2013 Chevrolet Volt Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 64 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, 21% of its 308 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. A related recall (15V145000) addresses battery drain when the electrical system stays on after the driver exits.
- Electrical System complaints
- 64
- 21% of 308
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 60,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden and unexplained loss of all electrical power while driving, shutting off the drive system, lights, and power steering/brakes without any button being pressed.
- Several describe the vehicle entering an unexpected 'service mode' that kills both the gas engine and electric motor mid-operation.
- Some report the car failing to recognize it is in 'park', preventing it from shutting off, alongside windows rolling down on their own from a software glitch.
- Multiple complaints mention dash warnings such as 'propulsion reduced-engine not available' or a high-voltage charging system alert tied to low battery coolant.
- One owner reports water intrusion into the battery charging receptacle causing the parking brake to engage unexpectedly and the check engine light to illuminate.
- One complaint describes a full electrical system failure during driving that also disabled brakes, steering, and airbags, resulting in a multi-car crash.
When 2013 Chevrolet Volt electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 6, 2012, latest Apr 30, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical system problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
- NHTSA lists 64 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Volt, which is 21% of the 308 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
- Yes. Recall 15V145000 covers 2011-2013 Volts where the electrical system can stay on after the driver exits, draining the battery; GM updated the engine management software as the remedy.
- At what mileage do electrical problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Volt is 60,000 miles, though some sample complaints occurred well below that.
- Were there any crashes or fires linked to electrical problems?
- NHTSA data for the 2013 Volt's electrical system complaints shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 3 injuries reported.