2017 Chevrolet Volt problems

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at 65-70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power or experienced reduced motive power. The "Reduced Propulsion" message displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, upon parking, the "Shift to Park" message displayed, causing the vehicle to fail to turn off until the contact pressed and held the Engine Start/Stop button multiple times. A diagnostic trouble code for the battery energy control module (BECM) was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage: N232432680 (Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the special coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”

“I am reporting a suspected Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure in my 2017 Chevrolet Volt. My vehicle has experienced multiple symptoms consistent with the known BECM defect documented by General Motors, including intermittent failure to start, reduced propulsion power, and failure to operate on electric power despite the high-voltage battery being fully charged. When the vehicle did start, it would run using the gasoline engine instead of the fully charged battery. The vehicle also experienced reduced propulsion power, limiting acceleration and creating a serious safety concern, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or driving at highway speeds. The intermittent starting failures also create a risk of becoming stranded. My vehicle has generated multiple diagnostic trouble codes associated with these malfunctions, which are available for review. These symptoms are consistent with those identified in GM Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-261 and Special Coverage Program N232432680. GM established extended BECM warranty coverage of 15 years or 150,000 miles for eligible 2016–2018 Chevrolet Volts. However, despite my vehicle being a…”

“My 2017 Chevrolet Volt, with 97,758 miles, experienced a failure that rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle would not start or operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis. After several days, the dealership confirmed that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) had failed. The dealership quoted approximately $2,500 for replacement, including parts and labor. This failure presents a serious potential safety concern because BECM malfunctions can result in loss of propulsion, reduced power, or an inability to restart the vehicle, potentially leaving drivers stranded in unsafe locations. General Motors has previously recognized BECM failures in certain Chevrolet Volt vehicles and established a special coverage adjustment for affected vehicles. However, despite my vehicle experiencing the same diagnosed component failure, GM informed me that my VIN was excluded from the coverage program. I contacted General Motors directly and opened a case. GM confirmed that my repair would be considered an out-of-pocket expense and advised me to report the failure to NHTSA. I believe this failure warrants investigation…”

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Propulsion Power Reduced" was displayed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.”

“Experiencing intermittent propulsion system failure with multiple simultaneous warning messages on 2017 Chevrolet Volt at approximately 59,000 miles. WARNINGS DISPLAYED: - "Propulsion Power Reduced" message - "Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System" (false alert - all tires properly inflated and recently replaced) - Multiple dashboard warning lights including exclamation point indicators - Vehicle exhibits abnormal driving characteristics PATTERN: Issue occurs intermittently while driving. Vehicle can be restarted and may operate normally afterward, then fault returns unpredictably. SAFETY CONCERN: This matches documented Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure pattern referenced in GM investigation N232432680/PE23022 and Customer Satisfaction Program 17228 recall N172096420 for reduced propulsion power in 2016-2018 Volts. Review of owner complaints shows other 2017 Volt owners experiencing sudden complete loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations requiring evasive action by other drivers. RISK: Loss of propulsion power while driving with dependent passengers creates serious crash risk. Vehicle is used for daily…”

“I was driving in stop and go traffic on a relatively busy road when I was cut off. I braked hard to avoid a collision. Immediately afterwards, the car would not respond to the accelerator and would not go forward. I was in the middle of the road and the car would not respond. It could have caused an accident. I put the car into park and then back into drive and it seemed to work again. But I am now worried about the car.”