2011 Chevrolet Volt: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (44% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that water was accumulating inside the driver's side taillight assembly. The contact stated that the water caused a short circuit in the taillight, and the passenger's side turn signal became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness for the driver's side taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2025
“Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off power.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2024
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“Several times over the 2 years I have owned this vehicle while driving an almost complete loss of braking occurs with a service notice for the ABS system. If you turn off the ignition and restart it the braking works fine. I am in the process of having the Electronic Brake Control Module - GM (84070136) and the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve - GM (23283683) replaced. i believe that there is a design flaw in this system in that a problem of the ABS should not eliminating the ability to stop the vehicle. This is costing me $3500, but the point is that loss of braking is a serious safety issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer. Thank you.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2022
“Driver instrument panel went blank. Speedometer, fuel/battery gauge, odometer, etc are all gone. The screen display light lit on and off in the background without any information.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2021
“The airbag light has turned and airbag sensor is bad. Passenger airbag will not illuminate and work for someone sitting in the passenger seat. The car has not been in an accident.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2020
“Instrument cluster, which displays speed, odometer and fuel lever among other safety information, started to glitch towards that end of a trip of about two hours. At first the screen would flicker but would eventually reboot and the information was available shortly after. Next morning the screen would turn on slowly at first, but then it went out again and never started again ever since.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2020
“Driver instrument cluster turned off while driving. Can not see speed, battery charge, fuel level, tire pressure, or any other warning. Not safe to drive with out speed and fuel remaining.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet volt. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the instrument panel became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.*bf*jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2020
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the heating system module; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Volt by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The most complained-about area is electrical system (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Volt problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,500 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.