-related special coverage is being denied by local Chevy dealer. Check Engine light codes U2603-06, U2623, well known issue in chevy volt community, that points to Chevy faulty BECM. Chevy replace these to some selected 2016-2018 vehicles, but they wont cover mine, while I have same exact issue. Please help to push on Chevy to cover all 2016-2018 Chevy Volt by recalls repairs with no cost to owner. thanks

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a GM scan tool to diagnose the issue, revealing the code P1E00 for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, which was cleared without a thorough investigation. I was advised to return if the issue reoccurred. Despite the reset, the problem persisted, and on February 9th, 2024, I scheduled another appointment due to my Chevy Volt's High Voltage battery charging only to 65% capacity despite indicating a full charge. Subsequently, on February 11th, 2024, the check engine light illuminated again, and on February 12th, 2024, November 25th, 2025, and January 11th, 2026, while driving to work, both times I experienced a loss of propulsion power on the highway, placing my safety at risk and lost all power in a traveling lane of traffic. These ongoing issues with propulsion power and the high-voltage battery charging system are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Despite multiple visits to the dealership and attempts to diagnose and resolve the problem, it persists, indicating a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. The reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of Chevy Volt drivers and passengers. It is imperative that General Motors addresses these issues promptly and implements appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Experiencing intermittent propulsion system failure with multiple simultaneous warning messages on 2017 Chevrolet Volt at approximately 59,000 miles. WARNINGS DISPLAYED: - "Propulsion Power Reduced" message - "Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System" (false alert - all tires properly inflated and recently replaced) - Multiple dashboard warning lights including exclamation point indicators - Vehicle exhibits abnormal driving characteristics PATTERN: Issue occurs intermittently while driving. Vehicle can be restarted and may operate normally afterward, then fault returns unpredictably. SAFETY CONCERN: This matches documented Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure pattern referenced in GM investigation N232432680/PE23022 and Customer Satisfaction Program 17228 recall N172096420 for reduced propulsion power in 2016-2018 Volts. Review of owner complaints shows other 2017 Volt owners experiencing sudden complete loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations requiring evasive action by other drivers. RISK: Loss of propulsion power while driving with dependent passengers creates serious crash risk. Vehicle is used for daily transportation of minor children. REQUEST: Vehicle exhibits known defect pattern but manufacturer has not extended recall coverage. Request investigation into whether recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Following a day trip involving sub-freezing temperatures and full depletion of the traction battery, the vehicle was plugged in at home and appeared to be charging. The following morning, I enable the preheat via the remote before leaving the house for work, and notice the CEL/MIL before starting the car. Car was cold, charging indicator was flashing green as if it was accepting charge. I went to investigate and was met with the following list of codes: P1E00, U2603, U2604-U2606, U2617-U2624, P1FD2, P1FD3, P3042, C326C, P0096. Car turns on but seems to only be accessories; no power steering. Seems like the state of charge indication kept transitioning from empty to full. I unplugged the car to see if it could still drive, but no luck. getting "Shift to Park" when I put it in drive. Switching to HOLD does not engage the engine. After plugging it in again, the car no longer receives charge and simply holds the orange charge indicator light. In an attempt to get the car into limp mode, I tried clearing the codes, but no luck. After reading the codes again in the afternoon, the following codes posted: P1E00, U2622, U2623, P1FD4, P0AFA. These codes and behavior are consistent with the following NTSB service documents, which call for the replacement of the BECM: Special Coverage N232432680 Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-261 However, the vehicle in question does not appear to be one of the 19,000 vehicles covered under the special coverage, per GM’s warranty look-up. The vehicle has not yet been serviced for the above events, but it is assumed the BECM is failing, which is available for inspection. My safety was not put at risk this time, but it is possible for the BECM to fail in an unsafe manner. Additionally, the associated repairs are costly since the BECM is not easily accessible, requiring lifting the car and removing the entire traction battery.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) failed. The vehicle illuminated the MIL and the driver display to show a "Reduced power". When restarted, the display showed "shift to park", which I did several times. After a couple of restarts it displayed the "Reduced power" message, but would not go into drive. THE MIL was illuminated the entire time. Through numerous key cycles I got the VIN operable and took it to the dealer for repair. The BECM part is at the dealer or on its way back to GM as a core return. While this occurred while I was leaving my garage, it could have occurred in traffic, which would put me or others at risk. The problem was investigated by my local dealer (Currie Chevrolet in Forest Park, IL) and it was determined to be both a bad Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and a bad shifter assembly. The shifter had been replaced (or repaired?) for an earlier Shift to Park failure per TSB 23-NA-119. The dealer kept the BECM as a core. I have pictures of the core. The dealer or GM should have that core. The above described warning lamps and messages and systems first appeared at the time of the event that lead me to take it other dealer ASAP. Note the condition and model year is described in GM special coverage letter "N232432680 Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction". NHTSA investigation PE23022 lead to this coverage letter. Per GM, while my vehicle experienced the conditions and is in the model year coverage of the letter, its VIN is not covered. I think NHTSA should re-open the investigation and consider a recall. There could be other VINS susceptible this failure condition. There could be operators of those VINs who cannot afford the expense (~$3000 or more) or downtime of the repair, and will keep operating the vehicle, putting people at risk again. If a recall is not supportable, I'd request that the VIN list be expanded to cover all possible defective BECMs.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On 10/14, I was driving the car to my job, when the car suddenly switched from its electric battery power to its internal combustion engine. The vehicle's information screen only showed that the battery was unavailable. I was able to operate the car on only the internal combustion engine to arrive at work. However, when I went to leave several hours later, the car would not start. The car was towed to a dealership and apparently repaired after about a week. However, the repair, a software reset, did not fixt the underlying issues, and on 10/27, after having the car for five days, the car again failed on my way to work, displaying a "Shift to Park" message and not starting. I towed the car to the same dealership, and they had it until 11/04. I recovered my car and drove it again to work that same day, but the car failed again due to the dealership not correctly diagnosing the issue, which appears to be the BECM, a failure related to bulletin N232432680. Due to this issue, I was left stranded on a busy highway for several hours on multiple occasions, and have not have a working vehicle since 10/14, meaning I have had to call off of work on multiple days, losing non-trivial amounts of income and undue economic hardship, due to this issue. Neither the dealership nor General Motors have offered any kind of help or support, and have generally attempted to avoid responding to my repeated phonecalls. Prior to this issue, there were no warnings or symptoms that I observed.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2017 Chevy Volt is having Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) issues. I receive the occasional error message of "propulsion is reduced" and engine fault codes of P1E00, U2619, U2620, U2621, U2622, U2623, and U2624. GM issued a Special Coverage bulletin (N232432680) extending the warranty for the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) on 2016-2018 Chevy Volts to 15 years/150,000 miles. My Chevy Volt is within this year and mileage range, but for some reason my Chevy Volt VIN is not included in this Special Coverage (N232432680), which means that this special coverage for some reason doesn't apply to my 2017 Chevy Volt, even though it has the same issue. Is there a way that my 2017 Chevy Volt VIN can be added to this Special Coverage bulletin (N232432680) so that I can get warranty repairs? Thank you.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving in stop and go traffic on a relatively busy road when I was cut off. I braked hard to avoid a collision. Immediately afterwards, the car would not respond to the accelerator and would not go forward. I was in the middle of the road and the car would not respond. It could have caused an accident. I put the car into park and then back into drive and it seemed to work again. But I am now worried about the car.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The engine light starts blinking and telling me propulsion power reduced, and then I cannot use the cruise control after that turns on, and it starts losing power, driving on I 70 after work all of a sudden it turned on and wet from going 76 miles an hour to 52 on highway I 70 where the speed limit was 75. This problem was a recall problem which was fixed and now is happening again on the same part and having the same problems.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am reporting a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illumination of the check engine light. The mechanic performed a quick inspection and used a GM scan tool to diagnose the issue, revealing the code P1E00 for the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, which was cleared without a thorough investigation. I was advised to return if the issue reoccurred. Despite the reset, the problem persisted, and on February 9th, 2024, I scheduled another appointment due to my Chevy Volt's High Voltage battery charging only to 65% capacity despite indicating a full charge. Subsequently, on February 11th, 2024, the check engine light illuminated again, and on February 12th, 2024 and again on November 25th, 2025, while driving to work, both times I experienced a loss of propulsion power on the highway, placing my safety at risk and lost all power in a traveling lane of traffic. These ongoing issues with propulsion power and the high-voltage battery charging system are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Despite multiple visits to the dealership and attempts to diagnose and resolve the problem, it persists, indicating a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. The reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, coupled with the illuminationI urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure the safety of Chevy Volt drivers and passengers. It is imperative that General Motors addresses these issues promptly and implements appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt D2. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle on the vehicle did not start. The contact stated that vehicle restarted after an hour. The contact stated the during the second occasion the vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Battery energy control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The vehicle losses power at times. Will not take a charge. It states it is in reduced power mode. It appears to be the becm however my vin is not reported to be on the special coverage.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The high-voltage heater control module (also known as the PTC coolant heater / K10 heater module) has failed. This component controls cabin heat and windshield defrost when the vehicle operates in electric mode. The authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed the issue, confirmed the failure, and attempted to order the correct GM part. GM informed the dealer that the part is no longer manufactured or available through GM channels. As a result, there is currently no GM-approved repair path. This failure prevents the vehicle from providing windshield defrost while operating in EV mode, which is required for safe winter visibility. I live in New Hampshire, where winter temperatures routinely require functioning cabin heat and defrost for safe operation and compliance with state visibility laws. Because this is a high-voltage thermal management component, there is no safe aftermarket repair option. The inability to obtain an OEM replacement part for a safety-related system prevents the vehicle from operating safely in intended EV mode.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The BECM failed, engine light on, car is at reduced power or doesn't run at all. A message states that there are no EV miles available when it is full to to place the shifter into park. There is a free extended warranty for it (XXX- Special Coverage--Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction - ) but my Chevrolet dealership in Wenatchee, Washington says that it's not covered. I want to know why they said this. I have been stranded without an operable car, unable to get to and from work. If I don't go to work, I can't pay my mortgage. I don't have another car to drive or the means to rent one. It needs to be towed 90 miles to a dealership which that price will be astronomical on my poverty level income. I have cancer and need to get to my treatments. The cost to replace the BECM is $2100-$3000 out of pocket not including towing. The error code was read as a failed BECM by a diagnostic reader and it's having all the symptoms of a failed BECM. It has the following code: P1E00 $07E8Pd Initial symptoms in the prior week before the car wouldn't operate, was that I got a message to put the car into park when it was already in park. Sometimes the display wouldn't work. Sometimes the heater wouldn't turn on in the preceding 2 months. GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS6812 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY reads that 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt models are covered. I've attached this letter.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Approximately 3.5 weeks ago my 2017 Chevrolet Volt (105K miles) would not start and then, when it did, was in "Reduced Power Mode". I had to drive home 25+ miles in this low power mode. I brought to my local mechanic (not a Chevrolet dealership) first. They did a diagnostic and told me the issue was "Battery Energy Control Module" - a known issue in 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts affecting 19,000 vehicles for Chevrolet provided extended warranty coverage for up to 15 years/150,000 miles. See Special Coverage N232432680. I was not able to get an appointment for 9 days at the Chevrolet dealership in Oxford PA. The vehicle needed to be towed there because it wouldn't start. Chevrolet dealership said it was not the Battery Energy Control Module but rather the 12V battery. They replaced battery, I picked up vehicle and paid $525+ for diagnostic and new battery. By the next day, the vehicle wouldn't start again. I brought the vehicle back and they did diagnostic again and this time determined it WAS the Battery Energy Control Module. Dealership said Chevrolet has not included your VIN in the Special Coverage and didn't know why not. I called Chevrolet/GM customer service (800-222-1020) and spoke with two people including an escalation supervisor and both said the VIN for my vehicle was not included because it was determined that would not be part of the Special Coverage they've offered. We went round and round and no one will give an answer as to why there is a KNOWN issue for 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts yet my vehicle is being excluded. They said they have no ability to change it and include it in the Special Coverage. If months or years down the road, they determine it should have been included then they'll reimburse me. That answer is unacceptable. Between repairs, initial misdiagnoses and repair and rental car fees, I'm out over $5,000.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle propulsion system failed. According to Chevy dealer the Battery Energy Control Module and A/T Control Park Switch and harness failed. Warning lights came on when the failure happened. Failure happened just past the extended 150k mile warranty. But car in only 8 years old.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

EGR valve and EGR cooler failure. Engine power was reduced and EGR fuse kept blowing. Has code for EGR flow failure/restriction. Check engine light remains on even when reset

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My EGR system caused a check engine light. P0401 This is an extremely well documented issue on Gen2 Volts, especially 2017 models. Simply searching "EGR" on the Volt subreddit or forums returns hundreds of related threads. This issue can lead to a clogged EGR valve, causing further damage. A temporary resolution is unplugging the EGR valve, which i have not yet done. But this leaves the CEL illuminated, and without daily scanner, I wouls not know if other issues arise, causing a significant safety hazard.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving my Chevy Volt lost power as it disconnected from a full charged battery to gas as the check engine light lit on. The car would then hesitate after stopping at a light/stop sign, losing and regaining power as it gained momentum (which was very dangerous), and would no longer charge. The issue was confirmed by Sun Devil auto repair (diagnosis attached) that this was a known issue with Chevy Volts 2016-2018 and would be covered. I was advised that my VIN was not covered and paid Freeway Chevrolet $2,301.62 (invoice attached with BECM replacement) and would like to be reimbursed. The Chevy Volt's Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) warranty was extended by GM to 15 years or 150,000 miles, from its original 8-year/100,000-mile Volt Component coverage, for 2016-2018 models. This Special Coverage N232432680 addresses potential BECM malfunctions causing reduced power, no start, or no charge conditions. Details of the Extension •Coverage: 15 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the vehicle's original in-service date. •Affected Models: Chevrolet Volt models from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years. •Purpose: To cover issues with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) that can lead to reduced power, no-start, or no-charge conditions. I contacted Chevy and they recommended I file a complaint since they could not help me or explain why my make/model/year fits the criteria of a known issue and would not be covered.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

EGR Valve failed in this vehicle <55,000 miles. The EGR valve has an electronic component that, when fails, can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. This is a well documented problem (internet) and Chevrolet refuses to fix it, leaving the owners with an expensive replacement quoted at $3900 (Sept 2025). Recommend that it be covered by the emissions warranty, which was recently extended to 150,000 miles and 8 years for other problematic emissions components. An electric vehicle that cannot be driven because an EGR valve is faulty - it's a joke.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Thousands of 2014-2017 Chevy Volt owners are having issues where the EGR Valve malfunctions and the engine shuts down. The Volt's EGR valve can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. In many cases cars are in the shop for months because the part is on "backorder". That's my situation-- dealer just told me it's a $2800 repair job, but the part is on "backorder". The car only has 49K miles. Many threads on reddit with hundreds of comments / upvotes: [XXX] / [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2017 Chevrolet Volt is experiencing "a malfunction involving the battery energy control module (BECM)" as diagnosed by the Davis-Moore dealership. This failure of the BECM has now caused "a reduced power mode, a no start condition, or a no charge condition". The car currently does not start or charge. My vehicle has be diagnosed as needing a BECM replacement at a Chevrolet dealership. The vehicle is currently inoperable as it will not charge, it will not engage the electric drive mode, and it will not engage the range extender (engine). The car does not start. GM is showing that there is no active recall or special warranty for my vehicle, however, I believe special warranty N23243268 should apply.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Check engine light came on car was able to start but the cluster started reading the battery being full with a charge. And was having trouble starting. Fast forward a day I get a propulsion system reduced warning on the dash as I’m entering the highway and the car fails to stay on I’m able to pull it to the shoulder and I cannot get the car to start. Get towed home throw it on the charger and the dash says unable to charge. swap the 12v (checked it and it died) thinking that might fix the problem since the car was able to power on but not start. To no avail through my code reader and code p1e00 code. Took it to my local dealer and was told id need replace the becm… and was quoted 33xx for the repair. Had any of this happened while I was on the freeway I might not have been able to make it to the shoulder potentially putting myself and others on the road and a possibly fatal situation.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am writing regarding my Chevrolet Volt, which suffered the very common Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure that your office already investigated and which resulted in GM being required to extend coverage under special warranty reference: MC-10251431-0001 . Despite this, Chevrolet is refusing to cover my repair. Their reasoning: because my Volt was originally purchased in California, they claim it falls under CARB rules—but now that I live in Arizona, they insist neither California’s coverage nor the NHTSA-ordered special coverage applies. In effect, my vehicle has been trapped in a paperwork loophole GM is exploiting to avoid responsibility. This response is not in the spirit of your findings. The defect was not caused by geography, state lines, or ownership history. The BECM is a manufacturer defect, and it failed for the same reason thousands of others have failed: poor design and inadequate durability. Whether the car was first sold in California, Colorado, or Kansas is irrelevant—the failure is GM’s, and the repair obligation should be GM’s as well. By denying coverage on a technicality, Chevrolet is undermining the very purpose of the extended coverage you required: to protect owners from footing the bill for a well-documented, widespread, and unsafe defect. Their position leaves me, and others like me, bearing the costs of GM’s engineering failure. I ask that NHTSA review GM’s handling of these claims and require them to honor the extended coverage as intended, without hiding behind jurisdictional loopholes.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Propulsion power reduced and check engine light came on my 2017 Chevy volt - been happening a few times now the last week

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving my car from Houston to Dallas when I got the "reduced propulsion" message and a check engine light. When I first saw the reduced propulsion issue I thought it might be related to the BECM issue again since I had already experienced that problem before. In the last few minutes of my trip the AC started to get hot and when I checked the coolant temperature I noticed it was around 240 - 255 F. I hadn't noticed it since there was no warning light for high temperature which I am used to with other cars. I'm not sure of the full extent of the issues yet, but I know for certain that the EGR valve has failed completely at about 71,500 miles. This is with very few miles on the actual ICE. I typically only use the ICE for a few hundred miles of driving each year. Fortunately for me, even though the CEL came on for the reduced propulsion I was able to reach my destination. However, when I went to leave, the car left me stranded as the ICE would shut down after a few minutes of running. The propulsion system is reduced and the engine becomes unavailable. Only the battery power will allow the car to drive. The F3 fuse in the EGR circuit blows if the engine is activated, and has happened multiple times already confirming the EGR issue. I have additional check engine lights that are a result of the EGR failure to circulate coolant properly. Below is a list of all the CEL codes that were pulled: P06DB P0030 P0031 P0403 P0405 P0443 P0458 P0489 P0597 P0598 P06DA P0AC4 P0135 P0AC4 P16E0 Looking into this issue I found that this is an one of the most common failures in the Chevy Volts but is no longer covered under the vehicle warranty and no bulletins posted for an extended warranty other than the BECM failure. This failure is so prevalent that I am surprised it is not.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving approximately 65 MPH on an interstate highway, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. Very shortly after, the dashboard screen displayed the message "propulsion power reduced," and the internal combustion engine turned on. The vehicle's power was significantly reduced, almost causing an accident when another car started merging without checking their blind spot, forcing me into the left lane in front of a third vehicle that had to brake sharply to allow me to accelerate to keep up with traffic in that lane. Upon scanning the vehicle with an OBDII reader, codes P1E00, P1F06, U2603, U2604, U2605, U2606, U2617, and U2618 were present. Together, these codes indicate an issue with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The vehicle is currently at a Chevrolet dealer, awaiting replacement of the BECM under the applicable warranty extension.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Component or System Involved: The rear passenger-side seatbelt (right side from the driver’s view) on my 2017 Chevy Volt Premier malfunctioned. Specifically, the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mechanism failed and would not release tension, even after fully retracting the strap. The cut portion of the seatbelt is still in my possession and can be made available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure posed a serious safety risk. The seatbelt had been secured around a child car seat base, and once it locked, it would not release. After more than 30 minutes of troubleshooting — including fully retracting the belt and manually pressing the emergency release button inside the seat — it still would not disengage. The car seat base could not be repositioned or removed safely, which would have compromised the proper installation of a child safety seat. With no other option to ensure safe transport, I was forced to cut the seatbelt free. The problem has not yet been reproduced or officially diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. I have not yet reported it to GM or visited a dealership, but I plan to do so soon. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. However, this closely mirrors recall 18V673000, especially since that recall affected Volt models 2018-2019 and mine is a 2017. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or advance symptoms before the failure occurred. The seatbelt functioned normally until it was engaged with the car seat, at which point the retractor locked and failed to release.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as needed while shifted into park(P). The contact manipulated the gear shifter until park(P) was recognized and the vehicle turned off. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Purchased: March 2017, new from Quality Chevrolet, Escondido, CA I am reporting a persistent and worsening issue with the “Shift to Park” system in my 2017 Chevy Volt. The problem began approximately three months after purchase (mid-2017) and has continued to worsen over time. Initially, the issue occurred intermittently, but it now happens every time I attempt to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle fails to recognize that it is in Park, displaying a “Shift to Park” message on the dashboard even when the gear selector is correctly positioned. This prevents the car from shutting off properly and poses a safety and battery drain risk. I brought the vehicle to Quality Chevrolet for service on the following dates: June 2017 April 2018 August 2020 Despite these visits, the dealership failed to diagnose or resolve the issue. On July 9, 2025, I returned to the same dealership, and they finally diagnosed the problem as a faulty jumper harness and switch contact, quoting $586 plus tax for the repair. I requested a goodwill repair from GM, given that the issue began within the warranty period and has been ongoing for years, but my request was denied. This is a known and widespread issue affecting many GM vehicles, and I believe it represents a design or manufacturing defect that should be subject to a recall or broader investigation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to ensure consumer safety and accountability.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that after arriving at the destination and moving the shifter into park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact became aware that with the message displayed the vehicle would not start. The contact disconnected and reconnected the 12-Volt battery to reset the system, enabling the vehicle to start. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Battery Energy Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Portion message car stalled on hey

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

EGR Valve stop functioning, which caused Service not available engine check light on. This is a hybrid plugin, when battery is low, it is dangerous is Gas Engine not functioning. This EGR Valve is super expensive, the fix (Parts and Labor) is over $3300. The car milage was only a little over 58800 miles. Without getting this repaired, the emission inspection will not be passed in Virginia.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported