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2017 Chevrolet Volt Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2017 Chevrolet Volt Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Volt has 1,149 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and fuel/propulsion system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.5/ 10

Based on 1,149 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

283 24.6%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

218 19%

POWER TRAIN

205 17.8%

ENGINE

174 15.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

112 9.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 24.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 42 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Chevrolet Volt

The 2017 Chevrolet Volt has 1,149 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 25% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (283), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (218), POWER TRAIN (205).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 751 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Chevrolet Volt?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Volt complaints2016 Volt complaints2019 Volt complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 19 of 19 systems

POWER TRAIN

61 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2 MONTH OLD CAR WITH ~2300 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT ~ 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE PANEL READS "SHIFT TO PARK". LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR (STEERING WAS STILL IN TACT) WITH THE REMAINING SPEED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HOWEVER, HAD THE HIGHWAY BEEN BUSIER OR IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FAR LEFT LANE, I DON'T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT AND WOULD HAVE CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. ON THE VOLT FORUM, OTHERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. THE REPAIR, THOUGH COVERED, TOOK 3+ WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP. FROM DEALER PRINTOUT "INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PRIME NOTOR(SIC) INTERNAL FAILURE P03AF DRIVE MOTOR REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH SRTA SRTA UNIT".

8/9/2016

WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN CAR (WITH ~2500 MILES ON IT) JUST SHUT OFF, LUCKILY ON A SIDE STREET AFTER CROSSING A BUSY HIGHWAY. I DROVE TO MEET HER AND CALLED ONSTAR. IT WAS IN THE "SHIFT TO PARK" MODE. THEY CONNECTED ME WITH THE VOLT SUPPORT TEAM. THEY DETERMINED IT HAD SOMEHOW GOT INTO SERVICE MODE AND THEY TALKED ME THOUGH GETTING IT OUT OF THAT. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER. IT SEEMED FINE FOR A FEW MILES BUT IT STARTED DISPLAYING REDUCED PROPULSION POWER AND DIED AGAIN ABOUT 100YDS AWAY FROM THE DEALER, AFTER I HAD JUST PULLED ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. I TRIED THE TECHNIQUE TO GET IT OUT OF SERVICE MODE, BUT IT DID NOT WORK THIS TIME AND HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW (AND POLICE DETAIL SO I WOULDN'T GET REAR-ENDED). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE CAR AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS A SHORT IN THE BATTERY COOLING SYSTEM/PUMP.

9/9/2016

59 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

57 Reports23% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2017 CHEVROLET VOLT EXTREME ENGINE HAZARD: ON 22-MAR-2016 I PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT PREMIER, ALL SAFETY OPTIONS. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, STRAIGHT DRIVING, RELATIVELY LIGHT TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON YELLOW AND STEADY (EMISSIONS SYSTEM SERVICE WARNING) BUT THE CAR UNCONTROLLABLY DECELERATED. THE FREEWAY HAD NO SHOULDER DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. THE CAR SMELLED OF BURNING ELECTRICAL INSULATION CONFIRMED BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. THE CAR, WITH LESS THAN 150 TOTAL MILES, IN CLEAR WEATHER, AT TWILIGHT, 76 DEGREES, CALIFORNIA AT SEA LEVEL, STRAIGHTAWAY, HAD A SUDDEN AND NEAR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL PROPULSION. THIS CAUSED A LACK OF CONTROL (OBVIOUSLY) IN THE FORWARD DIRECTION, CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD ON THE FREEWAY. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER: MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS WAS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURE'S ERROR. I CHECKED, NO PARKING BRAKE, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE GEAR, I HAD BOTH ELECTRIC RANGE AND OVER 7/8 TANK OF GAS SHOWING A GAS RANGE OF 360 MILES - AND I HAD JUST DRIVEN 60 MILES. THERE WAS NO BRAKE SMELL, AS I DID NOT NEED TO APPLY THE BRAKE BECAUSE THE ENGINE GAVE NO PROPULSION. MY HAND WAS OFF THE REGEN SWITCH. THE CAR HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD, AND BASED ON THE SMELL, POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.

4/3/2016

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A FREEWAY A LIGHT CAME ON STATING ALL SYSTEMS WOULD SHUT DOWN AND ALL SYSTEMS DID SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THERE WAS HARDLY TIME ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. EVEN THE ONSTAR SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. THE DOOR FOB WOULD NOT WORK TO OPEN THE CAR DOORS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THE TOW COMPANY WAS UNABLE TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL SO SKATES WERE USED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE ON A FLATBED TOW TRUCK. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, SINGH, RIVERSIDE, CA THAT RECEIVED THE TOW VEHICLE STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO 3 DEFECTIVE FUSES THAT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BATTERY SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUSES WERE PRODUCED OVERSEAS AND THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE CAR AND NO ESTIMATED DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT GMC HAD SENT OUT A FLYER RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. AFTER 3 WEEKS I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I PICKED IT UP. THREE DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP. A GMC FIELD TECHNICIAN WAS DISPATCHED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE CAR. GMC IS IN THE PROCESS OF RE-PURCHASING THE VEHICLE FROM ME UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM FOR 7 WEEKS.

9/10/2016

55 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

35 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HEADREST JUTS OUT TOO FAR FORWARD. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON ALL NEWER CARS. MY WIFE CAN NOT SIT STRAIGHT UP IN THE SEAT WITH HER BACK AGAINST THE SEATBACK WITHOUT HAVING THE HEADREST PUSHING HER HEAD DOWNWARD. WE TRIED TO MOVE THE HEADREST UP AND DOWN WITH NO RESOLVE. SHE IS ABOUT 5 FOOT 7 INCHES WITH VERY GOOD POSTURE. THE HEADREST SEEM TO PUT HERE HEAD IN AN UNNATURAL POSITION.

9/7/2016

THE VEHICLE CENTER DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK RELIABLY. MOST CONCERNING TO SAFETY IS THE FACT THAT THIS RENDERS THE REVERSE CAMERA INOPERABLE. OTHER THINGS THAT DON'T WORK INCLUDE BLUETOOTH, RADIO, ON STAR, CONTROLS FOR THE VEHICLE SETUP AND CHARGING PARAMETERS, AIR CONDITIONING, ENERGY USAGE DISPLAY, AND SO ON. AFTER SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS AND CALLS TO GM, THEY DETERMINED THAT IF YOU LEAVE A PHONE PLUGGED INTO THE USB CORD FOR THE AUDIO SYSTEM, AND POWER THE CAR OFF WITHOUT FIRST UNPLUGGING THE PHONE FROM THE CHARGER AND EVEN THE CHARGER CORD FROM THE USB PORT (WITH NO PHONE PLUGGED IN) OR ELSE THE NEXT TIME YOU START THE CAR THE SCREEN AND FUNCTIONS ON IT WILL BE INOPERABLE UNTIL THE CAR IS POWERED OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WHETHER OR NOT I UNPLUG MY PHONE WHEN I TURN OFF THE CAR SHOULD PREVENT THE BACKUP CAMERA FROM FUNCTIONING NOR THE DETAILS ABOUT ELECTRIC CAR CHARGE USAGE. GM HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO, THAT'S JUST HOW IT WORKS.

11/23/2016

33 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

24 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2 MONTH OLD CAR WITH ~2300 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT ~ 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE PANEL READS "SHIFT TO PARK". LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR (STEERING WAS STILL IN TACT) WITH THE REMAINING SPEED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HOWEVER, HAD THE HIGHWAY BEEN BUSIER OR IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FAR LEFT LANE, I DON'T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT AND WOULD HAVE CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. ON THE VOLT FORUM, OTHERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. THE REPAIR, THOUGH COVERED, TOOK 3+ WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP. FROM DEALER PRINTOUT "INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PRIME NOTOR(SIC) INTERNAL FAILURE P03AF DRIVE MOTOR REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH SRTA SRTA UNIT".

8/9/2016

THE VEHICLE CENTER DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK RELIABLY. MOST CONCERNING TO SAFETY IS THE FACT THAT THIS RENDERS THE REVERSE CAMERA INOPERABLE. OTHER THINGS THAT DON'T WORK INCLUDE BLUETOOTH, RADIO, ON STAR, CONTROLS FOR THE VEHICLE SETUP AND CHARGING PARAMETERS, AIR CONDITIONING, ENERGY USAGE DISPLAY, AND SO ON. AFTER SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS AND CALLS TO GM, THEY DETERMINED THAT IF YOU LEAVE A PHONE PLUGGED INTO THE USB CORD FOR THE AUDIO SYSTEM, AND POWER THE CAR OFF WITHOUT FIRST UNPLUGGING THE PHONE FROM THE CHARGER AND EVEN THE CHARGER CORD FROM THE USB PORT (WITH NO PHONE PLUGGED IN) OR ELSE THE NEXT TIME YOU START THE CAR THE SCREEN AND FUNCTIONS ON IT WILL BE INOPERABLE UNTIL THE CAR IS POWERED OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WHETHER OR NOT I UNPLUG MY PHONE WHEN I TURN OFF THE CAR SHOULD PREVENT THE BACKUP CAMERA FROM FUNCTIONING NOR THE DETAILS ABOUT ELECTRIC CAR CHARGE USAGE. GM HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO, THAT'S JUST HOW IT WORKS.

11/23/2016

22 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

23 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2017 CHEVROLET VOLT EXTREME ENGINE HAZARD: ON 22-MAR-2016 I PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT PREMIER, ALL SAFETY OPTIONS. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, STRAIGHT DRIVING, RELATIVELY LIGHT TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON YELLOW AND STEADY (EMISSIONS SYSTEM SERVICE WARNING) BUT THE CAR UNCONTROLLABLY DECELERATED. THE FREEWAY HAD NO SHOULDER DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. THE CAR SMELLED OF BURNING ELECTRICAL INSULATION CONFIRMED BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. THE CAR, WITH LESS THAN 150 TOTAL MILES, IN CLEAR WEATHER, AT TWILIGHT, 76 DEGREES, CALIFORNIA AT SEA LEVEL, STRAIGHTAWAY, HAD A SUDDEN AND NEAR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL PROPULSION. THIS CAUSED A LACK OF CONTROL (OBVIOUSLY) IN THE FORWARD DIRECTION, CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD ON THE FREEWAY. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER: MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS WAS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURE'S ERROR. I CHECKED, NO PARKING BRAKE, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE GEAR, I HAD BOTH ELECTRIC RANGE AND OVER 7/8 TANK OF GAS SHOWING A GAS RANGE OF 360 MILES - AND I HAD JUST DRIVEN 60 MILES. THERE WAS NO BRAKE SMELL, AS I DID NOT NEED TO APPLY THE BRAKE BECAUSE THE ENGINE GAVE NO PROPULSION. MY HAND WAS OFF THE REGEN SWITCH. THE CAR HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD, AND BASED ON THE SMELL, POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.

4/3/2016

I WAS DRIVING MY 2 MONTH OLD CAR WITH ~2300 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT ~ 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE PANEL READS "SHIFT TO PARK". LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR (STEERING WAS STILL IN TACT) WITH THE REMAINING SPEED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HOWEVER, HAD THE HIGHWAY BEEN BUSIER OR IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FAR LEFT LANE, I DON'T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT AND WOULD HAVE CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. ON THE VOLT FORUM, OTHERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. THE REPAIR, THOUGH COVERED, TOOK 3+ WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP. FROM DEALER PRINTOUT "INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PRIME NOTOR(SIC) INTERNAL FAILURE P03AF DRIVE MOTOR REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH SRTA SRTA UNIT".

8/9/2016

21 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS APPROACHING A SUDDEN RED LIGHT AND APPLIED MY BRAKES HARD BUT NOT TOO HARD (I DID NOT SUDDENLY SLAM THE BRAKES). THE BRAKES APPLIED AS EXPECTED AT FIRST BUT THE BRAKES LET UP SOME AND MY VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE FOR ABOUT HALF A SECOND BEFORE THE BRAKES APPLIED AGAIN AND DECELERATED TO A STOP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL FURTHER WHEN IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT DECELERATING.

6/13/2016

THIS ELECTRIC CAR HAS REGENERATIVE BRAKING. BESIDES BEING IN THE REGULAR BRAKING, THERE IS A PURE REGENERATIVE BRAKING PADDLE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. BUT WHEN YOU USE THIS BRAKE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT TURN ON. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD AS I USE THIS BRAKE ALL THE TIME AND CARS BEHIND ME DO NOT KNOW I AM BRAKING AND HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. CHEVY DEALER SAYS THAT IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED AND IS FUNCTIONING PERFECTLY. WHY HAS THIS BEEN APPROVED TO DESIGN A BRAKING SYSTEM WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS? WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?

5/2/2017

8 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A MILD CURVE ON A WET OREGON STATE HIGHWAY. IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS SURELY COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY OR DEATH HAD THERE BEEN A SHARP CURVE OR PEDESTRIAN OR VEHICLE TO AVOID. I AM HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS 2043 MILES ON IT.

2/27/2017

ON MAY 8TH, 2017, CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING, WHIRRING SOUND AND BECAME UNDRIVEABLE. CAR WAS IN SLOW MOTION ON A COUNTRY ROAD, HAVING JUST SLOWED DOWN FOR A LIGHT THEN TURNED INTO PARKING LOT WHEN NOISE BEAN.

5/25/2017

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE BOUGHT A NEW 2017 CHEVY VOLT AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2016 AND HAD OUR FIRST ISSUE IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2017. WHAT HAPPENED THAT FIRST TIME WAS ON (2/3/2017) WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TRAFFIC THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING TURNED OFF THE ELECTRIC WHEEL MOTORS AND WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO POWER THE CAR PROPERLY TO GET THE CAR TO THE BERM. WE WERE NEARLY WERE HIT TWICE WHILE TRYING TO STEER THE CAR OFF OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AS IT DECELERATED. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AN NEEDED TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR A WEEK THEY RETURNED IT WITH THE EXPLANATION THAT THE CAR NEEDED TO DO SOFTWARE UPDATES AND THEY WERE TOO LARGE TO DO OVER THE CAR'S SATELLITE SYSTEM ' BUT THEY NEVER GAVE US ANY INDICATION OF HOW WE WOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE NEED FOR SUCH AN UPDATE. WE THEN HAD ANOTHER NEAR ACCIDENT TODAY (4/6/2017) ON THE SAME HIGHWAY AND WE WERE NEARLY PUSHED UP UNDER A SEMI WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES AN HOUR. AGAIN, THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING SHUT OFF THE ELECTRIC WHEEL MOTORS AND WARNED US TO 'PUT THE CAR IN PARK'. IT HAPPENED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS IN FEBRUARY BUT NO WARNINGS HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR OUR CAR AND WE ALMOST HAD A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. MY CONCERN IS FOR MY FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES SAFETY AT THIS POINT AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TODAY IF MY DAUGHTER, WHO IS A BRAND NEW DRIVER, WOULD HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THE SAME SITUATION SANDWICHED IN BY TWO SEMI-TRUCKS AND WITH A CAR TRYING TO PASS ON THE SHOULDER AROUND HER ' IT COULD HAVE BEEN FAR WORSE. I AM IN SEVERAL CHEVY VOLT GROUPS ON FACEBOOK AND PEOPLE WHO LOVED THE GENERATION 1 OF THESE CARS ARE HAVING MAJOR ISSUES FROM BATTERY PACKS DYING, TO DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES, TO SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS AND MORE WHERE PEOPLE ARE HAVING MAJOR SYSTEM PIECES REPLACED 2-3 TIMES IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS THEY OWN THE CARS.

4/6/2017

I PURCHASED A NEW 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT EQUIPMENT WITH AUTOMATIC PARKING ASSIST. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2017, I WAS DRIVING ON BATH STREET IN SANTA BARBARA. I DECIDED TO PARK ON BATH AT PUEBLO STREET. THE FIRST TIME, I ENGAGED THE APA FEATURE TO ASSIST WITH PARALLEL PARKING, I FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DASHBOARD. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, I FOLLOWED THE DIRECTION TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE. THE MOMENT I COMPLETED THE SHIFT AND I LIFTED BY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL IT HAD JUMPED THE CURB AND SIDESWIPED A TELEPHONE POLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CHEVY DEALER AND FILED A CLAIM FOR PRODUCT DEFECT WITH GENERAL MOTORS. GENERAL MOTORS HAS SUBSEQUENTLY DECLINED THE CLAIM.

12/21/2017

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2017 CHEVROLET VOLT EXTREME ENGINE HAZARD: ON 22-MAR-2016 I PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT PREMIER, ALL SAFETY OPTIONS. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, STRAIGHT DRIVING, RELATIVELY LIGHT TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON YELLOW AND STEADY (EMISSIONS SYSTEM SERVICE WARNING) BUT THE CAR UNCONTROLLABLY DECELERATED. THE FREEWAY HAD NO SHOULDER DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. THE CAR SMELLED OF BURNING ELECTRICAL INSULATION CONFIRMED BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. THE CAR, WITH LESS THAN 150 TOTAL MILES, IN CLEAR WEATHER, AT TWILIGHT, 76 DEGREES, CALIFORNIA AT SEA LEVEL, STRAIGHTAWAY, HAD A SUDDEN AND NEAR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL PROPULSION. THIS CAUSED A LACK OF CONTROL (OBVIOUSLY) IN THE FORWARD DIRECTION, CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD ON THE FREEWAY. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER: MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS WAS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURE'S ERROR. I CHECKED, NO PARKING BRAKE, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE GEAR, I HAD BOTH ELECTRIC RANGE AND OVER 7/8 TANK OF GAS SHOWING A GAS RANGE OF 360 MILES - AND I HAD JUST DRIVEN 60 MILES. THERE WAS NO BRAKE SMELL, AS I DID NOT NEED TO APPLY THE BRAKE BECAUSE THE ENGINE GAVE NO PROPULSION. MY HAND WAS OFF THE REGEN SWITCH. THE CAR HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD, AND BASED ON THE SMELL, POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.

4/3/2016

WE ARE WRITING TO VOICE A VERY DISCONCERTING AND DANGEROUS INCIDENT WITH OUR 2017 CHEVY VOLT. ON A RETURN TRIP AT DARK FROM CLEVELAND, OHIO TO ROCHESTER, NY ON 12-26-16, OUR ENGINE SUDDENLY GAVE WARNING BEEPS WHICH PROMPTED MY HUSBAND TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER ON INTERSTATE 90 IN ERIE, PA. WE HAD ALL OF 15-20 SECONDS TO GET OFF THIS HEAVILY TRAFFICKED HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR LITERALLY SHUT DOWN.. NOTHING WORKED NOT EVEN THE WARNING FLASHERS. WE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK, AND HAD WE NOT KEPT ONE DOOR OPEN WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ENTER THE CAR. IN SUMMARY, THE TOTAL FAILURE WE ENCOUNTERED SHOWS THE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THIS CAR. WE ARE NOW RELUCTANT TO TAKE IT ON TRIPS THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD WE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER.

1/11/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE (PHOTO 08); WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE, THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF THE GARAGE, ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME (PHOTO 09), LEAVING SKID MARKS (PHOTOS 06 & 07) ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CAR WAS IN NORMAL ELECTRIC MODE AT THE TIME. I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR ON MAY 3RD FROM DAVE GILL CHEVROLET IN COLUMBUS, OH. THERE WERE 12,490 MILES ON THE CAR AT PURCHASE AND A LITTLE LESS THAN 14,000 MILES AS THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I AM UPLOADING NINE (9) PHOTOS.

6/8/2018

THE BATTERY ENERGY CONTROL MODULE FAILED AT ~34K MILES. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND PREVENTED THE CAR FROM USING THE BATTERIES FOR DRIVING. THE FAILURE MADE THE CAR UNUSABLE.

10/4/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WIFE HAS ALZHEIMER'S CAN'T STAND UP OR WALK SO CAN'T PUT HER IN THE BACK SEAT . DOOR OPENING IS TO SMALL. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE RUNNING 70 MPH AND SHE PULLS ON THE DOOR HANDLE TWICE AND THE DOOR OPENS DOOR. DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE HAVING THE DOORS TO OPEN WHEN THE HANDLE IS PULLED TWICE SHE ALMOST FELL BUT SEAT BELT SAVED HER. THEY NEED TO PUT A CHILD LOCK ON THIS DOOR ALSO.

4/10/2018

WHEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE (PHOTO 08); WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE, THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF THE GARAGE, ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME (PHOTO 09), LEAVING SKID MARKS (PHOTOS 06 & 07) ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CAR WAS IN NORMAL ELECTRIC MODE AT THE TIME. I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR ON MAY 3RD FROM DAVE GILL CHEVROLET IN COLUMBUS, OH. THERE WERE 12,490 MILES ON THE CAR AT PURCHASE AND A LITTLE LESS THAN 14,000 MILES AS THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I AM UPLOADING NINE (9) PHOTOS.

6/8/2018

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE ALMOST THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. MY CAR HAS HAD CONSTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED GM AND EVEN SHOWED THEM A VIDEO THAT SHOWED WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING AS FAR AS NOT TURNING OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. I WOULD APPEAR TO SHUT OFF ONLY TO TURN BACK ON REPEATEDLY. GM DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO FIX MY ISSUES EXCEPT RUN IN CIRCLES AND CLAIM THEY COULDN'T/WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT CAUSE THE DEALER COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH I HAD VIDEO PROOF OF WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING TO ME. IT ONLY HAPPENED AT RANDOM AND WAS VERY SPORADIC. MY CAR HAS NOW CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TO ALMOST NOTHING AND I AM OUT A LOT OF MONEY. JUST TAKE A LOOK AT MY SITE WWW.CHEVYVOLTSUCKS.COM TO SAY I AM PISSED AT GM IS AN EXTREME UNDERSTATEMENT. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WERE MADE AND ONLY PROVED TO BE A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND GIVEN LAME EXCUSES. I ALSO HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS OUT OF THE RIMS BENDING CAUSING REPLACEMENT OF THESE RIMS ON AN EXTENDED CONTRACT I HAD THAT COVERED THE RIMS AND TIRES. I HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS CARS OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER BENT A RIM IN MY LIFE UNTIL THIS CAR AND IT WAS OVER 4 RIMS BENT IN TOTAL IN LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNING THIS CAR.

5/8/2018

I HAVE HAD 3 BLOWOUT AND ONE MORE TIRE THAT HAS HAD SIDE WALL DAMAGE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS 29,289 MILES ON IT. THE 1ST BLOW OUT WAS AT JUST OVER 7,000 MILES. AFTER THE 2ND BLOW OUT ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES AND BEING STRANDED WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE. WHICH MAKES ME WAIT HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PURCHASE BRIDGESTONE DRIVE GUARD RUN FLAT TIRES. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 MORE OF THESE ONE WAS A BLOW OUT AND THE OTHER WAS SIDE WALL DAMAGE IT WAS FOUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING A PUNCTURE FLAT FIX. I THOUGHT THE STIFFER SIDEWALL OF THE RUN FLAT TIRE WOULD HELP BUT IT HAS NOT. I BELIEVE THAT THE 3,500 LBS WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE COMBINED WITH 17 RIMS AND 50 SERIES LOW PROFILE TIRES IS CAUSING THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRES TO BE CUT BY THE METAL RIM WHEN CHUCK HOLES ARE HIT. I'VE BEEN DRIVE 42 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CHUCK HOLE CUT A TIRE LET ALONE 4 TIRES IN 22,000 MILES. THESE DAMAGED SIDE WALLS HAVE ALL BEEN ON CITY STREETS IN NORTH EASTERN OHIO AKRON, AND CLEVELAND AREA. THE SAME STREETS I'VE DRIVEN CARS ON FOR THE PAST 29 YEARS WITHOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS CAR IS BASICALLY A CHEVY CRUZ WITH 700LBS MORE WEIGHT DUE TO THE BATTERIES. THE CRUZ HAS 15 IN WHEELS, 16 IN WHEELS. AND 17 IN WHEELS. I BELIEVE THE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT 700 LBS COMBINED WITH THE SHORT 205/50/17 SIDE WALL TIRE .. THE CRUZ'S USES 215/50/17 TIRES IS THE CAUSE OF ALL THESE TIRE FAILURES. I DO NOT HAVE THE TIRE INVOICES WITH ME NOW TO VALIDATE THESE CLAIMS BUT I CAN PROVIDE THEM AT A LATER DATE. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE THEM.

6/6/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO DISPLAY THE SPEED OF THE TRAVELING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

9/14/2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

IF THE CAR LOSES POWER, AND THE DOORS HAVE LOCKED (DO AUTOMATICALLY), THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE PLUNGER IS RECESSED SO MUCH IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO RAISE IT TO UNLOCK. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET, THEY HAVE NO ANSWER ON HOW TO OVERCOME THIS. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WAS LOCKED IN ANOTHER TYPE OF VEHICLE WHEN LOST POWER, BUT COULD MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. TV NEWS THIS MORNING SHOWED A PERSON TRAPPED IN A CAR WITH NO POWER, BUT WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE MESSAGE WAS TO LEARN HOW TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE CAR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. PLEASE SEE IF THIS CAN BE REMEDIED, IT MAY SAVE LIVES. THANK YOU, GRATEFUL TAXPAYER. *TR

1/23/2017

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS ELECTRIC CAR HAS REGENERATIVE BRAKING. BESIDES BEING IN THE REGULAR BRAKING, THERE IS A PURE REGENERATIVE BRAKING PADDLE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. BUT WHEN YOU USE THIS BRAKE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT TURN ON. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD AS I USE THIS BRAKE ALL THE TIME AND CARS BEHIND ME DO NOT KNOW I AM BRAKING AND HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. CHEVY DEALER SAYS THAT IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED AND IS FUNCTIONING PERFECTLY. WHY HAS THIS BEEN APPROVED TO DESIGN A BRAKING SYSTEM WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS? WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?

5/2/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEARL MOTOR COMPANY (3100 S CLARK ST, MEXICO, MO 65265, (573) 567-4254) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE KEY FOBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE KEY FOBS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED RELAY WAS FINALLY REPLACED AND PROBLEM SOLVED.*JB

12/11/2019

STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEARL MOTOR COMPANY (3100 S CLARK ST, MEXICO, MO 65265, (573) 567-4254) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE KEY FOBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE KEY FOBS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED RELAY WAS FINALLY REPLACED AND PROBLEM SOLVED.*JB

12/11/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN BUCKLING MY 5 YEAR OLD SON INTO HIS BOOSTER SEAT, THE REAR SEATBELT ALWAYS BECOMES WEDGED IN A CAVITY OF THE REAR SEAT. THIS ALSO OCCURS IF MY SON MOVES WHILE WE ARE IN TRANSIT. THIS CAUSES THE SEATBELT TO FAIL TO RETRACT PROPERLY AND THUS HE IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED. I AM AFRAID NOT ONLY FOR HIS SAFETY BECAUSE THE SEATBELT IS NOT SECURING HIS TORSO PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, FROM THIS OCCURRING FREQUENTLY, I AM AFRAID THAT WEAR ON THE SEATBELT (FRAY) WILL COMPROMISE THE SEATBELT MATERIAL CAUSING IT TO FAIL IF EVER IN A CRASH.

1/27/2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HMI (HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE) MODULE, A PRIMARY COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE'S IN-CABIN COMPUTER SYSTEM, CAN FAIL IN A 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT WHILE THE CAR IS AT REST OR IN MOTION RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE THE VEHICLE'S INSTALLED BACK-UP CAMERA. THE 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT HAS VERY POOR REAR VISIBILITY WITHOUT A BACK-UP CAMERA. IF THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO SEE CLEARLY BEHIND THE VEHICLE, AN ACCIDENT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR.

8/26/2020

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 283 owner reports. That is about 25% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Volt a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 751 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Volt severe?

751 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Volt: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
1,149
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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