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 ↗2013 Chevrolet Volt brakes problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet Volt in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 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 Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Fourteen complaints describe distinct brake failures. The most serious: sudden unintended brake application (one car slammed to a stop at 25 mph), and complete loss of braking power at low speeds and highway speeds without warning lights. Owners report brake pedal going to the floor with no response despite full pressure, and one collision occurred when brakes failed.
Diagnostic findings point to multiple failure points. Brake Pedal Position Sensor failures caused sudden braking; a Brake Pressure Modulator Valve failed at 52,000 and 73,625 miles, causing pulsating pedal and jerking; an ABS Electronic Controller failed at 23,000 miles with no warning light, costing $2,400 to replace. One master cylinder failed in a newly purchased vehicle.
Owners also report loss of braking power when hitting potholes during emergency stops, recovering after 2 seconds—likely a traction control software issue. ABS reluctance to engage on ice and snow, requiring hard pedal slam to activate. One rear brake pad separated from its backing plate, damaging the rotor. A 2013 Volt rolled downhill despite parking brake engagement; GM acknowledged a manufacturer defect but a dealer initially demanded $4,500 out-of-warranty.
GM issued service bulletin PIC5734A but no recall to date per complaints.
Same Chevrolet Volt brakes reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Pedal Position Sensor Failure
Brake Pedal Position Sensor failed, causing sudden unintended brake application or complete brake failure.
When: Varies; one case at 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes slam on by themselves without driver input; Complete loss of braking power despite pedal depression; Brake pedal goes to the floor
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replaced by dealership
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Failure
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve malfunction or failure, resulting in loss of braking power or jerking during braking. Affects traction control and ABS operation.
When: One case at 52,000 miles; another at 73,625 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pulsating or drumming when pressed; Vehicle jerks during braking; Loss of braking power despite pedal application; Delayed braking response
Repairs/costs cited: Valve replacement required; one case cited $2,400 repair cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service bulletin PIC5734A; no recall as of complaint date
ABS Electronic Controller Failure
ABS electronic controller failed, causing complete loss of ABS function and no pedal feedback during braking emergencies.
When: One case at 23,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to the floor; No ABS pulse or engagement; No warning light illuminated before failure; Complete loss of braking function in emergency
Repairs/costs cited: ABS electronic controller replacement; $2,400 repair cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a service bulletin but no recall
Master Cylinder Failure
Master cylinder failure causing complete loss of brake pressure and function.
When: Newly purchased vehicle (2 weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to the floor; Brakes completely stop working; Warning beeps and lights when parked; Loss of braking power when restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced
Traction/ABS Software Error with Pothole Detection
When wheel hits pothole during braking, vehicle loses braking power and displays low traction warning, recovering only after 2 seconds. Appears to be a software or sensor integration issue with traction control.
When: Has occurred twice; low-speed stops affected
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of braking power when tire hits pothole while braking; Low traction warning message on dashboard in red; Braking power recovers after 2 seconds; Vehicle continues forward despite brake pedal depression
ABS Reluctance to Engage on Ice/Snow
ABS fails to engage during gentle braking on ice or snow; requires hard brake slam to activate. Results in wheel lockup and sliding.
When: Multiple occurrences in winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: ABS does not engage with gentle braking on ice/snow; Wheels lock up causing vehicle to slide; Must slam brake pedal hard to activate ABS; Has occurred on level stops and downhill gentle braking
Rear Brake Pad Material Separation
Inside rear brake pad material separated from steel backing plate, damaging brake rotors and causing erratic braking.
When: OEM components
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic braking behavior; Brake pad material separation from backing; Rotor damage
Repairs/costs cited: OEM brake pads and rotors; other brake pads in satisfactory condition
Parking/Hill Hold Brake Failure
Vehicle rolls downhill despite being in park or with parking brake engaged. Also fails to hold on uphill inclines. Emergency brake locks wheel rather than holding brake.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls downhill even when parked; Cannot hold position on uphill slope; Emergency brake locks wheel instead of holding; Vehicle will not respond to throttle uphill
Repairs/costs cited: GM agreed to cover repairs under warranty dispute; dealer initially demanded $4,500 out-of-warranty fee
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet diagnosed as manufacturer defect and agreed to repair under contract
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 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 brakes problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 22,700 and 73,625 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,700; a quarter make it past 73,625. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2013/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.