2018 Chevrolet Volt: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 219 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (31% of complaints); the 2019 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 5 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The Vehicle had a the BECM fail at 64,000 miles. This is a known issue that GM still refuses to recall, and is refusing to warranty”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2026
“I was investigating a thumping sound coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. I discovered that the left fuel tank strap had completely broke into two pieces and was no longer holding up the tank. The fuel tank straps are not readily viewed on the vehicle until you lower/remove the underbody aerodynamic material. It appears that the underbody aerodynamic material may have been contributory by retaining dirt and trapping moisture in contact with the tank straps. The failed tank strap parts are available for inspection. No other indication of the failed tank strap other than the minor noise and no other inspections have been performed on the failed component.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
“My 2018 Chevy Volt started making a creaking and clanking noise when driven at low speeds. Dealer diagnosed the problem as being the rear shocks and bushing. Replacing these did not fix the problem. Not sure if this is a safety issue or not.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The vehicle losses power on high speed, check engine comes on, low propulsion massage displays. Vehicle does not charge. Issues similar to the investigation DCS6812.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the battery module became inoperable. While attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Engine Unavailable - Service Soon" was displayed. The contact was unable to use the vehicle. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-261. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2025
“The EGR valve clogged, causing a a servo to blow the F3 fuse, disabling the engine while driving. This occured suddenly while driving on a busy road with no shoulders. I managed to coast into a parking lot not too far away but I had no charge left in my battery. I could only get the engine to start back up for less than a minute at a time. I got my car inspected by Chevrolet and they confirmed they issue. Very shortly before the engine cut off, the car started jolting. There weren't any warning lights or error codes before this.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“The car can't decide if it wants to use the battery or the engine. It shows zero charge even though it is full. It lurches at stop lights as it tries to decide whether to use battery or engine. It says "propulsion power reduced". "Not able to charge". "Shift to park". Check engine light is on.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
“Dashboard displays "Shift to Park" message even when the shifter is in the park position for the past month. I am unable to turn off the vehicle completely until I Shift to drive then back to park multiple times.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2025
“In 2020, GM issued a recall (#N192273600) for emissions pipes on the Chevy Volt that could be compromised by rubbing against the A/C hose connector. I took my vehicle to my local dealership (Chesrown Chevrolet) to have this issue remedied, that same year. This year, my check engine light came on and this same dealership informed me that the cause was this same issue (i.e. a compromised emissions pipe due to rubbing against the A/C/ hose connector). Assuming the fix was conducted per GM's specs, GM did not provide an adequate fix for their faulty design.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2025
“When the vehicle is running, and the gear is moved to park, and I attempt to turn off the car by pressing the ignition button, an error shows on the dash display and the message is "Shift to Park". Even though the car is in park, the vehicle doesn't know it. I then cannot turn off my car.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
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 2018 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
NHTSA has 219 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The most complained-about area is power train (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Volt problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 25,000 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Volt have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:rear/other. 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.