This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Volt cruise control problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1crash
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Chevrolet Volt we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 16.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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 Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗17229 - Service Update. Certain vehicles may develop a fractured right front side tubular half-shaft near the outboard cv joint. This condition presents itself at a low mileage, and the driver may hear a clunk, grinding or rattle noise at the right front side of the vehicle during braking or accelerating. Loss of propulsion may also occur without warning. In addition, the wheels may not be locked, and rollaway can occur if the vehicle is placed in park on a grade without the parking brake being set. Replace the right front wheel drive shaft.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON DRIVING PUSHING ON THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME (2 FOOT DRIVING) MAY RESULT IN A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP AND LOSS OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Volts report five distinct problem categories with cruise control and power delivery.
Adaptive cruise control fails to engage about 25–40% of the time and disengages randomly mid-use, sometimes causing sudden deceleration that nearly caused rear-end collisions. Dealers have attempted repairs multiple times with no lasting fix; owners report no one in Volt forums has achieved a permanent solution.
Propulsion power loss is the most dangerous complaint. Engines stall or lose all power while driving at highway speeds (55–70+ mph) and city speeds, often triggered by a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning. One owner's engine stalled after battery depletion; another lost acceleration after hard braking in traffic. Incidents include engine stops in rush-hour traffic and on remote roads in winter. Dealers cite EGR valve or Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failures. GM has issued an investigation (N232432680/PE23022) and recall (N172096420) for 2016–2018 Volts, but coverage may not extend to all affected vehicles. Parts shortages keep vehicles at dealerships for weeks.
Brake pedal slippage is causing cruise control dropout on at least two vehicles from the same owner, suggesting a design issue rather than isolated failure.
One owner alleges unexpected OnStar remote shut-down at highway speed, with dealership diagnostics confirming an OnStar slow-down command in the vehicle—raising hacking concerns.
Shift-to-Park failures prevent the car from turning off, reported on two new 2017 Volts bought within weeks of each other.
Failure modes owners describe
Adaptive Cruise Control Misengagement and Dropout
Adaptive cruise control fails to engage on demand (reported as low as 25-40% success rate), engages intermittently, or disengages without warning while active—sometimes causing sudden, uncontrolled deceleration. One owner reported holding foot under brake pedal as a workaround, which increases accident risk.
When: Intermittent; occurs during active highway and city driving; one instance involved low-gear mode deceleration hazard
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control fails to engage when commanded; Cruise control disengages randomly mid-use without warning; Sudden uncontrolled deceleration when cruise drops out; Dashboard may show 'Adaptive Cruise Control Unavailable' message; Workaround: holding foot under brake allows temporary engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs have not resolved the issue; problem recurs within days of repair. Multiple dealer visits (up to four reported) yielded no permanent fix. One owner reports no one in Volt forums has obtained a complete fix.
Propulsion Power Loss / Engine Stall While Driving
Engine loses power or stalls completely while driving at highway or city speeds, often preceded by 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning. Multiple owners report sudden loss of acceleration response, requiring evasive steering or emergency pull-over. Occurs both on gas engine and after battery depletion.
When: Highway and city driving; one instance at 55 mph, others at 70+ mph, one at city speeds; incidents span from summer through December driving seasons
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of propulsion power mid-drive; Engine stalls completely in traffic; Speed drops from 70+ mph to 0; 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning message; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle unable to accelerate after braking hard; Rough driving behavior preceding stall; Engine stop after battery depletion in hybrid mode
Codes mentioned: EGR valve fault codes, BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) failure codes, Reduced propulsion power codes associated with N232432680/PE23022 and recall N172096420
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve replacement cited; cost reported as $4,000 (GM discontinued the part post-production), vs. typical $250–$400 valve cost. BECM replacement noted in warranty cases. One vehicle waiting weeks for parts. One repair (EGR unplugged, then cleaned) did not hold; problem recurred within days, worsening.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued investigation N232432680/PE23022 and Customer Satisfaction Program 17228 recall N172096420 for reduced propulsion power in 2016–2018 Volts, but recall coverage may not cover all affected vehicles. BECM warranty coverage available due to prior lawsuit. Battery pack warranty extended to 150,000 miles or 10 years. One owner's warranty claim for EGR repair was approved. Dealers unable to expedite repairs due to parts backlog.
Cruise Control Engagement Dropout Due to Brake Pedal Slippage
Cruise control fails to stay engaged because the brake pedal slips into a slight depression position unintentionally, causing the system to interpret a brake input and disengage. This is reported on two separate 2017 Volts owned by the same household.
When: Ongoing after purchase; occurs repeatedly during normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages unexpectedly during use; Brake pedal slips to a slightly depressed position without driver input; Recurring issue across multiple trips
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report spending money to correct the issue, implying multiple service visits, though specific repair attempts are not detailed.
Remote Propulsion Shut-Down via OnStar
One owner alleges unexpected loss of acceleration capability at highway speed on April 25th, coinciding with a reported OnStar remote slow-down command. Owner claims dealership found evidence of the slow-down command in vehicle diagnostics. Raises concern about unauthorized remote vehicle control.
When: April 25th, late afternoon, at high speed on 210 Freeway carpool lane
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration ability at highway speed; Forced deceleration without driver input; Dealership diagnostic code showing evidence of OnStar slow-down command
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership detected OnStar command code; owner suspects unauthorized remote access or hacking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM 'Stolen Vehicles Department' declined to disclose full details of OnStar remote control capabilities, tracking methods, or security against hacking. Owner requested OnStar control be disabled.
Shift-to-Park Failure
Transmission fails to fully engage Park; vehicle will not stay in Park and cannot be powered off. Reported on two 2017 Volts purchased new within one month of each other, indicating a potential design or manufacturing defect.
When: Ongoing after purchase; occurs repeatedly
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not properly shift into Park; Car cannot be turned off because Park engagement fails; Recurring issue across multiple attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report spending money on repairs, though specific parts or service details are not provided.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2017 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 cruise control problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 13,825 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2017/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.