NHTSA Complaint #11423542 — 2014 CHEVROLET VOLT

GM sent me a letter in June, 2019 notifying me that my 2014 Chevy Volt was in need of a software update “that is intended to increase the amount of warning time provided to you before your vehicle enters a reduced propulsion mode while driving, loses propulsion, or might not start.” The letter goes on to say: “WHAT WE WILL DO: Your Chevrolet dealer will update the Hybrid Power Control Module (HPCM2).” And: “This service will be performed for you at no charge until June 30, 2021.” (NOTE: this was later extended until October, 2021.) As suggested, I made an appointment to perform this service with a local Chevrolet where I live and took my Volt there. However, they told me that this service is covered only as part of GM’s “Customer Satisfaction Program” and since this vehicle has a salvage title, they would have to charge me (>$150) for this service. For your information, when I bought this Volt, it only needed some relatively minor body work and there are no mechanical of safety issues associated with it. Furthermore, my OnStar Diagnostic Report warns me that this vehicle should seek service under GM Recall #N172130462 due to "Loss of Propulsion Due to Low Cell Voltage." So it seems to me that that this isn’t just a matter of customer satisfaction, but rather a serious safety issue if I should suddenly lose propulsion while driving down the road. However, after writing a letter to GM and having several conversations with their Customer Care Department over the last year, they refused to perform this service at no charge to me as promised in their June 2019 letter. GM should do the right thing here and fix this problem.