2016 Chevrolet Volt Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Volt years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Chevrolet Volt year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 9 of its 170 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Reduced propulsion power and BECM faults (84 complaints, median 83,574 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 170filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,045miles, 60 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 42 mpgcombined (gas only), 1.5L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid FWD · 43 city / 42 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Volt most often report an intermittent "Shift to Park" message that keeps the car from powering down after it is already in park, along with episodes of reduced propulsion power tied to the battery energy control module and the EGR valve. Complaints also cover a blank or unresponsive center display, high-voltage battery faults, and occasional fuel odor. Reports span low and high mileage, from a few thousand miles to well past 100,000.
- Electrical system
Shift to Park message prevents shutoff
- 66 complaints (39%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (34 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe a "Shift to Park" or "Action Required: Shift to Park" message appearing when they press the power button, even though the shifter is in park. The car stays on, doors may not lock, and owners sometimes toggle the shifter or press the button repeatedly to get it to power down. Some dealers replaced the shifter assembly or a related wiring harness; others told owners the repair would not be covered, and in at least one case the message returned after a cable replacement. Reported across a wide mileage range, most often between roughly 20,000 and 60,000 miles, and tends to become more frequent over time.
What to check: Before buying, park the car, press the power button, and confirm it shuts down on the first try; repeat a few times. Ask whether the shifter assembly or shifter wiring harness has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When trying to turn the car off a shift to park light comes on and the car will not turn off. When looking for an explanation I found that this a common problem with the 2nd gen VOLT. When I took this car to the dealer they were well aware of this problem. This is a common problem that is a design flaw and the second gen VOLT should be recalled by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11301668, filed 2020-01, 52,000 miles“My 2016 Chevrolet VOLT is exhibiting the shift to park issue. More often than not, when I shift to park and attempt to shut my car off, it alerts me that I need to shift in order to park. I have to turn the car back on, then turn it off again, sometimes I move the shifter or flick the shifter button to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11338889, filed 2020-07, 63,000 miles - Electrical system
Reduced propulsion power and BECM faults
- 84 complaints (49%)
- median 83,574 mi at 8.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,621 (median of 20 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe "Reduced Propulsion," "Low Propulsion Power," or "Engine Propulsion Reduced" messages, sometimes followed by the car slowing, stalling, or failing to restart. In several cases a dealer diagnosed a faulty battery energy control module and, in one, an electronic control module; other vehicles needed a high-voltage battery replacement. Some owners mention a GM special coverage program for BECM failures and report being told their vehicle was not covered. Appears from modest mileage up to 140,000+ miles, with several reports in the 80,000 to 145,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask the dealer to check for stored hybrid/BECM codes and whether the vehicle has had a BECM repair or replacement. Confirm any applicable special coverage still applies to the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine became disabled while driving, displaying a power reduced message. The vehicle was in motion on a busy street, and I had to try to pull over with traffic moving at a fast pace. This happened to me twice. Dealership was unable to replicate the problem and did not do anything to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11219394, filed 2019-06, 80,000 miles“My 2016 Chevy Volt experienced a loss of propulsion power multiple times due to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve failing. The malfunctioning EGR valve caused the F3 fuse to break, disabling the cooling system and forcing me to pull over immediately, which posed a safety risk, especially in high-traffic areas or on highways. The problem was reproduced when the replacement EGR valve also failed. It is not specified if the vehicle or components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. …”
NHTSA complaint #11589804, filed 2024-05 - Electrical system
High-voltage battery and charging faults
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Some owners describe an OnStar notice about a detected lithium-ion battery issue, a sudden loss of power while driving, or the battery level indicator swinging before the instrument panel went blank. Dealers or the manufacturer confirmed a faulty high-voltage battery in several cases and authorized replacement. Spread from about 80,000 to 160,000 miles in the sampled reports.
What to check: Have the battery checked with a scan tool and ask about the battery's service or replacement history; verify remaining battery warranty coverage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle air condition stopped working while driving, check engine light came on. Message from onstar reads: an issue with the lithium-ion battery in your 2016 Chevrolet VOLT has been detected. Please service your vehicle within 1 day.”
NHTSA complaint #11219395, filed 2019-06, 83,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the battery level indicator was fluctuating up and down and then the instrument panel went blank. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. A case was filed. The failure mileage was 160,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11486527, filed 2022-09, 160,800 miles - Electrical system
Center display goes blank or unresponsive
- 5 complaints (3%)
- median 11,490 mi at 1.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2025
Owners report the center display going blank or locking up at startup, taking climate, charge, navigation, and backup camera functions with it. Some describe a dealer reflashing a module or replacing the camera, with the problem recurring afterward. Reported from very low mileage (under 2,000 miles) through the 50,000 mile range.
What to check: Start the car and confirm the center screen comes up and responds, including the backup camera when reverse is selected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The entire control window was blank and I couldn't get it to come back after restarting the car. The radio and functions still worked, just couldn't see any of the functions to operate them. This was when the vehicle was started, and during the entire drive on city streets and a highway”
NHTSA complaint #10904798, filed 2016-09, 6,700 miles“The VOLT center display has gone blank, probably a bad screen. The display serves multiple purpose: infotainment, navigation, charging control (being an electric vehicle), and most importantly the back up camera display. The rear hatchback visibility is very poorly designed, with great dependent & reliance on driver to use the back camera. Without the display, backing driver can not see a small child nor any object.”
NHTSA complaint #11290287, filed 2019-12, 55,000 miles
Buying note. Give a 2016 Volt a thorough test drive and a full power-cycle check for the Shift to Park message, and ask for service records on the shifter assembly, battery energy control module, and EGR valve. A scan-tool check for stored codes and confirmation of any remaining battery-related coverage are worth doing before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 170 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. 60 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,045 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,335 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Chevrolet Volt model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system77 45%
- Fuel system65 38%
- Engine48 28%
- Other or unknown20 12%
- Vehicle speed control6 3.5%
- Brakes4 2.4%
- Air bags2 1.2%
Also reported: Steering (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Warning about airbag system not working correctly and told to bring car to dealer within 1 day. Car was in motion on city street with my son in front. I don't know exact parts but I brought it to chevy and they refused to pay for fix (so the car is still there while I appeal). It was something about the system in the seat and possibly dash that controls the airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #11282009, filed 2019-11, 40,000 milesFuel system: “Shift to park message & audible alarm. Display while in motion pulling into home driveway. Vehicle stalled midway while in motion. Halfway in the street & half driveway. Displaying propulsion power reduced & Engine not available service soon. After 30 minutes of starting & restarting was able to move out of the street. However vehicle will NOT move. Transmission will shift, however will not move. Shift to park keeps popping up.”
NHTSA complaint #11622713, filed 2024-10, 143,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “This vehicle has a shift to park message that been seen on many GM vehicles. Some of the owner sites I have been to say that this is covered under warranty. I have not been so lucky with GM. The dealer did cover 1 repair of this problem but now says I have to pay. The problem has returned and persists. A shift to park message is displayed on the dash after the car is in park and will not shutdown. I have attached all the documentation that I have.”
NHTSA complaint #11289014, filed 2019-12, 30,217 milesEngine: “2016 chevy VOLT wouldn't start, less than a year old, current on maintenance. Towed it to dealer, they said there were some recalls - but couldn't tell me what was wrong. Got it back after 2 days, was fine - then on 9/22/16 wouldn't start again - I was stranded in the dark, got it jump started. Took it to the dealer, since it was running fine he didn't take it in. Told me next time it happens to get it towed in. Wouldn't start again yesterday, unreliable car. Please investigate.”
NHTSA complaint #10911019, filed 2016-10, 14,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
62% of the 60 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,716 and 63,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Chevrolet Volt version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); plug-in hybrid figures are for gasoline-only (hybrid mode) driving, so no annual cost is shown.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid | CVT | 43 | 42 | 42 gas only | — |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V621000Oct 5, 2017Air bags › FrontalCovers: Chevrolet Volt 2016, Colorado 2015–2016, GMC Canyon 2015–2016
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.
Recall details for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE23022Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control ModuleClosed · Nov 29, 2023
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,335 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11024324Sep 4, 2025Fuel system, Electrical system. This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Volt
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 | 21,750 | 2 | 5 | 42 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 226 | 24,579 | 2 | 5 | 42 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 703 | 36,218 | 0 | 5 | 42 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 170 | 43,045 | 1 | — | 42 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 44 | 38,000 | 1 | 5 | 37 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 93 | 50,900 | 0 | 5 | 37 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 308 | 67,000 | 3 | 5 | 37 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 245 | 80,000 | 2 | 5 | 37 | 92 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 49 | 72,500 | 1 | 5 | 37 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
All Chevrolet Volt model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt?
Owners of the 2016 Volt most often report an intermittent "Shift to Park" message that keeps the car from powering down after it is already in park, along with episodes of reduced propulsion power tied to the battery energy control module and the EGR valve. The issues reported most often: Shift to Park message prevents shutoff; Reduced propulsion power and BECM faults; High-voltage battery and charging faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Volt have?
NHTSA recorded 170 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 77 complaints (45% of the total), followed by fuel system with 65.
Has the 2016 Chevrolet Volt been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Volt get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Volt (Volt, 1.5L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid) at 42 mpg combined, 43 city and 42 highway when running on gasoline in hybrid mode. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt reported?
Among the 60 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,045 miles and the middle half falls between 29,716 and 63,500 miles; 62% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.