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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-CHEVROLET-VOLT
2013 · chevrolet

chevrolet Volt problems

2 safety recalls. 308 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
155 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
electrical
54 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
23 reports · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
14 reports · avg $450
severe
engine
9 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
severe
tires
5 reports · avg $150
moderate
body
4 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Volt · airbags
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR WENT BAG RESULTING IN THE CAR THROWING A "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING LIGHT. COST OVER 800 DOLLARS TO FIX, HAVE HEARD FROM THE DEALER AND ON VOLT FORUMS ONLINE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A RECALL
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292230.0
2013 Volt · airbags
SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY UPON FRONT PASSENGER ENTERING OR LEAVING VEHICLE. SERVICE LIGHT CLEARS AND REAPPEARS AT RANDOM FOR SEVERAL TRIPS AFTER THIS OCCURS.
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292103.0
2013 Volt · airbags
The passenger presence sensor module has developed a fault. The service airbag soon warning pops up when a front seat passenger gets out of the seat. I can manually recreate the problem by pressing down on the seat bottom cushion and then when I release pressure the warning…
12/29/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499347.0
2013 Volt · airbags
AT 40,000 MILES APPROXIMATELY, THE CHECK AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME UP. THE DEALER SAID THAT BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY, IT WAS NOT COVERED AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT $850 AND THERE WOULD BE NO GUARANTEE THAT THE SENSOR CHANGE WOULD FIX IT. I REFUSED THE WORK FOR…
12/29/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291925.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 18V397000 14/06/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles

If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
severe NHTSA 15V145000 13/03/2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013

If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 155 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Volt has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Chevrolet Volt?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 308 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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