2016 Chevrolet Volt
Common Problems
Ranked from 86 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure
40complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe BECM failure leads to reduced propulsion power, no-start conditions, and loss of vehicle functionality.
- 2
Check Engine Light and Propulsion Power Reduced Errors
30complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light and 'propulsion power reduced' errors indicate underlying electrical system failures affecting vehicle performance.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Shift to Park Error in Parking Mode
28complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle does not recognize the gear is in park, preventing the car from turning off and locking.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Loss of Power and Stalling
15complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle experiences sudden loss of power and stalling, often requiring towing and emergency roadside assistance.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Failure
10complaintsMedium severityEngineThe EGR valve failure causes engine performance issues, including reduced propulsion power and engine overheating.
$250–$700est. egr valve replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Loss of Propulsion Power
10complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe vehicle experiences a sudden loss of propulsion power, often accompanied by a check engine light.
- 7
Engine Warning Faults and Reduced Propulsion
9complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine warning faults and reduced propulsion occur due to issues such as EGR valve failures and BECM malfunctions.
- 8
Battery Range Display Error
8complaintsLow severityElectricalThe battery range display shows zero miles, despite the battery being fully charged, leading to confusion and potential panic.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Shift to Park Message When Vehicle is in Park
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle displays a 'Shift to Park' message when in park, preventing it from shutting down properly.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Battery Status Not Resetting Properly
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle’s battery status does not reset properly, leading to issues with turning off the vehicle.
- 11
Engine Overheating
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats, leading to reduced propulsion and check engine light activation.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Faulty Microswitch in Transaxle Shift Cable
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe faulty microswitch in the transaxle shift cable causes power surges and shifting issues, leading to reduced propulsion power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Intermittent Engine Stalling
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls intermittently, especially when trying to turn off the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.