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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Chevrolet Volt Electrical system Problems

Complaints
77about this part
Share
45%of 170 total for the year
Median mileage
45,558miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, 45% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,558 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“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 miles

“When I put the car in park and try to turn it off, I frequently get an error on the gauge display that says action required, shift to park. This is very frustrating. When this error happens, I'm unable to power off the car or lock the doors. I turn the car back on, jiggle the shifter or move it into drive and back to park, and then try turning the car off again. Sometimes I have to go through this process 5 or more times before the car will power down. This error happens about half the time that I use my car, which makes it a daily problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11414456, filed 2021-04, 46,000 miles

“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 miles

“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 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20191132%
20188839%
201731345%
20167745%
20151841%
20142729%
20136320%
20128635%
20112347%

Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

Fuel system
65 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
51 complaints
Engine
48 complaints
Other or unknown
20 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology