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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 245 |
| 2013 | 308 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 43 |
| 2016 | 169 |
| 2017 | 690 |
| 2018 | 214 |
| 2019 | 34 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20140319
DRIVER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER , SPEEDOMETER, GAS / ELECTRIC GAUGE UNREADABLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180305
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, 20180223
16% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20140319
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20231229
8% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20230914
6% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show 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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110523
SAFETY TIMELINE
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
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.
Campaign 15V145000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Chevrolet Volt — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V145000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.