2013 Chevrolet Volt Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
88/100
#2 most-complained of 9 Volt years
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 88 and 308 complaints. Airbags are the top problem area (161 complaints, 52% share), and NHTSA lists 3 recalls including a driver-side airbag inflator issue.
- Complaints
- 308
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 40 hwy
Top 2013 Chevrolet Volt problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags161 (52%)
- Electrical System64 (21%)
- Fuel System57 (19%)
- Engine43 (14%)
- Structure & Body37 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (8%)
- Brakes20 (6%)
- Other16 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (3%)
- Steering5 (2%)
What owners report
- Some owners report the car losing propulsion power and decelerating unexpectedly on the highway, including a stall that led to a rear-end crash.
- Owners describe the vehicle displaying a low propulsion power warning during highway driving above 75 mph, with speed dropping to 55 mph and smoke and a fuel odor appearing inside and outside the car.
- Several owners report brake pedals going to the floor with no antilock brake response during emergency stops, resulting in collisions.
- Owners describe a complete electrical system failure while driving that disabled brakes, steering, the horn, and airbags simultaneously, leading to a multi-car collision.
- One owner reported a tire blowout at low speed with no known cause, occurring twice within two months on factory-fitted tires.
- An owner described the steering wheel locking in the centered position at speeds over 57 mph, requiring significant force to move it.
2013 Chevrolet Volt recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V516000Jul 27, 2023Airbags767 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
- NHTSA 18V397000Jun 14, 2018Fuel System4,606 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
Risk: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
- 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.
2013 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.
2013 compared with other Volt years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
- Among the 9 Volt model years tracked, 2013 ranks 2nd worst with a complaint index of 88 and 308 owner complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Volt years.
- What problems does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have?
- Airbags are the leading complaint area with 161 complaints (52% share) and a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles. Electrical System (64 complaints) and Fuel System (57 complaints) follow.
- Does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Volt: a driver-side airbag inflator that may explode during deployment, a fuel system software issue that could disable cell balancing, and an electrical system defect that could drain the battery if the vehicle is left running.
- How does the 2013 Volt compare to other years?
- The 2013 Volt's complaint index of 88 is worse than 2011 (13), 2014 (38), 2015 (0), 2016 (50), 2018 (63), and 2019 (25), but better than 2017 (100).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
- The EPA rates the 2013 Volt at 37 mpg combined (35 city / 40 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150.