2018 Chevrolet Volt
Common Problems
Ranked from 106 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 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
Shift to Park Error
41complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle displays a 'Shift to Park' error message when in park, preventing the car from shutting off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Does Not Shut Off After Shifting to Park
21complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe engine remains running despite being in park, requiring multiple attempts to shut off the vehicle.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Shift to Park Error in Parking Mode
20complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle displays a 'Shift to Park' message when already in park, preventing the engine from shutting off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Reduced Propulsion Power
19complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle experiences reduced propulsion power, often accompanied by a 'Reduced Propulsion' warning message.
- 5
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure
13complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe BECM fails, causing propulsion power reduction and engine unavailability.
- 6
Check Engine Light and Reduced Propulsion
8complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe check engine light illuminates, often accompanied by a reduced propulsion warning, affecting vehicle performance.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve
8complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe EGR valve malfunctions leading to reduced propulsion and engine shutdown.
$250–$700est. egr valve replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Vehicle Suddenly Dies Without Warning
5complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle suddenly dies without warning, often during highway driving, requiring immediate towing.
Related recall: 18V673000
- 11
Brake System Malfunction
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, leading to loss of braking power or complete failure.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V576000
- 12
Battery Module Failure
3complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe battery module failure prevents the vehicle from starting and charging, leading to complete loss of propulsion.
- 13
EGR Valve Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe EGR valve clogs and fails, leading to engine malfunction and reduced propulsion power.
$250–$700est. egr valve replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Shift to Park Issue
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe car reports needing to shift to park when already in park, preventing the engine from turning off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Visibility Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherInterior chrome reflects sunlight, causing temporary blindness and potential accidents.
Related recall: 18V673000
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.