How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

NHTSA lists 24 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Volt, which is 49% of all 49 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Volt's electrical system?

Yes, recall 15V145000 covers 2011-2013 Volt vehicles where the electrical system can stay on after the driver exits, draining the battery; GM updated engine management software to limit how long the system stays active.

At what mileage do electrical issues typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported electrical complaints for the 2011 Volt is 64,500 miles.

What is the most common electrical complaint?

The most frequently described issue is the instrument cluster or driver display going completely black while driving, sometimes tied to cold weather.

Did any 2011 Volt electrical complaints involve a crash or fire?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to Electrical System complaints for this model year, and no fires.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 24 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 49% of its 49 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 64,500. A related recall (15V145000) covers battery drain from the electrical system staying active after the driver exits.

Electrical System complaints: 24; 49% of 49
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 64,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Instrument cluster or driver display goes completely black while driving, hiding speed, fuel level, and turn signals.
Display blackouts recur repeatedly in cold weather, often at start-up in freezing or near-freezing temperatures, and clear up once temperatures rise above freezing.
Some owners could temporarily fix the blank display by pulling and reinstalling the display fuse or shutting the car off for several minutes before restarting.
A warning light falsely indicates the vehicle is not in park and the engine will not shut down even though it is in park.
The charging power cord and wall receptacle burned through on repeated occasions over years of use.
A dealer diagnosis in one case traced the blank instrument cluster to a short in the LCD panel.

When 2011 Chevrolet Volt electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 26, 2012, latest Oct 20, 2025.

24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2012 to Oct 2025; peak May 2017 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

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.

Electrical System complaints by Volt model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201124 (49%)
201287 (36%)
201364 (21%)
201427 (29%)
201518 (41%)
201677 (46%)
2017312 (45%)
201886 (39%)
201911 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?: NHTSA lists 24 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Volt, which is 49% of all 49 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Volt's electrical system?: Yes, recall 15V145000 covers 2011-2013 Volt vehicles where the electrical system can stay on after the driver exits, draining the battery; GM updated engine management software to limit how long the system stays active.
At what mileage do electrical issues typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported electrical complaints for the 2011 Volt is 64,500 miles.
What is the most common electrical complaint?: The most frequently described issue is the instrument cluster or driver display going completely black while driving, sometimes tied to cold weather.
Did any 2011 Volt electrical complaints involve a crash or fire?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to Electrical System complaints for this model year, and no fires.