Chevrolet Volt — the 9 years we've written up
2011–2019, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 8 of the 9 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 9 Chevrolet Volt model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Chevrolet built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Chevrolet Volt by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
Total loss of propulsion at speed — battery control module or high-voltage disconnect relay — $1,800–$3,000
Battery Energy Control Module failure — reduced propulsion, then the car stops — $1,800–$3,000
Battery Energy Control Module failure — "Propulsion Power Reduced", then a stall — $1,800–$3,000
Battery capacity loss — $4,000-$8,000 for a pack, rare at this age
Inner tie rod may not be tightened, and a separated tie rod means no steering (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
High-voltage battery losing capacity, dying without warning, or shutting the car down — $3,500–$8,000 for a replacement high-voltage pack; $200–$400 for the 12-volt battery
Passenger presence sensor fails — service airbag warnings and a $1,000-plus seat repair — $700–$1,800 for the passenger presence sensor and seat work at a dealer
Passenger seat occupant sensor fails — 'Service Airbag' light on, passenger airbag switched off — $500–$1,800 for the seat occupant sensor at a dealer, less for a used seat
'Propulsion Power Reduced' — the car will not accelerate for several minutes — $0–$400 for a control module reflash; $3,000–$8,000 if the high-voltage battery or its modules are behind it
1 of these 9 have no high-severity issue in our write-up. That means we didn't find an expensive recurring fault — not that one cannot exist on the specific vehicle you're looking at.
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Chevrolet Volt in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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