Chevrolet Volt Best and Worst Years (2011–2019)
Avoid the 2012, 2013, and 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The 2017 has the highest complaint index (100) with 698 complaints including 9 fires, while 2013 (index 88) and 2012 (index 75) show heavy airbag and electrical problems. The 2011 and 2015 model years rank best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 9
- 2011–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,862
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 39
- Fires reported
- 16
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Volt Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Volt problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Best | 13 | 49 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 37 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 75 | 245 | 6 | 2 | 2 | Electrical System | 37 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 88 | 308 | 8 | 2 | 3 | Airbags | 37 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 38 | 93 | 5 | 1 | 0 | Airbags | 37 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Best | 0 | 44 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 37 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 50 | 169 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2017 | Avoid | 100 | 698 | 8 | 9 | 0 | Electrical System | 42 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 63 | 222 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 42 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 25 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 42 | 5★ |
Volt years to avoid: what went wrong
2017 Chevrolet Volt Index 100 · 698 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2017 Volt ranks worst of all years, with a complaint index of 100 and 698 total complaints, the highest of any model year. Electrical System problems account for 45% of complaints, failing at a median of 38,500 miles, and Fuel System issues make up 34%, failing around 33,000 miles. Owners reported vehicles that would not fully shut off after the power button was pressed and at least one report of a fire while driving on the interstate. NHTSA recorded 8 crashes, 9 fires, and 11 injuries for this year, though no recalls have been issued.
2017 electrical system problems →2017 fuel system problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →
2013 Chevrolet Volt Index 88 · 308 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2013 Volt has a complaint index of 88, the second-highest of any year, with 308 complaints. Airbags dominate at 52% of complaints, failing at a median of 76,000 miles; Electrical System issues follow at 21%, failing around 60,000 miles. Owners described fuel-system stalling on highways, smoke and fuel odor during driving, and electrical failures that knocked out brakes and steering at once. NHTSA lists 8 crashes and 9 injuries. Three recalls cover a driver-side airbag inflator that may explode, a software issue disabling battery cell balancing, and the same battery-drain issue as 2012.
2013 airbags problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 fuel system problems →
2012 Chevrolet Volt Index 75 · 245 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2012 Volt carries a complaint index of 75 with 245 complaints. Electrical System issues make up 36% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,400 miles, followed by Airbags at 35% failing around 98,000 miles. Owners reported rear lights too dim to judge distance and a charging cord that melted a garage outlet. NHTSA logged 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 11 injuries for this year. Two recalls apply: one for a battery drain issue when the electrical system is left on, and one for a faulty brake pressure modulator valve on certain vehicles built in early 2012.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 airbags problems →2012 engine problems →
Most common Chevy Volt problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System706 (38%)
- Fuel System508 (27%)
- Engine433 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain429 (23%)
- Airbags310 (17%)
- Other230 (12%)
- Brakes115 (6%)
- Structure & Body78 (4%)
- Steering44 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Chevrolet Volt should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2012, 2013, and 2017 as the years to avoid. The 2017 has the highest complaint index (100) with 698 complaints and 9 reported fires, while 2013 (index 88) leans heavily on airbag complaints and 2012 (index 75) mixes electrical and airbag problems.
- Which Chevrolet Volt model years are best?
- 2011 and 2015 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 respectively. Both years show low complaint counts relative to other Volt years.
- Is the 2017 Chevrolet Volt reliable based on complaints?
- The 2017 Volt has the highest complaint index (100) of any Volt year, with 698 complaints, 8 crashes, and 9 fires reported to NHTSA, mostly tied to the Electrical System and Fuel System.
- Does the Chevrolet Volt have recalls?
- Across all model years, NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Volt, covering issues like airbag inflators, battery drain, brake pressure valves, and a fuel-system software problem. The 2017 model year itself has zero recalls despite its high complaint count.
- How many total complaints does the Chevrolet Volt have?
- NHTSA has logged 1,862 complaints across the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt, with Electrical System issues making up 38% of all complaints and Fuel System issues making up 27%.