Volt (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
LUU - FFV, E-Flex, FAM
1.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Chevrolet Volt regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012. Due to a brake pressure modulator valve problem, the vehicles do not relieve brake pressure from the front brakes during an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), or traction control event. One or both front brakes may lock up and not release. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems"' and No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt problems?
The 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt has accumulated 734 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Chevrolet Volt engine is most reliable?
The 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt a good used car?
The 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 734 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt have?
The 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt has 734 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Volt?
Before buying a used Chevrolet Volt, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Volt?
The 2015 Chevrolet Volt received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 734 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.