2011 Chevrolet Volt Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2011 Chevrolet Volt ranks among the best years of the model, with a complaint index of 13 and only 49 complaints, ranking 8th worst (i.e. near the best) out of 9 model years. It carries one recall for a battery drain issue and no fires or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 13/100
- #8 of 9 Volt years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 49
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 40 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2011 Chevy Volt problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System24 (49%)
- Airbags8 (16%)
- Fuel System7 (14%)
- Engine5 (10%)
- Brakes4 (8%)
- Steering3 (6%)
- Structure & Body3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
- HVAC1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the rear end feeling like it slips when cornering at 60 to 65 mph, described as unsafe sensitive steering.
- Some describe a front corner of the car dropping and resting on the tire after a loud crunching noise while parking.
- A tire blew at 70 mph due to low pressure on the factory Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires.
- Owners describe the power steering suddenly cutting out at highway speed, with the steering wheel becoming hard to turn and a warning lamp illuminating.
- Some report the vehicle losing power or stalling briefly at low speeds with no warning, which dealers could not diagnose.
- Owners describe the instrument panel going completely dark, losing speedometer, turn signals, and warning displays while driving.
2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
- Compared to other Volt model years, 2011 performs well. It has a complaint index of 13, the second-lowest among the 9 model years with data, and earns a Best verdict.
- Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 15V145000) covers 2011-2013 Volts where the battery can drain if the driver exits without turning off the electrical system. GM addressed it with a software update.
- What are the most common complaints on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
- Electrical System complaints lead at 49% of all complaints for this year, followed by Airbags at 16% and Fuel System at 14%.
- How does the 2011 Volt compare to the 2017 Volt?
- The 2011 Volt has a complaint index of 13 and a Best verdict, while the 2017 Volt has a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, the worst among all Volt years.
- Did the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have any fires or deaths reported?
- NHTSA data shows zero fires and zero deaths for the 2011 Volt, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported across 49 complaints.