Is the 2016 Chevrolet Volt transmission reliable?

NHTSA data shows 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Volt, 30% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles. That share is higher than most other Volt model years except 2017-2019.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt shift-to-park issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Volt.

What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2016 Volt?

The most frequent pattern in owner complaints is a "shift to park" error message appearing even though the shifter is already in park, which can prevent the car from powering off.

Did the 2016 Volt shift-to-park problem cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries tied to the 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.

2016 Chevrolet Volt Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, 30% of all complaints filed for this model year. Most center on a

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 51; 30% of 169
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the shifter failing to register park, triggering a persistent "shift to park" dashboard message even though the shifter is physically in park.
Some report the car will not power off until they repeatedly jiggle or press the shift button to force it to recognize the park position.
One owner described unexpected non-acceleration at a stop, where pressing the gas pedal produced no response and the car rolled backward when the brake was released.
A separate complaint noted a transmission coolant intake line leak requiring repair.
Doors reportedly fail to lock and the instrument cluster can show conflicting information about gear position when the park-sensing issue occurs.
Owners note the problem recurs frequently and in some cases returned after a dealer repair.

When 2016 Chevrolet Volt transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 6, 2017, latest Mar 20, 2026.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Mar 2026; peak Oct 2024 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Volt model year

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

20113 (6%)
201222 (9%)
201324 (8%)
20144 (4%)
20156 (14%)
201651 (30%)
2017219 (31%)
201884 (38%)
201916 (47%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Volt transmission reliable?: NHTSA data shows 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Volt, 30% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles. That share is higher than most other Volt model years except 2017-2019.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt shift-to-park issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Volt.
What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2016 Volt?: The most frequent pattern in owner complaints is a "shift to park" error message appearing even though the shifter is already in park, which can prevent the car from powering off.
Did the 2016 Volt shift-to-park problem cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries tied to the 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.