Total Complaints
64 filings
CHEVROLET VOLT · model year
64 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2011CHEVROLETVOLT carries 64 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 VOLT is electrical system with 22 filings, followed by air bags (8) and fuel/propulsion system (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2011 VOLT, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
64 filings
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| ENGINE | 4 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
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 rec
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that water was accumulating inside the driver's side taillight assembly. The contact stated that the water caused a short circuit in the taillight, and the passengerâs side turn signal became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness for the driver's side taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Mileage: 97,000
I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake. When the light turned green, I released the brake and the car suddenly accelerated forward on its own, without me touching the accelerator. As soon as the car surged forward, I immediately pressed the brake pedal hard to stop it but instead of slowing down, the car continued to accelerate. It felt like pressing the brake was making it worse. The car was totally out of my control. The vehicle collided with tow truck and even after the impact, the engine was still revving as if it was trying to keep going. I had to shut the car off to stop it completely. There were no warning lights or error messages before or during the malfunction. The front end of my car was damaged in the crash. No one was injured, but the malfunction could have easily caused serious harm or death. This was not user error it was a terrifying mechanical and electronic failure. The car accelerated on its own and the brakes failed or possibly triggered more ac
Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off power.
'11 Chevy Volt hybrid was daily driver of 100+ miles, multiple trips both highway and city for last 2 1/2 months. Breaks and rotors have been replaced all the way around, fresh oil changes as needed and filters. Warning on dash "Service High Voltage Charging System", âService Airbag" and check engine light have been on since I've owned it (Oct. 23). When plug car in it doesn't charge, but the EV charges while driving. Car generally switches back and forth from EV to ICE without issues. No other issues have been noted. 1/18/24 Start car and drive all day for work. Total of 129 miles between 22 trips. Last trip car sat for 30 minutes after running deliveries all day. Started as normal, turned off at gas station, filled tank with premium, restarted and drive to freeway. Drove 20 miles, pulled over to text, put car in park. 5 mins later took out of park and car wouldn't move. Inside had complete power, radio, windows, ect. Only noticable difference was car would get no acceleration, pow
'11 Chevy Volt hybrid was daily driver of 100+ miles, multiple trips both highway and city for last 2 1/2 months. Breaks and rotors have been replaced all the way around, fresh oil changes as needed and filters. Warning on dash "Service High Voltage Charging System", âService Airbag" and check engine light have been on since I've owned it (Oct. 23). When plug car in it doesn't charge, but the EV charges while driving. Car generally switches back and forth from EV to ICE without issues. No other issues have been noted. 1/18/24 Start car and drive all day for work. Total of 129 miles between 22 trips. Last trip car sat for 30 minutes after running deliveries all day. Started as normal, turned off at gas station, filled tank with premium, restarted and drive to freeway. Drove 20 miles, pulled over to text, put car in park. 5 mins later took out of park and car wouldn't move. Inside had complete power, radio, windows, ect. Only noticable difference was car would get no acceleration, pow
'11 Chevy Volt hybrid was daily driver of 100+ miles, multiple trips both highway and city for last 2 1/2 months. Breaks and rotors have been replaced all the way around, fresh oil changes as needed and filters. Warning on dash "Service High Voltage Charging System", âService Airbag" and check engine light have been on since I've owned it (Oct. 23). When plug car in it doesn't charge, but the EV charges while driving. Car generally switches back and forth from EV to ICE without issues. No other issues have been noted. 1/18/24 Start car and drive all day for work. Total of 129 miles between 22 trips. Last trip car sat for 30 minutes after running deliveries all day. Started as normal, turned off at gas station, filled tank with premium, restarted and drive to freeway. Drove 20 miles, pulled over to text, put car in park. 5 mins later took out of park and car wouldn't move. Inside had complete power, radio, windows, ect. Only noticable difference was car would get no acceleration, pow
The car quit running when my wife was driving the car when the mileage range went down to 4 miles range remaining. The car was towed to the local Chevrolet dealership who charged over $1,000 to reset the electronics so car would run. I was advised that if battery range was run down to a low mileage range that car would quit running again and that it would have to be towed back to the dealership for the electronics to be reset. I was concerned about liability if anyone drove car and it stopped on highway. It was clear to me that the only way out of potential liability, associated with the car stopping on the highway was to sell the car for salvage. I purchased this Chevrolet Volt Premier new. It was never in a collision or damaged in any way. The car was sold for with approximately 81,000 miles for $2,013.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Mileage: 90,000
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the heating system module; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Several times over the 2 years I have owned this vehicle while driving an almost complete loss of braking occurs with a service notice for the ABS system. If you turn off the ignition and restart it the braking works fine. I am in the process of having the Electronic Brake Control Module - GM (84070136) and the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve - GM (23283683) replaced. i believe that there is a design flaw in this system in that a problem of the ABS should not eliminating the ability to stop the vehicle. This is costing me $3500, but the point is that loss of braking is a serious safety issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer. Thank you.
Driver instrument panel went blank. Speedometer, fuel/battery gauge, odometer, etc are all gone. The screen display light lit on and off in the background without any information.
FOR UNKNOWN REASON CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. NO ONE SITS IN PASSENGER SEAT AND THE SEAT HAS NOT BEEN WET.
FOR UNKNOWN REASON CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. NO ONE SITS IN PASSENGER SEAT AND THE SEAT HAS NOT BEEN WET.
Charging station over heated and the plug burnt my wall plug
SINCE THE SPRING OF 2020, "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG. WARNING GENERALLY COMES ON AT STARTUP, IF IT APPEARS. NO FLUIDS HAVE BEEN SPILLED ON THE SEAT, AND NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED FROM FRIEND, CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. ONLINE SEARCH SUGGESTS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE SAME ISSUE, AND THAT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR CAN BE $500 TO $1000. I HAVE NOT HAD A CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT. CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF VEHICLE (55K MILES, OTHERWISE EXCELLENT CONDITION, A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE) MAKES COST OF REPAIR DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY, ESPECIALLY IF IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING.
Mileage: 53,000
SINCE THE SPRING OF 2020, "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG. WARNING GENERALLY COMES ON AT STARTUP, IF IT APPEARS. NO FLUIDS HAVE BEEN SPILLED ON THE SEAT, AND NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED FROM FRIEND, CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. ONLINE SEARCH SUGGESTS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE SAME ISSUE, AND THAT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR CAN BE $500 TO $1000. I HAVE NOT HAD A CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT. CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF VEHICLE (55K MILES, OTHERWISE EXCELLENT CONDITION, A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE) MAKES COST OF REPAIR DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY, ESPECIALLY IF IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING.
Mileage: 53,000
SINCE THE SPRING OF 2020, "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG. WARNING GENERALLY COMES ON AT STARTUP, IF IT APPEARS. NO FLUIDS HAVE BEEN SPILLED ON THE SEAT, AND NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED FROM FRIEND, CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. ONLINE SEARCH SUGGESTS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE SAME ISSUE, AND THAT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR CAN BE $500 TO $1000. I HAVE NOT HAD A CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSE THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT. CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF VEHICLE (55K MILES, OTHERWISE EXCELLENT CONDITION, A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE) MAKES COST OF REPAIR DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY, ESPECIALLY IF IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING.
Mileage: 53,000
THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED AND AIRBAG SENSOR IS BAD. PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT ILLUMINATE AND WORK FOR SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
Mileage: 10
THE HEAT WILL NOT WORK IN THE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS USING THE BATTERY - HEAT WILL ONLY WORK WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Mileage: 1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHICH DISPLAYS SPEED, ODOMETER AND FUEL LEVER AMONG OTHER SAFETY INFORMATION, STARTED TO GLITCH TOWARDS THAT END OF A TRIP OF ABOUT TWO HOURS. AT FIRST THE SCREEN WOULD FLICKER BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY REBOOT AND THE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE SHORTLY AFTER. NEXT MORNING THE SCREEN WOULD TURN ON SLOWLY AT FIRST, BUT THEN IT WENT OUT AGAIN AND NEVER STARTED AGAIN EVER SINCE.
Mileage: 201,314
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.