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7.5

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,834 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Chevrolet Volt fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2016 Chevrolet Volt Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Jun 262024

Volt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The BECM has failed and causes a reduction in engine power. There is a Special Coverage N232432680 for this issue. Dealership Service Center is saying my car doesn-??t qualify based on the VIN, even though it matches the year, make, and model on the Special Coverage. GM is failing to cover the issue despite it matching everything on the Special Coverage.

- Beaumont, CA, USA

problem #31

Jun 082024

Volt

  • miles
2016 Chevrolet Volt with 126,500 miles had a sudden loss of power while driving. Towed to Chevy dealership for diagnostics and was told it needed a Battery Energy Control Module. Doing my own research, I see that NHTSA issued a notification regarding GM coverage for this issue (see below). However, my VIN is not covered. Very conveniently, GM covering only one third of the Volts made in this time frame and this is unacceptable. There should have been a recall but at least they should cover the cost to replace under this special coverage. Losing all power on the road while driving is really scary and very dangerous. Please advise if there is any course of action that NHTSA can take on this matter before I go and spend $3000 to have this repaired. GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS6812 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: March 6, 2024 Subject: N232432680 - Special Coverage Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction Models: 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt To: All General Motors Dealers General Motors is releasing Special Coverage N232432680 today. The total number of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 19,000. Please see the attached bulletin for details.

- Hillsborough, NJ, USA

problem #30

May 222024

Volt

  • miles
I was driving at normal speed full tank of gas and electricity, when I got an error message "propulsion power is reduced". I was in the middle of the highway and the car would no longer let me accelerate. I was able to pull of on a small street. Car's check engine light turned on, my steering wheel became hard, and everytime I try putting it on reverse or drive, I get a message to put the car on park. It no longer works. I had this happened once about 3 years ago, and after an hour, it started working normally (this time the engine light stayed on though and car no longer works). I have had the message "propulsion power is reduced" pop up on my screen multiple times, car reduces power, but continues to work. This time it no longer wants to run and I lost all speed in the middle of the road.

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #29

May 202024

Volt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought the car new in 2015 and after about only 40,000 miles I began getting a Propulsion Reduced error and the car would have very slow acceleration. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the accelerator for $500. It drove fine for a month, but then the acceleration was reduced again. I took it back to the dealer and they were stumped. They wanted to charge me $1300 just to replace some wires, but they weren't confident that would fix the problem. I declined. As it stands now I can toggle the F08 fuse and that temporarily fixes it for about an hour or so, but the error always comes back and the car has a hard time accelerating. Not safe. I called GM and they suggest I take it to another Chevrolet dealer, so I'm going to do that. I'm also going to reference NHSTA Special Coverage N232432680 Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction to see if they can replace the BECM. This is a common problem with 2016 Chevy Volts. If they can't fix it, I'll look into the California Lemon Law to see if I can get my money back on the car. I appreciate your support on this.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #28

Aug 082023

Volt

  • miles
On [XXX], this Volt was towed to the Dealer because the Volt would not start, would not charge, and the engine light was on. The Dealer claimed that the problem was the Chevrolet Volt Battery Energy Control Module (BECM), GM Part # 24296900, which was covered under the GM hybrid VOLTEC warranty (8 years, 100,000 miles). On [XXX], 2024, this Volt (VIN [XXX] ) was towed to the Dealer again because the Volt would not start, would not charge, and the engine light was on. The Dealer claimed that the hybrid battery connectors were corroded, the disconnect relay should be replaced, and the BECM should be replaced again at a total cost of $5,005.58. On [XXX], GM issued special coverage warranty N232432680 (15 year, 150,000 miles) to cover BECM replacements for a malfunction involving the BECM. Plaintiff checked the VIN at the GM Recall and Warranty Center website. The Volt at issue is covered under special coverage warranty N232432680, according to the GM website. Plaintiff asked the Dealer and GM again after [XXX] about warranty coverage for the BECM at issue. GM responded that the bumper-to-bumper warranty expired and that they would provide no assistance. On [XXX], Plaintiff filed a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding the BECM at issue. GM responded in writing that the bumper-to-bumper warranty expired and that they would provide no assistance. Plaintiff sought arbitration, but both the local BBB and the BBB Auto Line found that Plaintiff was not eligible to arbitrate with GM due to GM-??s program summary guidelines with the BBB. GM breached multiple warranties and failed to provide sufficient repairs, and this Volt has been out of service for more than 80 days. Based on GM-??s warranty breaches, insufficient repairs and inconsistent statements, this Volt poses serious safety concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Annandale, VA, USA

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problem #27

Apr 242024

Volt

  • miles
The car states the battery will not charge and cannot move the car. I connected it to a code reader with the following codes showing: P1E00 U2618 U2606 U2605 U2617 U2604

- Cumming, GA, USA

problem #26

Mar 212024

Volt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

GM issued a special coverage warranty for 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts that had a BECM failure. However, they did not include all of the Volts. We have a 2016 that has a catastrophic BECM failure. The car won't start and the only indicator was the day before it said the vehicle didn't charge. This appears to be the same issue, but Chevrolet did not include our model. We have about 87k miles and are only 3 weeks past the original warranty.

- Winter Garden, FL, USA

problem #25

Nov 112023

Volt

  • miles
The EGR valve failed part way through a long drive between cities while at interstate speeds. This caused the vehicle to produce a warning about reduced propulsion power (as well turn on the check engine light), and it became difficult to maintain speed with the surrounding traffic. I could maintain speed, but only in electric-mode, and my battery didn-??t have enough energy to get me to my destination on that power alone. While in ICE mode (internal combustion engine mode) it would also quickly overheat. I reached my destination by repeatedly swapping between ICE and battery modes, to both extend my vehicle-??s range as well as mitigate overheating. Upon arrival at a dealership, I was informed there-??s a nation-wide shortage of EGR valves for my model of car. Despite escalating the issue with GM/Chevy-??s support staff, they cannot locate an available EGR valve. This shortage has lasted for more than 4 months now and my car remains stuck in a distant city. This part is necessary to operate the vehicle safely, but they have not been producing enough of the part.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

problem #24

Mar 132024

Volt

  • miles
This vehicle has been intermittently displaying shift to park, reduced propulsion and loss of power. Chevrolet will not address its problems utilizing the March 6, 2024 service bulletin that covers this model year despite it exhibiting these dangerous warnings and reduced power and stoppage. Please help!

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #23

Mar 082024

Volt

  • miles
Chevy has put out a "special coverage" (number XXX) on 2016 to 2018 volts on the BECM issue that is currently being investigated. I need to make the note that upon trying to fulfill this warranty/ special coverage on my 2016 volt, they are finding loopholes to not cover a huge handful of 2016 to 2018 volts that have the exact same BECM issue and components as the volts that are covered. Although I'm not positive, it seems to me that they are not granting special coverage to all volts that have a PZEV warranty in place as it's redundant. However, 75% of us with PZEV warranties are in non CARB states and cannot utilize the warranty. So they are leaving us within this category who have the exact same BECM issues as every other 2016 to 2018 volt out of being eligible for the new coverage, while making it look like they are fixing the entire issue. They are secretly leaving a handful of us dry and without this coverage. Not only that, they are refusing/ unable to give me accurate information as to what vehicles qualify for this warranty if not all 2016 volts which is against the Magnuson-Moss warranty act and illegal on their part. They forced me to pay $2500 for this repair after telling me I would be covered by warranty and obviously would have held my car had I not paid. After telling me it was free. Somebody needs to probe deeper into this and make sure that Chevy is honoring what they claim because it appears to me they are secretly trying to [XXX] a percentage of 16 to 18 volt owners who have the exact same issues and components as the cars that are covered. This is a safety issue as my car died and temporarily stranded me several times before this repair as you guys already know is an issue with the 16 volts that Chevy has refused to acknowledge until recently. Chevy case number reference: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #22

Feb 252024

Volt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I got the -??propulsion power is reduced-?? warning at ~83.5k miles on the odometer, while visiting friends 4 hours from home. Pulled over and called 3 local dealerships and all servicing departments are closed on Sunday so knew there was nothing I could do except try to limp back to my friends house safely and reevaluate. On the 20 minute drive back, the engine cut out on the freeway and the car immediately started slowing down. I coasted to the next freeway exit safely with my hazards on. The scary part was that I had no power after the -??engine unavailable-?? warning popped up since the battery was completely drained already. I was able to get it towed to the closest chevy dealership and leave the keys for them. I am waiting to hear the official diagnosis from the dealership once they take a look. The cause is still unknown but this sounds like a similar series of events for BECM failure.

- Downey, CA, USA

problem #21

Jan 052024

Volt

  • miles
My car will lose all power as I'm driving, switch between gas/ elec and almost stall, it will accelerate when I take my foot OFF the gas, it will lose power on a turn.. it's random. form what I understand it's the BECM and it happened just after 100k miles. I have 105k.

- Oak Park, MI, USA

problem #20

Jul 262023

Volt

  • miles
I picked up my vehicle from Wasler Polar Chevrolet on 7/26/2023 after they claimed to have "repaired" my vehicle. After receiving my vehicle, about 5 miles away from the dealership, my vehicle suddenly quit keeping up with traffic, and lost* power equipment. Brakes, steering and acceleration were all unresponsive. The vehicle almost sent me under a semi-trailer, but I quickly forced the steering wheel to the left and engaged the emergency brake, which successfully stopped the car. The vehicle bricked itself, and had to be towed back to the dealership.

- New Hope, MN, USA

problem #19

Nov 292023

Volt

  • miles
While driving suddenly the battery power died (1/3 battery life left) and the ICE came on reving very high and check engine lights came on and vehicle slowed. Pulled over at first spot I could find and tired to restart the car. Car would not power down or restart the ice motor and the electric drive motors stopped working and vehicle would roll backwards once put into drive. Vehicle had to be towed back to dealership. Car would not power down or reset.

- Woodland Park, CO, USA

problem #18

Oct 042023

Volt

  • miles
Check engine light came on reduced propulsion warning. Took to Chevrolet dealer and they diagnosed EGR value failure while on road trip. Got home Took it to my local dealership and same diagnosed no part available and emissions warranty is good and it is covered but 2 year nationwide backorder by GM. The car only shows 47000 miles without parts I will not be able to use the vehicle after it fails the emissions test for Maryland.

- Fallston, MD, USA

problem #17

Oct 042023

Volt

  • miles
Twice now my vehicle has been affected by an alert that the propulsion system has an issue. Each time the car lost power and I had to immediately get off of the highway or park the vehicle at my home. Currently my car is at a dealership waiting for replacement parts with no ETA. It has been there for 3 months already.

- Catonsville, MD, USA

problem #16

Dec 012023

Volt

  • miles
Driving 72mph down I5 interstate the display notified me with a check engine light with two errors, enigne propulsion reduced and engine overheating. I pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow. This was a very traumatic event. I had my partner and my 2 year old daughter in the car.I just purchased this used vehicle from a Toyota dealer the same day. It has 63k miles on it and still under powertrain warranty. I literally drove the car 45 miles. TOTAL. I have spent more time towing and fixing this car than actually driving it. This is a total lemon. I need a refund from GM and all the pain and suffering that this caused my family.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #15

Nov 262023

Volt

  • miles
I had BECM failure and the car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. They need to make this a safety recall.

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #14

Sep 262023

Volt

  • miles
Shift to park issue where suddenly I can't start car. Doesn't register park. Have to fiddle with shifter. Then find on reduced propulsion.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #13

Mar 122023

Volt

  • miles
Component: Dealer said its the BECM. Lots of them failing, check any Chevy Volt forum. What happened: Driving on road, battery drive turns off and it switches to gas engine, "reduced propulsion" message pops up, then gas engine quits and 'shift to park' message pops up. No electric motor, no gas engine, coasting, then stuck in road, traffic piling up behind me. After half-hour or so of blocking traffic and me trying to restart the car, electric eventually 'reset' and it worked fine again, so I drove it the several miles home, and the charging system connected fine. Next morning, charging system said it was broken, and car would not start. Towed to dealer. Safety risk: Both battery drive and gas engine turned fully off while traveling on road - no power, and steering/brakes hard to use. Luckily was in slow lane on local road near corner with traffic light, so others were 'prepared' to slow down, avoided my stopped car, and were able to get around. Prior Symptoms: Within the prior week, battery drive switched to gas engine with 'reduced propulsion' popup, but then it switched back to battery drive after stopping and restarting. Several times noticed the 'battery charge' indicator would change color and the estimated mileage remaining would bounce between 0 and 47.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

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