2016 Chevrolet Volt
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 170
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 170 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
45% · 77 reportsMost commonly citing management system/energy control module (bms/becm) and traction battery.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-16
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
Fuel/propulsion system
38% · 64 reportsShow complaint excerpts
BECM failed reducing propulsion. Known issue with several volts. Yes. Propulsion reduced. No start. Stuck in middle of street. Yes. Confirmed by dealership service department that becm is bad. Check engine, propulsion reduced, shift to park.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-14
Power train
30% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing floor shift.
Engine
28% · 48 reportsVehicle speed control
4% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
There's an odd situation when I'm in the electric mode and am passing over a bumpy bit of road: the vehicle accelerates automatically. The part that is troubling is that these are times when the driver would want to slow down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-15
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-11-08Air bags17V621000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-11-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2025-03-03 Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Chevrolet Volt — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 77 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 51 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V621000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 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.