2011 Chevrolet Volt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is among the quieter years of the Volt on NHTSA's books: 64 complaints (78% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Volt years?

Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Volt problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	24	38%	new
Airbags	8	13%	new
Fuel System	7	11%	new
Engine	4	6%	new
Brakes	3	5%	new
Transmission	3	5%	new
Steering	3	5%	new
Seats	2	3%	new
Suspension	2	3%	new
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	new
Other	1	2%	new
Body & Structure	1	2%	new
Lighting	1	2%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	2%	new
Seat Belts	1	2%	new
Speed Control	1	2%	new

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V145000Electrical SystemMarch 13, 2015 · 50,236 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Consequence

If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. BRAKES NOT CATCHING CAUSING CAR TO ROLL. POWER FAILURE AND WON'T START. APRIL 2013,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 13, 2013 · crash

“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. BRAKES NOT CATCHING CAUSING CAR TO ROLL. POWER FAILURE AND WON'T START. APRIL 2013,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 13, 2013 · crash

“PROPULSION POWER REDUCED WARNING HAPPENING OFTEN. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A SW REFLASH REQUIRED. IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR AFTER THIS REFLASH. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS OCCURS WHILE ENTERING A HIGHWAY AND I CANNOT GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WILL EVENTUALLY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2016

“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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 25, 2023

“I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake. When the light turned green, I released the brake and the car suddenly accelerated forward on its own, without me touching the accelerator. As soon as the car surged forward, I immediately pressed the brake pedal hard to stop it but instead of…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 30, 2025 · crash

2011 Chevrolet Volt — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 64 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Volt year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2011 Volt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (24 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Volt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Volt years to avoid are 2017, 2013. The cleanest record among Volt years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other Volt years?

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Volt problems?

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Chevrolet Volt — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

What are the most common 2011 Volt problems?

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt under NHTSA investigation?

Which Chevrolet Volt years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

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