YearToAvoid

2018 Chevrolet Volt Electrical System Problems

Electrical System complaints account for 86 of 222 total complaints (39%) filed against the 2018 Chevrolet Volt, with a median failure mileage of 33,300 miles. No related recalls are listed for this issue. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.

Electrical System complaints
86
39% of 222
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
33,300 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a "shift to park" warning appearing even though the vehicle is already in park, preventing the car from powering off.
  • The issue often requires shifting out of park and back in, sometimes multiple times, before the vehicle recognizes park and allows shutdown.
  • Some owners describe the problem as intermittent at first, occurring a few times a day, then becoming more frequent and consistent over time.
  • One owner reported a dealer repair replacing a shifter in-line wire harness jumper, but the problem returned afterward.
  • A separate complaint described a manufacturer letter warning that the vehicle could gradually lose the ability to maintain voltage, potentially causing reduced propulsion or loss of starting ability.
  • Owners note that when the shutdown fails, some interior lights or the speedometer display stay on, which can drain the battery.

When 2018 Chevrolet Volt electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 16, 2020, latest Aug 27, 2026.

2018 Chevrolet Volt electrical system complaints: complaints filed per quarter92020 Q12020 Q42021 Q42022 Q32023 Q32024 Q22025 Q12025 Q4
86 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (9).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Volt model year

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

  1. 201124 (49%)
  2. 201287 (36%)
  3. 201364 (21%)
  4. 201427 (29%)
  5. 201518 (41%)
  6. 201677 (46%)
  7. 2017312 (45%)
  8. 201886 (39%)
  9. 201911 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical system complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Volt?
NHTSA lists 86 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Volt, which is 39% of the 222 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt electrical system?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this electrical system issue on the 2018 Volt.
At what mileage do 2018 Volt electrical problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 33,300 miles.
What is the main electrical complaint on the 2018 Chevrolet Volt?
The most common pattern is a "shift to park" warning that appears even though the car is already in park, preventing the vehicle from turning off.
Did the 2018 Volt electrical issue cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these electrical system complaints for the 2018 Volt.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.