VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Volt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Chevrolet Volt sits mid-pack among Volt years: 347 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 284, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (83), transmission (82), and fuel system (65), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

347

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Volt years?

Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Volt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8324%
Transmission8224%
Fuel System6519%
Engine5014%
Other3711%
Brakes93%
Speed Control82%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Steering41%
Body & Structure21%
Airbags21%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V673000Seat BeltsSeptember 26, 2018 · 15,800 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The vehicle frequently has an 'Action Required - Shift to Park' display on the dashboard even though the shift lever is in park. This means that the car cannot be powered off and you cannot leave the vehicle. It is a problem that GMC is aware of, but refuses to fix under warranty unless the vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 14, 2022

“When the vehicle is placed in park and I attempt to turn it off, the dash will indicate the vehicle is not in park and subsequently, the vehicle cannot be turned off. Sometimes, if you wiggle the shifter or move it through all the settings (RNDL) and back to park, it will resolve the issue.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 15, 2022

“While driving in August 2023, the vehicle seemed to lose acceleration power and a warning regarding the reduced propulsion appeared. The vehicle was taken in to the dealership and the diagnosis was that the EGR valve needed to be replaced. Still waiting on the issue to be resolved as GM doesn't…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 18, 2023

“VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OFF ON A REGULAR BASIS.. RECEIVE A MESSAGE THAT READS: 'ACTION REQUIRED. SHIFT TO PARK.' WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE TURNED OFF OR LOCKED. RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS NEARLY ALL 2016, 2017…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 24, 2020

“My car is demonstrating a "shift to park" error when I put it in park, which means I cannot turn off the vehicle fully. I am concerned I will be stuck somewhere if this issue is not fixed. It appears to be a known problem at GM and they irregularly cover it under warranty. It should be a recall…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 8, 2023

2018 Chevrolet Volt — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

It is close to typical for the Volt: 347 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Volt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (83 complaints), transmission (82 complaints), fuel system (65 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Volt?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.