YearToAvoid

2011 Chevrolet Volt Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

13/100

#8 most-complained of 9 Volt years

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt ranks Best among its 9 model years, with a Complaint Index of 13, 49 complaints, and 1 recall. Its top problem area is the Electrical System, at 49% of complaints.

Complaints
49
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
37
35 city / 40 hwy

Top 2011 Chevrolet Volt problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System24 (49%)
  2. Airbags8 (16%)
  3. Fuel System7 (14%)
  4. Engine5 (10%)
  5. Brakes4 (8%)
  6. Steering3 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body3 (6%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
  10. HVAC1 (2%)

What owners report

  • Steering can become hard to maneuver and the power steering warning lamp illuminates after driving over rumble strips at highway speed.
  • Some owners describe a rear-end slipping sensation when entering curves at 60 to 65 mph, which GM describes as sensitive steering.
  • The instrument panel can go dark and stop turning on, causing loss of speed display, turn signals, and warning indicators.
  • A front tire has blown out at highway speed due to low tire pressure.
  • A plastic bearing joint inside the transmission has disintegrated at high mileage, producing loud noises.
  • A warning light can indicate the vehicle is not in park and the engine will not shut down when it actually is in park.
2011 Chevrolet Volt complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2011Dec 2013Oct 2016Feb 2018Jun 2019Jun 2020Aug 2021Dec 2023
63 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2011 to Oct 2025; peak Dec 2018 (5).

2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 15V145000Mar 13, 2015Electrical System50,236 vehicles

    Electrical system:ignition

    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.

    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.

2011 Chevrolet Volt fuel economy and fuel cost

City
35 MPG
Highway
40 MPG
Combined
37 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,150
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium Gas or Electricity
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other Volt years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Best1349137
2012Avoid75245237
2013Avoid88308337

All Chevrolet Volt years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Volt has a Complaint Index of 13 and ranks Best among the 9 Volt model years covered, with only 49 complaints and 1 recall.
What is the top problem area for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
The Electrical System accounts for 49% of complaints (24 of 49), with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 15V145000) covering the electrical system, addressing battery drain if the electrical system is left on after the driver exits the vehicle.
Which Chevrolet Volt years should I avoid?
According to the data, 2012, 2013, and 2017 are rated Avoid, with Complaint Indexes of 75, 88, and 100 respectively, far higher than the 2011 model's index of 13.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
The EPA rates the 2011 Volt at 37 mpg combined (35 city / 40 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,150.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.