This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Volt electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Volt (this page) | 23 |
| 2012 Volt | 79 |
| 2013 Volt | 54 |
| 2014 Volt | 26 |
| 2015 Volt | 16 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 23 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure in this cluster is instrument cluster display blackout. Owners describe the LCD screen going completely dark during driving or at startup, wiping out visibility of speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, turn signal indicators, battery status, and propulsion mode. The failure is heavily triggered by cold weather—particularly at or below freezing during morning cold starts. Screens sometimes flicker before dying or briefly reboot before going dark again. Owners say the dealer network acknowledges the problem but claims it can't be diagnosed, and one Chevy service department allegedly told an owner they were "crazy" for reporting it.
The 120V Level One charging cable represents a separate hazard. Multiple owners report the strain relief tears apart, exposing wires that arc internally or short against metal. The result: scorched and melted wall outlets, with one owner reporting the cord burned through twice and the receptacle burned out four times in six years. GM replaced the cords under warranty, but replacements appear unchanged in design—owners say the strain relief material is flimsy and pliable.
Owners also report airbags that failed to deploy during collisions at 35+ mph, generating personal injury and confusion when GM inspectors classified the events as "no event recorded" or "non-event" despite recorded data. Intermittent "Service Airbag" warnings related to the passenger seat are common, with estimated repair costs of $500–$1,000. One owner documented a heating system that works only when the gas engine runs, leaving no heat during battery-only driving.
Same Chevrolet Volt electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster Display Blackout
The LCD instrument cluster display loses all illumination or goes completely blank while driving or at startup, eliminating visibility of speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, turn signals, propulsion mode, battery status, and other critical information. Owners report the display sometimes flickers before failing, reboots briefly then fails again, or stays black permanently. Some display returns after vehicle shutdown and restart.
When: Various mileages reported: 84,763 miles, 87,000 miles, 117,000 miles. Cold weather appears to trigger failures, particularly at or below freezing. Some failures occur at startup; others during highway driving. One failure occurred after 4-5 hours of driving on a two-hour trip.
Symptoms owners cite: Display goes completely black during driving; Loss of speedometer visibility; Loss of fuel/battery gauge display; Loss of turn signal indicators; Loss of odometer reading; Loss of propulsion mode indication; Loss of tire pressure and seat belt warning displays (in some cases); Screen flickers before failing completely; Screen reboots briefly then goes black again; Display fails consistently in cold weather below freezing; Display fails during cold morning startups; Display returns after shutdown and restart (intermittent); Display stays black permanently after initial failure
Codes mentioned: LCD panel short
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer analysis revealed a short in the LCD panel. No specific repair costs cited in narratives.
120V Level One Charge Cord Strain Relief Failure with Arcing/Scorching
The strain relief on the factory-supplied 120V Level One charge cord tears apart, exposing wires that can short internally or arc to external components. When the cord is plugged into a wall outlet or measurement device, the exposed wires create a fire hazard—melting the socket receptacle and scorching the outlet where the cord connects. Owner reports the strain relief material is flimsy, overly soft, and pliable.
When: Overnight charging session. One owner reported cord burning through twice and receptacle burning out four times over six years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Strain relief torn in half exposing wires; Charge cord fails mid-charge after battery accumulates minimal range (5 miles reported); Socket or receptacle scorched or melted at plug point; Small electrical fire at cord-outlet interface; Cord burning through (reported twice in one vehicle over 6 years); Wall receptacle burning out (reported four times in one vehicle over 6 years)
Repairs/costs cited: GM ordered replacement cord under warranty. Replacement cord appeared similar to original with one additional flex segment. One owner expressed concerns the replacement did not meaningfully address the flimsy strain relief design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM replaced cord under warranty.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Collisions
Airbags fail to deploy during vehicle collisions at significant speed. One owner experienced two separate collision incidents (T-bone at 45+ mph, front-end clip at 35+ mph) where airbags did not deploy, resulting in personal injury and increased vehicle damage. GM inspection data showed 'no event recorded' on first collision, and 'non-event' classification on second collision despite recorded deployment event. GM provided no explanation or resolution.
When: April 2013 collision and January 2014 collision.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags fail to deploy during T-bone collision at 45+ mph; Airbags fail to deploy during front-end collision at 35+ mph; Personal injury resulting from lack of airbag protection; Vehicle sustained $14,000+ in damages; GM inspection data shows conflicting results (no event vs. non-event)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM sent third-party inspectors. First inspection reported 'no event recorded.' Second inspection recorded an event but classified it as 'non-event' and provided no explanation for deployment failure. GM later stated they 'researched and evaluated' the concern and 'fulfilled its obligation' but answered no questions, offered no fix, and provided no resolution.
Intermittent 'Service Airbag' Warning Light for Passenger Seat
Service airbag warning light comes on intermittently, specifically related to the passenger seat airbag. Warning typically appears at startup if it appears at all. No visible damage to seat, no fluid spillage. Owner indicates online search suggests this is widespread among other Volt owners with repair costs ranging $500–$1,000.
When: Spring 2020 onward. Intermittent failures at startup.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light comes on intermittently; Warning light triggered specifically by passenger seat airbag sensor; Warning appears primarily at vehicle startup; No visible damage to seat; No fluid spillage on seat
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates diagnostic and repair estimates from online sources suggest $500–$1,000 cost. Owner did not pursue dealer diagnosis due to intermittent nature and vehicle value concerns.
Radio and Door Lock Electrical Malfunctions
Radio and door locks engage and disengage on their own without driver input. Owner reports this as one of multiple electrical faults on the vehicle.
When: Timing not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio turns on and off on its own; Door locks engage on their own; Door locks disengage on their own
Engine Start and Power Delivery Failure with Reduced Propulsion Message
Vehicle loses power while driving on highway, unable to accelerate above 19 mph, with check engine light and 'reduced propulsion' message. OnStar diagnosis indicated transmission and engine fault, with warning that vehicle may be unsafe to drive. Dealer refused warranty assistance despite vehicle being under warranty at time of failure.
When: January 2014 during highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving on highway; Unable to accelerate above 19 mph; Check engine light illuminated; 'Reduced propulsion' message flashing; OnStar diagnostics indicated transmission and engine fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer (Classic Chevrolet Grapevine) refused to assist despite vehicle being under warranty.
Vehicle Continues Running on Generator When Plugged In with Depleted Battery
When vehicle is left plugged in while still powered on (driver failed to press power button), and battery depletes overnight, the gas generator automatically starts and continues running in an enclosed garage, creating carbon dioxide poisoning hazard. Vehicle does not shut down automatically when plugged in and battery is depleted. Owner proposes that vehicle should automatically shut down when plugged in rather than activate generator.
When: Overnight charging session. Owner raised concern after experiencing the issue once.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle left running while plugged in (user error: power button not pressed); Battery depletes fully; Gas generator automatically starts and runs for extended period in enclosed garage; Generator runs silently due to electric motor design, creating awareness difficulty; Carbon dioxide accumulation in enclosed garage; Vehicle does not automatically shut down when plugged in with depleted battery
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports GM did not respond to three separate inquiries over 60 days regarding this concern. Owner characterizes GM's lack of response as 'stonewalling.'
'Vehicle Not in Park' Warning Light When Engine Is Off and Vehicle Is in Park
Warning light illuminates stating vehicle is not in park, but the vehicle is actually in park and engine is off. Engine does not want to shut down.
When: Timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Warning light states vehicle not in park when it is in park; Engine reluctance to shut down; Warning appears when engine is turned off
Heat System Inoperative During Battery-Only Operation
Vehicle heating system will not function when operating on battery power alone. Heat only works when gas engine is running. Owner reports this as a safety and comfort concern.
When: Timing not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: No heat output when vehicle operating on battery power; Heat functional only when gas engine is running
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
As an electric vehicle, when running on battery, it is difficult to know when the vehicle is left running. Upon returning home one day, I exited the vehicle and plugged it in. I didn't realize at the time, that I had not turned off the volt by pressing the blue power switch on the dashboard. The next morning, I came into my enclosed garage and could hear the volt's gas powered generator…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet volt. The contact stated that the lighting on the instrument panel went out without warning. The failure prevented the contact from seeing the speedometer or fuel gauge. The contact stated that the same failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to alamo city Chevrolet (9400 san pedro ave, san antonio, tx 78216) where an unknown electrical repair…
When the engine is turned off a warning light comes on stating that the vehicle is not in park. However, the engine is in park. Engine does not want to shut down.
Since the spring of 2020, "service air bag" warning comes on intermittently, related to passenger seat airbag. Warning generally comes on at startup, if it appears. No fluids have been spilled on the seat, and no visible damage to the seat. I am the second owner, purchased from friend, car has always been garaged and serviced regularly. Online search suggests that other owners have same…
Driver instrument panel went blank. Speedometer, fuel/battery gauge, odometer, etc are all gone. The screen display light lit on and off in the background without any information.
The heat will not work in the car when the car is using the battery - heat will only work when the engine is running.
In the 6 years that I've had this vehicle, the power cord has burn through 2 times and the receptacle in which it was plugged was burned out 4 times. I'm fortunate my house hasn't caught fire. I feel this is gm's responsibility and I should not have to pay for the 2nd replacement of this cord.
Instrument cluster, which displays speed, odometer and fuel lever among other safety information, started to glitch towards that end of a trip of about two hours. At first the screen would flicker but would eventually reboot and the information was available shortly after. Next morning the screen would turn on slowly at first, but then it went out again and never started again ever since.
Instrument cluster went black dark no visibility MPH , fuel level, while I was driving at night. It felt very dangerous.
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 48,000 and 88,355 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 88,355. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Volt.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.