2011 Chevrolet Volt
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 49 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 245 |
| 2013 | 308 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 170 |
| 2017 | 700 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
47% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The car has proceeded to have multiple issues, with the most predominant and life threatening issue being an airbag failure...twice. Other issues: radio, door locks, and park assist engage/disengage on their own.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-19
Also filed under Air bags and service brakes
Driver instrument cluster , speedometer, gas / electric gauge unreadable
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-05
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Driver display shuts off while in motion driving usually in cold weather. Temperature usually around 0 degrees celsius and below. Consistently every morning at cold start 1-2 mins into drive. This results in no speedometer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-23
Air bags
16% · 8 reportsFuel/propulsion system
12% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-29
Engine
8% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-14
Steering
6% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The rear end of this car feels as if it is slipping out when you enter a curve at 60 to 65 MPH. GM calls it sensitive steering but I call it scary and unsafe.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-05-23
Also filed under Suspension
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2011-11-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-01-20 Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
-
R
2015-04-15Electrical system, engine and engine cooling15V145000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013.
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.
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Chevrolet Volt — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V145000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.