2017 Chevrolet Volt problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 1,192 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Volt year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 9 Volt years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 319 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
1,192
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
14
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2017 compare to other Volt years?
What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Volt problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 319 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 235 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 218 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 186 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Other | 115 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 32 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 27 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Driver Assistance | 16 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 16 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 12 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 0% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 0% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 0% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 0% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 0% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“URGENT URGENT. THIS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2017 VOLT. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE FOUND TWO OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. GM DIDN'T EVEN INVESTIGATE BEFORE DENYING LIABILITY, THEY MADE A DETERMINATION OVER PHOTOS. ALL 3 VEHICLES HAD…”
“URGENT URGENT. THIS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2017 VOLT. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE FOUND TWO OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. GM DIDN'T EVEN INVESTIGATE BEFORE DENYING LIABILITY, THEY MADE A DETERMINATION OVER PHOTOS. ALL 3 VEHICLES HAD…”
“EGR valve/cooler fails and makes engine coolant temperature climb above normal operation, leaving you stranded on the side of the road (engine shuts down). I still had battery miles available to pull to the side safely. This is a common issue for these vehicles and GM has not issued a recall or…”
“WHEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE (PHOTO 08); WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE, THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF THE GARAGE, ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME (PHOTO 09), LEAVING SKID MARKS (PHOTOS 06 & 07)…”
“URGENT URGENT. THIS IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2017 VOLT. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE FOUND TWO OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. GM DIDN'T EVEN INVESTIGATE BEFORE DENYING LIABILITY, THEY MADE A DETERMINATION OVER PHOTOS. ALL 3 VEHICLES HAD…”
2017 Chevrolet Volt — common questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 1,192 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 9 Volt years. It is one of the Volt years to avoid.
What are the most common 2017 Volt problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (319 complaints), fuel system (235 complaints), transmission (218 complaints).
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt.
Is the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Volt?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Chevrolet Volt earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
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.