VehicleVerdict

2016 Chevrolet Volt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt sits mid-pack among Volt years: 285 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 285, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 80 reports (28% of the total).

285

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Volt years?

Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,192 complaints2011: 64 complaints2012: 359 complaints2013: 448 complaints2014: 128 complaints2015: 70 complaints2016: 285 complaints2017: 1,192 complaints2018: 347 complaints2019: 48 complaints
Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Volt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8028%
Fuel System6422%
Transmission5118%
Engine4917%
Other207%
Speed Control62%
Brakes41%
Driver Assistance31%
Airbags21%
Steering21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Suspension10%
Lighting10%
Seats10%

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

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

17V621000AirbagsOctober 5, 2017 · 16 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a 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. GM's number for this recall is 17387.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE MESSAGE SERVICE STABILITRAK SUDDENLY DISPLAYED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN TURNED AS A RESULT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST AND THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 10, 2020 · crash

“The BECM has failed and causes a reduction in engine power. There is a Special Coverage N232432680 for this issue. Dealership Service Center is saying my car doesn’t qualify based on the VIN, even though it matches the year, make, and model on the Special Coverage. GM is failing to cover the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 26, 2024

“ALL VEHICLE SYSTEMS ARE NOT REGISTERING THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN THE PARK POSITION. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GEAR INDICATOR REGISTERS THE VEHICLE AS IN PARK, BUT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO POWER DOWN THE VEHICLE AN ERROR MESSAGE OCCURS DIRECTING THE DRIVER TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 10, 2019

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE CAR IT SAYS "ACTION REQUIRED: SHIFT TO PARK" AND WILL PROCEED AS BEING LEFT ON, DESPITE BEING IN PARK. THIS OCCURS ABOUT 70% OF THE TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN AND TAKES SEVERAL TRIES OF TURNING ON THE CAR, MOVING, PARKING, AND TURNING BACK OFF BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE, THEN SAW SMOKE, AND THEN SAW FLAMES ON THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PULLED MY CHILDREN FROM THE VEHICLE. WITHIN 2-3 MINUTES, THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 31, 2019 · fire

2016 Chevrolet Volt — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

It is close to typical for the Volt: 285 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Volt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (80 complaints), fuel system (64 complaints), transmission (51 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.