This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Volt electrical problems
severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 26 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Volt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 26 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
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 service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Volt electrical complaints reveal persistent issues across multiple systems. Instrument cluster and infotainment failures are common—displays go dark at random, leaving drivers unable to see speed, fuel level, or battery status. One owner reported a cascade of false error messages (cluster errors, battery reading zero while full, fuel reading zero with half tank, units switching to metric on their own) that repeated continuously while driving at highway speeds. Another owner's head unit rebooted while driving shortly after a manufacturer recall repair.
Propulsion power loss occurs frequently, with owners reporting loss of acceleration, unexpected surging despite light brake pressure, and stalling when switching between electric and gas modes or when batteries deplete. A brand-new vehicle (66 miles on odometer) suffered "Engine Not Available" and "Propulsion Power Reduced" failures on the New Jersey Turnpike. Older vehicles with 100,000+ miles report similar issues; one owner experienced the problem almost daily by the time warranty expired.
Battery and charging problems disable vehicles unexpectedly. Multiple owners report charging interruption messages that appear despite proper charger connection and no actual user override. Batteries show zero range when full. Some vehicles fail to charge at all and become immobilized. Airbag sensors malfunction repeatedly, triggering persistent warning messages that dealers say cost over $600–$1,300 to fix but GM has not recalled.
The ignition power button sits dangerously close to the drive mode button, causing accidental engine shutoffs at highway speeds. Owners report having to use a complicated three-step restart procedure while rolling, which OnStar was unaware of. The Level 1 charging cable deteriorates, exposing wires and creating fire hazard. Overall, electrical gremlins left multiple owners stranded on highways and unable to diagnose problems themselves.
Same Chevrolet Volt electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster and Infotainment Malfunction
Instrument cluster displays and head unit reboot or go dark while driving or at startup, rendering speedometer, fuel gauge, battery status, and other critical information unavailable. One case involved cascading error messages (cluster error, sensor errors, battery/fuel level false zeros, unit conversions to metric, suspension alerts) appearing repeatedly while driving.
When: While driving or upon startup; one case at 61,000 miles; one case after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel goes completely dark; Speedometer and fuel gauge inoperable; Head unit reboots without user input; Multiple error messages repeating continuously; Battery and fuel level display showing zero when full; Units automatically converting from miles to kilometers; Ambient temperature reading incorrect (-27°C in hot weather)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case involved tow to dealership with no resolution stated; another case GM told owner to seek dealership diagnostic (for fee); one head unit malfunction occurred after manufacturer recall repair
Propulsion Power Loss and Unexpected Surge
Vehicle loses propulsion power or unexpectedly surges forward while driving, sometimes accompanied by loud noise or inability to accelerate. Occurs when switching between electric and gas modes or when battery depletes.
When: Between 33,509 miles and 136,000 miles; one case with 10 miles on odometer (brand new vehicle); one case at unknown mileage after 1.5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Propulsion power reduced warning message; Loss of acceleration going uphill or on freeway; Vehicle jerks and drastically reduces speed without driver input; Unexpected forward surge despite light brake pressure; Loud noise when switching from battery to gas mode; Vehicle stalls when battery depletes; Vehicle loses motive power and stalls at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Electronic Control Module (ECM) failure
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership replaced Electronic Control Module (part number 12670036) and reprogrammed immobilizer; another involved towing with no resolution provided after 4 days; one vehicle deemed total loss by insurance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case NHTSA campaign 18V397000 mentioned by consumer (hybrid propulsion system); dealership attempted to charge and test in some cases but struggled to diagnose; manufacturer notified in some cases
Battery Charging Failure and False Charging Interruption
Vehicle fails to charge or displays false charging interruption messages despite proper charger connection and no actual override/interruption events occurring. Battery shows zero range and vehicle becomes immobilized.
When: After overnight charging attempt; one case after 1.5 years of ownership with multiple incidents (02/15/22, 01/02/23); unknown mileage in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Charging override/interruption message appears; Battery range shows zero miles; Vehicle will not charge from 110V or 240V chargers; Vehicle becomes completely shut down; Not charging lithium battery; Vehicle stalls when main battery depletes
Codes mentioned: Charging system failure, Electrical starting module failure (name not specified by owner)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership ordered unspecified electrical starting module after 5 days of troubleshooting; multiple tows required in recurring cases; one vehicle still non-operational at home
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar called but unable to collect data when vehicle shut down; dealership attempted charge tests but diagnostic unclear; manufacturer not notified in some cases
Ignition Switch Accidental Activation
Power button and drive mode button positioned too close together, causing driver to accidentally shut off engine while driving by reaching for drive mode button. No automatic restart capability while vehicle is moving.
When: Multiple incidents on highway; one at 700 miles; recurring in daily commute
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition shuts off when driver attempts to change drive mode; Engine shuts off while on highway in rush hour traffic or middle lane; Requires complicated 3-step restart procedure while vehicle rolling; OnStar emergency service unaware of restart procedure; No automatic restart if ignition accidentally pressed with foot off brake
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; design issue remains
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware per one complaint; no design change noted
Electric Heater System Failure
Electric heating system fails to generate sufficient heat to defrost windshield when vehicle operates in all-electric mode. Engine does not engage frequently enough to provide backup heat through traditional cooling system.
When: Morning after overnight outdoor parking in cold conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield defroster inoperable; Insufficient heat generation in electric mode; Engine does not engage often enough to heat cabin; Requires traveling nearly 2 miles to defrost windshield
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Battery Failure and Premature Battery Depletion
Traction battery fails prematurely or depletes unexpectedly, causing loss of propulsion or stalling. Battery reaches end-of-life before expected, sometimes without warning.
When: At 105,000 miles; 136,000 miles; at unknown mileage after warranty expiration; one at 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery voltage suddenly fails while driving in electric mode; Battery empties unexpectedly when switching between modes; Vehicle stalls when battery depletes; No charge held in battery; Propulsion system warning illuminates; Battery failure with no warning indicator
Codes mentioned: HPCM2 system (hybrid propulsion control module) reprogramming needed
Repairs/costs cited: HPCM2 system reprogrammed at dealership (Dyer Chevrolet Fort Pierce); manufacturer informed owner warranty replacement period had expired; one vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 18V397000 mentioned as similar issue; manufacturer notified in some cases but informed warranty had expired
OnStar System Failure During Emergency
OnStar emergency service unable to assist when vehicle loses power or experiences system failure. OnStar unable to collect vehicle data when systems shut down.
When: During propulsion failure and charging failure events
Symptoms owners cite: OnStar unable to collect diagnostic data; OnStar emergency service unaware of restart procedures; OnStar indicates system failure but cannot assist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar contacted in multiple cases but limited ability to diagnose or assist
Airbag Sensor Malfunction
Passenger and driver-side airbag presence sensors malfunction intermittently or fail, causing 'Service Airbag' warning message to appear repeatedly. Software disables entire airbag system when sensor malfunctions.
When: Recurring throughout vehicle operation; one case driven with issue over 1 year
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag message appears at startup and continues while driving; Message does not clear after acknowledgment; Entire airbag system disabled due to single sensor fault; Passenger presence module failure indicated; Driver-side sensor malfunctions intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,300+ for replacement of whole airbag sensor kit; one shop quoted $600 for passenger presence module replacement; repairs not completed in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owner told to pay for repair out of pocket
Charging Cable Deterioration and Fire Hazard
Level 1 (120V) charging cable cracks and frays during normal use, exposing electrical wires and creating fire hazard. One cable appeared to be repaired before use.
When: After normal wear and tear; one burned after few uses
Symptoms owners cite: Charging cord cracks and frays; Electrical wires exposed to elements; Cable burns during charging; Pre-repaired cables fail quickly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to provide replacement charger; one cable burned completely
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealership refused replacement
Turn Signal Audio Indicator Too Quiet
Turn signal audible indicator through vehicle audio system is extremely quiet and inaudible when radio is on, leading to driver accidentally leaving signal on repeatedly.
When: During normal operation with radio on
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal indicator sound inaudible with radio barely on; Driver leaves blinker on accidentally multiple times (>10 times); Other vehicles react to invisible signal creating near-collision
OnStar 2G Connectivity Discontinuation
Manufacturer disabled OnStar feature on all 2014 Chevrolet Volts with 2G connectivity. Canadian owners offered free upgrade path to 4G, but US owners reportedly denied same option.
When: Early calendar year (2019 timeframe implied by service bulletin date)
Symptoms owners cite: OnStar feature disabled without warning; 2G connectivity no longer functional
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 15-08-44-001J issued in September 2019 for 4G upgrade; upgrade offered to Canadian owners; US owners allegedly not given option
Vehicle Power Loss During Electrical Storm
Vehicle power shuts off unexpectedly during electrical storm, rendering vehicle inoperable and causing it to roll into another vehicle.
When: During electrical storm at 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power shuts off during thunderstorm; Vehicle becomes inoperable; Vehicle rolls and collides with rear bumper of parked vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; dealer unable to duplicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I bought my car and I had no idea about a known issue that this car has. Unsuspecting and trusting, I noticed my car had a reduced propulsion and it would like lose power and just slowly jerk and then really drastically reduce speed without anyway to fix it and on the freeway I got scared as I have never in my life has this happen in any car. So it happen a couple more times and I took a picture…
The electric heating system failed on my volt which disabled the windshield defroster, creating a dangerous visibility situation. The volt has two heating systems, the traditional waste heat from the engine's cooling system and an all-electric resistor pack. When the car runs in all-electric mode, the engine does not engage and the traditional heating system is ineffective. There is a mode…
Chevrolet volt 2014 head unit reboots while vehicle in motion (city streets and freeways). No user auxiliary device plugged in. Fh daily san leandro could not identify problem. Rebooting occured approximately 1 month ago after manufacturer recall repair. Car was last serviced 11/22/16 for stated problem. Head unit rebooted 12/1/16 while in motion on city street. Head unit provides vital…
Ignition shut off on massachusetts turnpike when trying to change from normal (electric) to hold (gas) mode. Mode button is too close to ignition power button. I had to stop in rush hour traffic to put car in drive and restart, could have been hit. I called onstar emergency service in the moment, but they were not aware of a way to restart the car while it was rolling. Discovered later that…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 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 39,200 and 61,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,200; a quarter make it past 61,000. 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/2014/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.