The Chevrolet Volt spans 2011–2026 with 15 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 5.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 2013, 2012 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2020, 2021, 2022. It delivers up to 42 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet Volt is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2011 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet Volt VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet Volt carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Volt.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Volt, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Volt have?
The Chevrolet Volt has 15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2019 Chevrolet Volt recalls 2
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk. If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
2018 Chevrolet Volt recalls 2
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk. If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
2016 Chevrolet Volt recalls 1
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
2015 Chevrolet Volt recalls 1
Steering
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
Risk. Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.
2013 Chevrolet Volt recalls 3
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
Electrical System:ignition
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
Risk. If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.
Hybrid Propulsion System
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
Risk. If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls 2
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
What's wrong. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012. Due to a brake pressure modulator valve problem, the vehicles do not relieve brake pressure from the front brakes during an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), or traction control event. One or both front brakes may lock up and not release. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems"' and No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk. If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new brake pressure modulator valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 12, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's recall number is 13184.
Electrical System:ignition
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
Risk. If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.
2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls 1
Electrical System:ignition
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
Risk. If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet Volt
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 16 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 2013, 2012 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2020, 2021, 2022.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volt | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2012 Volt | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2013 Volt | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2014 Volt | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2015 Volt | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2016 Volt | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2017 Volt | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2018 Volt | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2019 Volt | Power Train | Average | |
| 2020 Volt | — | Best | |
| 2021 Volt | — | Best | |
| 2022 Volt | — | Best | |
| 2023 Volt | — | Average | |
| 2024 Volt | — | Average | |
| 2025 Volt | — | Average | |
| 2026 Volt | — | Average |
What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?
The most-reported Chevrolet Volt problems are Seats (55 reports), Tires (14 reports) and Buckle (1 reports) — out of 1,845 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet Volt specifications & dimensions
The 2017–2020 Chevrolet Volt measures 180″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,543 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet Volt window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2020 | 180″ | 71″ | 56″ | 106″ | 3,543 lb |
| 2011–2014 | 177″ | 70″ | 56″ | 106″ | 3,757 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet Volt cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Volt holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 107 cu ft of passenger volume and 31 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet Volt tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet Volt get?
The Chevrolet Volt returns up to 42 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt (1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 42 MPGe and costs about $1,500/yr to fuel, emitting 51 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 10/10, smog 7/10) — that's about $6,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volt | 43 | 42 | $1,500 | 51 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2018 Volt | 43 | 42 | $1,500 | 51 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2017 Volt | 43 | 42 | $1,500 | 51 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2016 Volt | 43 | 42 | $1,500 | 51 | 9/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2015 Volt | 35 | 40 | $2,100 | 81 | 9/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2014 Volt | 35 | 40 | $2,100 | 81 | 9/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2013 Volt | 35 | 40 | $2,100 | 81 | 9/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2012 Volt | 35 | 40 | $2,100 | 87 | — | 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2011 Volt | 35 | 40 | $2,100 | 84 | 6/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Volt stacks up against the most fuel-efficient electric cars, or calculate this Volt's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet Volt have? Power & range
The Chevrolet Volt is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.5L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular Gas or Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Chevrolet Volt tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Chevrolet Volt is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Volt's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Chevrolet Volt cost to own?
A used Chevrolet Volt sells for a median of about $12,999 for a 2018 — most listed between $10,950 and $16,995, from 129 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volt | $10,950–$16,995 | 9 | |
| 2017 Volt | $4,500–$12,999 | 41 | |
| 2016 Volt | $5,500–$12,500 | 9 | |
| 2015 Volt | $2,850–$9,999 | 12 | |
| 2014 Volt | $4,599–$11,995 | 17 | |
| 2013 Volt | $3,900–$7,995 | 22 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Volt is worth today, or browse used-market prices for electric cars.
A Chevrolet Volt holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Volt loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $7,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Volt ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Chevrolet Volt to insure?
A Chevrolet Volt costs about $1,251 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 13% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (87, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Volt's HLDI loss index. See Chevrolet insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Chevrolet Volt safe?
The Chevrolet Volt earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2018 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2017 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2015 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2014 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2013 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2012 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2011 Volt | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet Volt last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet Volt typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 5.0/5.
Check your Chevrolet Volt’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Volt’s VIN free →All Chevrolet Volt model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet Volt — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2021 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2020 Volt | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Volt | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2018 Volt | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2017 Volt | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2016 Volt | 1 recall | — | |
| 2015 Volt | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2014 Volt | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2013 Volt | 3 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2012 Volt | 3 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2011 Volt | 1 recall | ★★★★★ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Volt?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 2013, 2012 drew the most reports. 2020, 2021, 2022 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Volt have?
15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Volt get?
Up to 42 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Volt safe?
The Volt earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Volt last?
A well-maintained Volt typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Volt reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Volt is 5.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet Volt warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet Volt made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Volt's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Volt have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.