2011 CHEVROLET VOLT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

64

Owner Complaints

4 Crashes

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

185

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

The 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT has received a total of 64 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE. 185 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (22 complaints), Air Bags (8 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (6 complaints).

Recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT, potentially affecting up to 100,472 vehicles.

Recall 15V145000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 50,236 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 recharge the electric battery.

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet...

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Recall 15V145000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

| 50,236 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 recharge the electric battery.

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

64 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11694484 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 97,000 miles
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 passenger’s 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.
#11678156 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles Crash
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 acceleration. I have never experienced anything like this. After looking online, I found other Volt owners reporting similar problems involving brake assist failure, unintended acceleration, and stuck revving. This looks like a serious pattern that deserves urgent attention. I’m asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and General Motors to immediately investigate this issue. I want to know if there are any recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), or known defects related to brake failure or unintended acceleration in the 2011 Chevy Volt. Please contact me with next steps. This is a major safety risk that could easily result in fatalities if not addressed.
#11585428 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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.
#11566740 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
'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", ”Service 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, power steering went out, and heat started blowing cooler air. Absolutely no warning and car just cuts off engines. Thankfully I was parked safe. Towed home, replaced 12v. Started and drove no problem on 1/19/24. No new warnings or anything different. Started up 1/20/24 drove 7 miles and the engines cut off in the middle of a main road while accelerating, once again no warning. Luckily got into turn lane before almost getting hit. Still not sure what's wrong with car. Same codes. No battery warning or loss of power indication at all. Just up and cuts off. This is very very dangerous and needs to be looked into please. When my volt died today the truck behind me had to slam on his brakes and came inches from hitting me. If this would've happen on the freeway, I'd likely been hit.
#11566740 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
'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", ”Service 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, power steering went out, and heat started blowing cooler air. Absolutely no warning and car just cuts off engines. Thankfully I was parked safe. Towed home, replaced 12v. Started and drove no problem on 1/19/24. No new warnings or anything different. Started up 1/20/24 drove 7 miles and the engines cut off in the middle of a main road while accelerating, once again no warning. Luckily got into turn lane before almost getting hit. Still not sure what's wrong with car. Same codes. No battery warning or loss of power indication at all. Just up and cuts off. This is very very dangerous and needs to be looked into please. When my volt died today the truck behind me had to slam on his brakes and came inches from hitting me. If this would've happen on the freeway, I'd likely been hit.

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

The 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★★ (5/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

General Motors, LLC has issued 185 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIT4261H — EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with tire sidewall irregularities. This is a visual condition that will not affect durability, reliability or performance of the tires. Dealer should communicate to the customer that slight sidewall indentations are a common characteristic of radial tire construction. 

21NA019 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This service bulletin provides Diagnostic Aid information - Surge in EV Mode at a Stop.

N172130461 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

N172130461 (18216) - Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain 2011 model year Chevrolet Volt vehicles equipped with a high voltage battery, may have a condition where it could gradually lose the ability to maintain voltage. If battery concerns are not addressed, over time the vehicle could enter a reduced propulsion mode...

N172130461 — POWER TRAIN

N172130461 (18216) - Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain 2011 model year Chevrolet Volt vehicles equipped with a high voltage battery, may have a condition where it could gradually lose the ability to maintain voltage. If battery concerns are not addressed, over time the vehicle could enter a reduced propulsion mode...

PIC5921B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are unable to charge the hybrid battery and the malfunction Indicator lamp is illuminated on the Instrument Panel Cluster. Technician may find a current or history code P16C1 or P16C2 set in the Battery Charging Control Module. Technician...

PIC6136A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with an original 2 x 4 Motor A resolver connector. There is a new sealed 1 x 6 design for resolver signal robustness under vibration. Technician will need to replace the internal harness, Generator Position Sensor Stator for Motor...

PIP4891H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0497 stored. Technician will inspect all Evaporative Emissions System components and replace any component that is saturated with liquid fuel. Also Evaporative Emissions...

19NA064 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when vehicle pulls to the left or right when regenerative braking paddle applied, and/or when brake pedal applied.

19NA049 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of reduced propulsion power without DTCs on higher mileage vehicles (with P1.4 Cell Chemistry).

PIP4859E — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to vacuum fill to ensure the cooling system is properly filled. Technician will need to use special tool GE-47716 Vac-N-Fill Coolant Refill Tool. Technician will also perform Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Pump Bleed Procedure in the GDS2 tool....

Showing 10 of 185 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET VOLT

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Other CHEVROLET Models

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