Research · Compact Cars

2018 Chevrolet VoltRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 228 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt. Most complaints involve electrical system (90) and power train (85). The EPA rates it 42 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
42mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Sep 2018
Owner complaints
228
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat beltsReported Sep 26, 2018NHTSA 18V673000

Service brakes

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 30, 2018NHTSA 18V576000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

228 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2018 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system90
  2. Power train85
  3. Fuel/propulsion system76
  4. Engine51
  5. Service brakes9
  6. Vehicle speed control8
  7. Steering5
  8. Visibility/wiper4
  9. Engine and engine cooling2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Volt model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201149
2012245
2013308
201493
201544
2016170
2017703
2018228
201935
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

90 reports
“My 2018 Chevy Volt is experiencing the EXACT same symptoms as GM's Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Warranty Extension Program N232432680 AND Program N202307990 AND TSB 19-NA-206. My vehicle falls within the guidlines of affected vehicles, yet GM will not honor their program specifications. My vehicle has stalled while driving on the highway, not started, reduced power, and will not charge or depletes a full charge within 30 minutes. I stalled while driving 75 mph on a freeway. My car also would not allow me to shift into park while returning home, then tells me to shift into park when I am trying to tleave for work. GM tells me that "Your VIN does not fall within the repair requirements, even though your vehicle exeriences everything taking place and meets the standard requirements." The dealership tells me that I have to take it up with GM. I have children I drive to school, I drive to work, and I do not think that something of this nature, with the EXACT SAME symptoms that GM claims is happening, with the EXACT SAME codes related to the issue, with very possible safety issues being experienced should be overlooked. This has been happening for months, and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11775218

Power train

85 reports
“FAILURE SUMMARY & SAFETY RISK: While operating in live traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and entered a "Propulsion Power Reduced" failsafe mode, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle is currently grounded and remains available for inspection upon request. WARNING SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSTIC CODES: The instrument cluster illuminated the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine), the ABS warning indicator, and displayed a persistent "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" message. A diagnostic trouble scan confirmed active high-voltage communication failures and powertrain faults: U2603 (Lost Communication with Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module), P25A2 (Brake System Control Module Requested MIL), and ABS code C0500-00. PRIOR HISTORY & FAILURE TO CURE: This identical high-voltage Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure previously occurred in December 2025 at 97,808 miles and was presented to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for repair. The facility claimed the vehicle was repaired, but the exact same catastrophic high-voltage failure recurred in under 4,000 miles (at 101,635 miles). MANUFACTURER POLICY & OBSTRUCTION…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11766936

Fuel/propulsion system

76 reports
“My 2018 Chevrolet Volt LT (VIN [XXX]) suffered a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure at 142,185 miles. Gandrud Chevrolet in [XXX], diagnosed the failure, citing GM Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-261 and diagnostic codes U2619, U2620, U2621, U2622, U2623 and U2624. The dealer replaced the BECM (part 24296900), programmed it, and performed associated work. The repair was completed XXX. The invoice was $3,160.70; I am seeking $3,066.25 in reimbursement for the qualifying repair expenses. GM denied coverage because my VIN is excluded from Special Coverage XXX, despite the dealership-confirmed BECM failure. I pursued the matter through GM Customer Assistance (case 106790207), mediation (case XXX), and Wisconsin DATCP (case XXX). GM maintained that the special coverage does not apply to my VIN. NHTSA previously investigated BECM failures under PE23022. However, owners continue to report similar problems in 2026, including reduced propulsion, inability to drive or restart, charging failures, and reported BECM failures. I ask NHTSA to review these 2026 complaint records alongside mine: XXX A sudden loss of propulsion can leave a vehicle unable to maintain…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11773897
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
EV range
420 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Volt
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
434242$1,50051
  • Volt
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L
    43 city · 42 hwy · $1,500/yr
    42
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet Volt 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 12191
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Volt questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Volt have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Volt problems?

Owners filed 228 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (90), power train (85), fuel/propulsion system (76). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Chevrolet Volt get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Volt at 42 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Volt?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Volt 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026