NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
697 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
50 miles into a 500 mile trip, my Volt displayed a warning message, "propulsion power reduced." It operated almost normally for the first 250 miles and we were able to reach our destination, but the propulsion battery was not able to recharge from the engine power as efficiently as usual. An auto shop at the destination who does…
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50 miles into a 500 mile trip, my Volt displayed a warning message, "propulsion power reduced." It operated almost normally for the first 250 miles and we were able to reach our destination, but the propulsion battery was not able to recharge from the engine power as efficiently as usual. An auto shop at the destination who does not specialize in EVs examined the car and found a fault in the engine control module, but the car was otherwise in drivable condition. On returning home, the car was required to climb a long steep hill. It gave the message "engine unavailable" on the freeway and began running on its battery reserves, which were barely enough to reach the nearest exit. If the car had run out of battery reserves where pulling over to stop would be unsafe, a dangerous situation would have resulted. The car had to be towed home. An EV specialist mechanic inspected the car and diagnosed a faulty EGR valve resulting in a short in the power to the engine control module. The car has been waiting at the mechanic for a new EGR valve for 5 months due to a nationwide parts shortage. Two months ago the request for the new EGR valve was escalated to a "STACK order" but I still have no updates on when the new part will actually be available. Online forums dedicated to the Volt have many posts about cars waiting for months for a new EGR valve. Two weeks ago, I contacted the Chevrolet parts concierge about the issue. They took down all my contact information and stated they would be in touch. Today after not hearing back from Chevrolet, I called the parts concierge again. The staff found no record of my previous call.
NHTSA ODI #11577188
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Engine
On Christmas day, 12/25/2023 my EGR valve failed about 60 miles from home blowing my F3 fuse and putting the car into walk home mode. Luckily after some quick searching i was able to self diagnose the EGR valve as the problem as this appears to be a frequent problem with this model of car. Lots of posts online. I replaced the fu…
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On Christmas day, 12/25/2023 my EGR valve failed about 60 miles from home blowing my F3 fuse and putting the car into walk home mode. Luckily after some quick searching i was able to self diagnose the EGR valve as the problem as this appears to be a frequent problem with this model of car. Lots of posts online. I replaced the fuse and unplugged the valve and was able to get my vehicle home. Jan 6th 2024 a dealer confirmed the diagnosis and confirmed it as a warranty repair. Stated since the car was drivable (ev mode) i could bring it home until the part came in since it was back ordered. It has been 66 days since the diagnosis, 13 since my safety inspection expired taking my vehicle off the road due to the check engine light on. Working with both the dealer and GM directly, neither have been able to resolve my issue. I informed all parties that my inspection would expire on 2/29/2024 and my car would no longer be drivable.
NHTSA ODI #11577055
90,382 miles · Mar 8, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted but stalled again after driving for several miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, whe…
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The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted but stalled again after driving for several miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EGR belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,382.
NHTSA ODI #11576208
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
Check engine light came on and low propulsion warning came on. Took my vehicle to the Dealership and was told that the EGR valve needs to be replaced. The only update I received a week or so later was that the part had been ordered. Now I am being told that the part is currently not available (out of stock) with no known ET…
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Check engine light came on and low propulsion warning came on. Took my vehicle to the Dealership and was told that the EGR valve needs to be replaced. The only update I received a week or so later was that the part had been ordered. Now I am being told that the part is currently not available (out of stock) with no known ETA. In reading Volt threads, it appears that this is a widespread problem. I think it is unacceptable that GM cannot provide the parts that are needed to keep this car in operating order. It only has about 40,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11575423
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train
My car is lurching very dramatically while on battery-only. Especially over 35-40 miles an hour. I was run off the road last week and am becoming fearful for my safety in this car. I have heard that there may be something wrong with the battery or. BECM.
NHTSA ODI #11575013
Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
Propulsion error, steering wheel locked up today, last week shut off to dead stop while idling, trouble restarting. Speed and sudden battery drop issues. 14 miles without any power steering. Unsafe.
NHTSA ODI #11574375
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Engine
I purchased my chevy volt on 8/17/2022. Early to mid November 2022 the check engine light appeared on the dash. It was determined the EGR valve needed to be replaced. I took the vehicle to Ferman Chevy Tampa on 11/21/2022. They replaced the EGR valve and we paid $1346.07 for the work completed. Then late December 2022 - Early J…
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I purchased my chevy volt on 8/17/2022. Early to mid November 2022 the check engine light appeared on the dash. It was determined the EGR valve needed to be replaced. I took the vehicle to Ferman Chevy Tampa on 11/21/2022. They replaced the EGR valve and we paid $1346.07 for the work completed. Then late December 2022 - Early January 2023 the check engine light appeared once again on the dash. It was determined that the EGR valve placed in the vehicle was a faulty part and the volt needed a new EGR valve. We waited approximately 1 month for the repair. Early November 2023 the check engine light came on once again. After inspection it was determined that once again a faulty EGR valve was placed in the vehicle. This is the 3rd time the same issue has occurred in a year. Today is Monday 2/26/2024 and volt has yet to be repaired, that is nearly 3 months! Apparently the part is not available and GM has no idea when it will be available. We were recently told possibly 2025. My husband came across some information stating that 1,600 people are currently waiting for an EGR valve for their Chevy Volt and that 2,000 have been ordered, but no one knows when they will arrive and after 3 EGR valvles going bad in one year even if the part becomes available I don't know if that will fix the problem or if it will just happen again. The car is inoperable for any long distance driving. We paid $26,431.83 for this vehicle a little over a year ago and its basically inoperable with solution from Chevy or GM. Aside from this issue I love my Chevy Volt. Its actually the 3rd one I have owned, but this is not fair to me as the consumer when they cannot reslove the issue. Thank you for you consideration in this matter.
NHTSA ODI #11574059
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
EGR valve failed. This can cause the Volt to stall in traffic. No ETA on replacement. The situation seriously limits driving ability. Reduced propulsion and engine light came up. f3 fuse blew related to failed EGR. This is a known issue with Chevy Volts. It was checked out by dealership in Aug. They replaced fuse and basically…
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EGR valve failed. This can cause the Volt to stall in traffic. No ETA on replacement. The situation seriously limits driving ability. Reduced propulsion and engine light came up. f3 fuse blew related to failed EGR. This is a known issue with Chevy Volts. It was checked out by dealership in Aug. They replaced fuse and basically said can only drive on electric. If turns over to gas it could cause major problems.
NHTSA ODI #11573619
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
The EGR valve had failed, causing a check engine light, which turned into a blown fuse. The fuse blowing left the vehicle stranded until I unplugged the EGR valve and replaced the fuse. I drove it to a shop, where they replaced the valve and the car has been functional since then.
NHTSA ODI #11573271
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2024
Engine
Sudden failure of exhaust gas recirculation valve resulted in unexpected significant power loss on limited access highway and immediate loss of speed and acceleration. Driver was able to move to side of road with care and proceed in "limp home" mode. No warning lights activated prior to this event. Event could have been catast…
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Sudden failure of exhaust gas recirculation valve resulted in unexpected significant power loss on limited access highway and immediate loss of speed and acceleration. Driver was able to move to side of road with care and proceed in "limp home" mode. No warning lights activated prior to this event. Event could have been catastrophic if it occurred during heavy traffic conditions. Occupants could have been trapped in vehicle stuck in left or middle lane with no way to safely merge into oncoming high speed traffic. Car is available for inspection. GM dealer has provided the diagnosis of repair and suggested replacement of ERG valve and ERG valve cooler. This is a known defect and GM is unable to provide timely delivery of replacement parts. Waiting period of up to six months was predicted by GM dealer. Driver reports posted on internet forums reflect many Volt drivers reporting these same events and concerns.
NHTSA ODI #11573078
NHTSA investigations
2PE23022 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To The Battery Energy Control Module
Opened Nov 29, 2023 · Closed Mar 3, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:propulsion System; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm)
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Electrical System:propulsion System
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm)
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high voltage battery cell groups. GM stated that the root cause was identified as an internal failure leading to a loss of communication within the BECM and does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. GM further stated that the failure cannot result in a complete stall, only a reduced power mode, no start condition, or a no charge condition. GM additionally stated that if these conditions occur, the driver will be warned via a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or a reduced-propulsion message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Data received and analyzed by ODI from all sources indicates that nearly all related BECM failures caused conditions aligning with GM’s predicted outcomes. Despite the large number of warranty claims, nearly all failures were not safety-related, i.e., not a stall or reduced power mode. ODI isaware of a single minor crash and no injuries or deaths. In March 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232432680, which was mailed to consumers, addressing BECM failures in certain MY 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. This special coverage provides an extension of the warranty coverage for the BECM from 8 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles for all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Volts. Additionally, GM stated that replacement components are sourced from a different supplier and not susceptible to the failure. In view of the Special Coverage issued by GM, the existing warranty coverage already in place, and the low number of safety-related occurrences, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation (PE). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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