This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chevrolet Volt powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Volt | 3 |
| 2012 Volt | 20 |
| 2013 Volt (this page) | 23 |
| 2014 Volt | 4 |
| 2015 Volt | 6 |
| 2016 Volt | 51 |
| 2017 Volt | 216 |
1crash
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Volt's powertrain shows a disturbing pattern of sudden, unannounced shutdown or severe power loss while driving. Owners report the vehicle stalling, decelerating uncontrollably, or dropping to 3–10 mph despite full throttle input—on city streets, highways, and mountain roads. One incident happened at 75 mph on a freeway; another occurred in an intersection; a third ended in a rear-end collision when the car stalled during merge acceleration.
Nearly all describe the same dashboard sequence: "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning, followed by "Engine Not Available" and a check engine light. Some cars recover after a restart or 10–20 minutes of waiting, only to fail again days later. One owner had the car die four times over two years.
Dealers initially guessed at transmission control units, electrical modules, and short circuits, often charging owners $300–$3,661 for repairs while the root cause remained undiagnosed. A software recall (N172130460) addressed sudden engine shutdown, but notice arrived weeks after failures occurred. Some affected Volts weren't covered by the recall at all.
Secondary issues include regenerative brake bearing failures creating whining during deceleration and reduced braking force, loss of 60–70% power during acceleration, high-voltage charging software errors, and a design flaw allowing the power button to turn off the car mid-drive. The battery coolant radiator is also vulnerable to road debris, causing cooling and charging failures.
Overall, owners view the 2013 Volt as unreliable in a way that compromises occupant safety during highway operation.
Same Chevrolet Volt powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden loss of propulsion / engine shutdown while driving
Engine or propulsion system cuts out unexpectedly during normal driving, sometimes with temporary recovery after restart or waiting. Owners report the vehicle becoming inoperable, stalling, or decelerating dangerously without warning.
When: Throughout vehicle life; reports span mileage from 32,800 to 107,000 miles. Some incidents occur within days of purchase (new lease).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or dies suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds (30-75 mph); Car decelerates independently despite accelerator input; No propulsion available; vehicle slows to 3-10 mph or stops entirely; 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning message; 'Engine Not Available' message; 'Service Soon' message on dash; Check Engine light illuminates; Vehicle recovers after restart or waiting 10-20 minutes; Repeated failures over multiple incidents
Codes mentioned: P1E00$07E8, Service code referenced in narratives but not fully specified in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships initially struggled with diagnosis. Some replaced electrical modules; one case indicated transmission control unit replacement needed at 50k miles. Another diagnosed transmission failure and quoted $3,661 for replacement (with GM contributing $2,000). Software updates attempted but ineffective for most owners. Codes reset as temporary fix by dealers but problems recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N172130460 issued for software update that caused sudden engine shutdown, but recall notice arrived 6 weeks after incident. Some 2013 Volts covered under recall but not all owners notified in time. GM stated some vehicles were recalled for this issue but other affected vehicles not included. TSB/PIP5081 issued regarding bearing failure but warranty coverage denied to some owners. Software update options offered at $300 cost to owners in some cases.
Accidental power-off while driving due to control layout
Power button positioned too close to other controls, allowing accidental activation while driving. Car shuts down completely mid-drive with no gradual failsafe; requires manual restart and shift-to-park sequence while coasting.
When: Occurs during normal driving when reaching for other controls, especially in low-light conditions or while focused on road.
Symptoms owners cite: Entire powertrain shuts off when Power button accidentally pressed; No lights or electrical power available; Vehicle coasts to stop uncontrollably; Vehicle cannot restart while in Drive gear; Must manually shift to Park before restarting
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs needed; design issue. Multiple reports on Volt forums indicate this is a known user issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed this behavior is 'by design and normal' per owner report, with no redesign offered.
Regenerative braking bearing failure / whining noise
Bearing in the regenerative braking system fails, causing audible whining during braking or deceleration. Bearing cage loses integrity, reducing braking effectiveness and creating safety concern.
When: Occurs during braking and passive deceleration events.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from engine compartment during braking; Noise occurs when braking and going over bumps; Regenerative braking stops unexpectedly, causing vehicle lurch; 'Low Traction' warning light appears; Reduction in braking force reported as approximately 35 BHP loss; Discontinuation of regenerative braking instead of gradual pulsation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis confirmed regenerative brake bearing failure. No specific repair costs mentioned in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB/PIP5081 issued but warranty coverage denied to some owners despite dealer confirmation of failure. No recall issued for this bearing failure, though owner indicates 'all affected vehicles are experiencing the issue.'
Loss of power / reduced acceleration in electric or hybrid mode
Vehicle exhibits significantly reduced power output during acceleration, losing 60-70% of power since new. Safety concern when merging onto highways or avoiding hazards.
When: Occurs consistently across multiple drive modes; present from early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Minimal propulsion when accelerating hard; Loss of 60-70% of power output since purchase; Inadequate power for highway merging or evasive maneuvers; 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning in some cases; Safety hazard in emergency acceleration scenarios
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated nothing is wrong and refused to address under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refuses to acknowledge issue and declines to honor electric warranty claim.
Transmission control unit failure
Transmission control unit malfunction causing engine shutdown without warning during normal driving.
When: At approximately 50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down without warning at 30 mph; Vehicle becomes inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control unit replacement required.
Battery coolant radiator damage and charging system failure
Battery coolant radiator is vulnerable to road debris damage due to low, unprotected placement. When damaged, prevents charging and causes coolant leak.
When: Can occur during normal driving on any road condition with small debris.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak under vehicle; Check Engine light illuminates; Charging system becomes inoperable; Battery cannot charge
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required at dealership. Owner notes radiator damage to Volts is 'not uncommon.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet issued a service bulletin covering some (but not all) 2013 Volts regarding radiator vulnerability, acknowledging the design issue.
Involuntary gear shifting from Low to Drive without button press
Gear shifter shifts out of Low gear to Drive gear unintentionally when hand brushes against shifter without deliberately pressing the release button.
When: During normal driving with hand near shifter area.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifts from L to D without pressing gear release button; Accidental shift can occur from casual hand contact
Regenerative braking dropout causing traction loss
Regenerative braking system disengages during aggressive braking in Low gear when going over bumps, causing sudden loss of braking force and vehicle lurch forward.
When: When braking in Low gear and traversing road irregularities.
Symptoms owners cite: Regenerative braking cuts out during braking over bumps; Vehicle lurches forward; 'Low Traction' light illuminates; Loss of approximately 35 BHP braking force; Abrupt discontinuation rather than gradual pulsation
High-voltage charging system software error
Software error in charging system prevents battery charging and displays manufacturer control error code.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not charge; 'Service High Voltage Charging System' message displayed on dash; Manufacturer control error code P1E00$07E8
Codes mentioned: P1E00$07E8
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states this is a software error that Chevrolet needs to correct at no cost to owners.
Engine pulsation / acceleration noise without actual acceleration
Vehicle emits pulsating engine noise during highway driving that sounds like rapid acceleration or imminent failure, accompanied by pulsation warning on display, though actual vehicle speed does not increase.
When: While driving on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Pulsating engine noise sounds like vehicle is accelerating or 'going to explode'; Pulsation warning message appears on dash; Noise and warning appear and disappear intermittently; No actual acceleration occurs
Complete power loss and immobility
Vehicle loses all power and becomes completely immobile while driving on residential street with no recovery possible.
Symptoms owners cite: Car slows down and comes to complete stop; No power from motor; Cannot restart engine; Attempts to turn off and restart unsuccessful
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 32,800 and 66,781 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,800; a quarter make it past 66,781. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.