This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Volt electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Volt have filed 222 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
222
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volt | 54 |
| 2014 Volt | 26 |
| 2015 Volt | 16 |
| 2016 Volt | 53 |
| 2017 Volt (this page) | 222 |
| 2018 Volt | 53 |
| 2019 Volt | 8 |
3crashes
7fires
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Chevrolet Volt we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 222.
Electrical accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 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
Owners of 2017 Chevrolet Volts describe a persistent pattern of electrical failures with serious safety consequences. The EGR valve develops an electrical short that blows the F03 fuse, cutting power to the engine cooling system and causing rapid overheating and stalling—often on highways at speed. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) fails intermittently or completely, cutting propulsion with no warning, leaving drivers stranded or unable to reach safety. The shifter sensor fails to detect park position, preventing the car from shutting off despite the gear being in park; owners report the radio playing after locked doors and inability to turn off the vehicle for extended periods.
Many owners say they discovered these are known defects documented since 2019–2020. What makes repairs impossible: replacement parts are on national backorder with no availability. One owner waited 5 months for an EGR valve; others were told only 6 valves existed nationwide. Dealers have vehicles sitting in their shops for 7–9 months waiting for parts. Several owners report being excluded from GM's Special Coverage program despite their VIN and model year matching the criteria.
Safety incidents include stalls in traffic requiring police assistance, loss of power on two-lane highways during construction, and engine overheating with loss of steering and cooling while driving. One owner experienced complete electrical shutdown on a freeway in the dark with no ability to call for help. Repair costs exceed $3,000–$5,000 when covered out of pocket, and many dealers misdiagnose the root cause, replacing the 12V battery first before discovering the BECM failure.
Same Chevrolet Volt electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
EGR Valve Electrical Failure
The EGR valve develops an electrical short or control board failure that causes the F03 (non-walk-home) fuse to blow. This fuse also powers the electronic cooling thermostat, so when it blows, the thermostat closes and the engine rapidly overheats. The valve is on widespread national backorder with no replacement available.
When: Failures reported across multiple years and mileages; one at 33,000 miles, others at higher mileage with no clear pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Reduced propulsion warning message; Engine overheating (coolant temperature 230–240°F); Engine stalling while driving, sometimes on highway at high speed; F03 fuse blows repeatedly even after replacement; Engine running hot, frequent skipping and sputtering
Codes mentioned: F03 fuse (15A) blown, EGR valve short circuit confirmed by dealer inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unplug EGR valve and replace F03 fuse as temporary workaround since OEM replacement valves unavailable. Repair quote exceeds $4,000 in at least one case. Owners report waiting months or years for replacement parts. One owner noted only 6 valves available nationwide with others promised to other customers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. No parts available; GM has not resumed manufacturing. Owners driving disconnected valves, increasing emissions and reducing efficiency.
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure
The BECM fails intermittently or completely, causing loss of propulsion, inability to shift, or sudden loss of power while driving. GM issued Special Coverage N232432680 for 19,000 vehicles in model years 2016–2018, but many owners report their VIN is excluded from coverage despite meeting year criteria. BECM replacement requires lifting the vehicle and removing the entire traction battery.
When: Reported at 40K, 60K, 105K, 111K miles and beyond; some failures occur early, others after extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced propulsion warning message; Check engine light (MIL) illuminated; Shift to Park message displayed even when in park, preventing shutdown; Vehicle loses power suddenly while driving, sometimes on highway; Unable to start vehicle; Intermittent loss of communication with drivetrain (CAN bus fault); Battery range shows zero miles despite charge; Unable to shift out of park or into drive; Propulsion system cuts out mid-drive requiring multiple key cycles to restart
Codes mentioned: P1E00, U2603, U2604, U2605, U2606, U2617, U2618, U2619, U2620, U2621, U2622, U2623, U2624, P1FD2, P1FD3, P1FD4, P3042, C326C, P0096, P0AFA
Repairs/costs cited: BECM replacement cost $2,100–$3,000+. Labor-intensive repair; vehicle may be unavailable for weeks or months due to parts shortage. Some owners report waiting 6–9 months in dealer shop. Initial misdiagnosis common (replaced 12V battery first, delaying BECM diagnosis). One owner spent $5,000+ with diagnostic fees and rental car costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage N232432680 issued for 19,000 vehicles, up to 15 years/150,000 miles. However, many qualifying VINs excluded without clear explanation. GM refuses to expand coverage. Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-261 and TSB 23-NA-119 address shifter repair but do not prevent BECM failure. No mandatory recall issued.
Shift to Park Malfunction (Shifter Sensor/Body Control Module)
The vehicle's shifter fails to communicate its position to the body control module, displaying a persistent Shift to Park message even when the gear selector is physically in park. The car will not turn off, and the door locks may not engage. Issue is intermittent; occurs sporadically or becomes progressively worse. Service bulletin and extended warranty exist for some VINs but not all.
When: Reported as intermittent issue occurring multiple times per week or month; one case involved 111,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park warning message displays incorrectly when shifter is in park; Vehicle will not turn off despite shifter in park and ignition off; Door locks will not engage; radio plays when door locked; Shifter contact switch fails to send signal to body control module; Requires multiple attempts or aggressive shifter manipulation to register park position; Issue resolves temporarily after restart or becomes permanently resolved after multiple key cycles
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly and/or electrical contacts must be replaced. Cost approximately $500–$1,100 including labor. Parts listed on backorder; one owner reported 7–10 day wait, another multiple weeks. Replacement parts covered under TSB 23-NA-119 for some vehicles but not universally.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-NA-119 issued for earlier Shift to Park failures in some VINs. GM extended warranty available but not applied to all affected vehicles. No mandatory recall despite widespread complaints online.
Propulsion Power Reduced (Multiple Causes)
Vehicle displays Reduced Propulsion warning and/or engine unavailable message, sometimes reducing speed to 30–40 mph on highway or causing complete stall. Root causes include EGR valve failure, BECM failure, and occasionally programming glitches in the HPCM2 (Hybrid Power Control Module). Some owners report recall existed for software glitch but remedy only provides additional warning time, not fix.
When: Can occur at any mileage; reported at 33K, 50K, 60K, 75K miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced Propulsion message displays on dashboard; Propulsion Power is Reduced warning; Engine unavailable message (despite full fuel tank); Speed limited to 30–40 mph on highway; Engine stall or loss of power while driving; Uncharacteristic jerking or lurching sensation, especially on hills; Unpredictable acceleration or forward collision warning triggered; Engine overheating during reduced propulsion state
Codes mentioned: P1E00 (related to EGR or BECM), Check engine light (CEL)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair depends on root cause. EGR valve replacement (when available) or BECM replacement. One owner waited 3 months for EGR valve with no resolution. Another waited 5 months. Multiple owners report dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Gen 2 Volt recall exists for HPCM2 software glitch providing additional warning time but not addressing underlying failure. No recall for EGR or BECM-related propulsion loss. Extended warranty (Special Coverage N232432680) covers BECM for 19,000 vehicles but excludes many qualifying VINs.
Charger Cord Fire
The OEM home charging cord (J connector handle) caught fire inside the garage while charging. Connector melted and produced ash; fire extinguished on its own. Fire hazard could have resulted in house fire, endanger family, and property damage.
When: After 3 years of use; owner reported wife noticed handle felt hot the week prior
Symptoms owners cite: J connector handle becomes extremely hot; Charger catches fire during charging; Connector melts; Chemical smoke smell in garage; Ash pile under connector; Fire extinguishes on its own
Repairs/costs cited: Charger determined to be out of warranty (beyond 3 years and 36,000 miles). Dealer declined to analyze failed charger or report to GM. Replacement charger quoted at $600+. No investigation by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer classified charger as accessory, not warranty-covered vehicle component. Refused to report to Chevrolet or send charger for analysis. No manufacturer notification or follow-up.
High-Voltage Heater Control Module (PTC Coolant Heater) Unavailable
The high-voltage heater control module (also called K10 heater module or PTC coolant heater) fails, eliminating cabin heat and windshield defrost capability in electric mode. GM no longer manufactures or supplies this part, leaving no OEM repair path. Safety issue in winter climates.
When: Failure reported; specific mileage not stated in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: No windshield defrost in EV mode; No cabin heat in EV mode; Unable to maintain visibility in winter conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No GM-approved repair available. OEM part no longer manufactured. No aftermarket solution available due to high-voltage safety constraints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has discontinued the part and offers no alternative repair path or extended warranty.
Complete Loss of Power / Sudden Stall (Multiple Causes)
Vehicle experiences sudden, complete loss of propulsion or stall without warning while driving at highway speeds. Can occur in electric or gas mode. Multiple owners stranded on busy highways, in construction zones, or in dangerous locations unable to restart or move vehicle. Causes include BECM failure, EGR valve failure, or unknown electrical fault.
When: Reported at various mileages and driving conditions; one case at 111K miles on highway, another at 65 mph on freeway, another in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speed; Vehicle goes dark or all systems shut down; Engine stalls unexpectedly; Unable to restart vehicle; Unable to shift into neutral to push vehicle; Door locks inoperable; key fob will not work; No hazard lights available; No steering assist after stall
Codes mentioned: Multiple U-codes (history codes for every module in at least one case), P1E00, P16BA
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis difficult; intermittent failures may not reproduce at dealership. One case involved three-week parts shortage for fuses; another case blamed on G1 A/C compressor replacement. Root cause often remains unconfirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM escalation offered in some cases but no resolution. Dealerships refuse to repair if problem cannot be reproduced. One dealership stated vehicle safe to drive despite documented incident.
12V Battery Repeated Failures
12V battery fails within days or weeks of replacement, or multiple replacements needed in short timeframe. Often misdiagnosed as primary problem when actual cause is BECM failure draining 12V system.
When: Reported within 1–2 weeks of replacement; one case had second failure after first replacement
Symptoms owners cite: 12V battery shows low voltage; Vehicle fails to start; Check engine light illuminates after 12V replacement; Propulsion power reduced message appears after battery replacement; Battery continues to fail despite replacement
Repairs/costs cited: 12V battery replacement cost $500+ including diagnostic. Dealers often replace 12V battery first before diagnosing BECM, delaying actual repair. One owner had two 12V replacements plus BECM replacement for total cost exceeding $5,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No guidance to dealers on BECM-related 12V drain; dealers default to 12V battery replacement, delaying diagnosis.
Infotainment / Center Display Malfunction
Center touchscreen display becomes inoperable intermittently or permanently, disabling backup camera, Bluetooth, radio, OnStar, climate control settings, and charging parameter controls. Issue attributed to improper USB charging cord disconnection but affects critical safety functions.
When: Intermittent; occurs when phone left plugged into USB without unplugging charger cord
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera inoperable; Bluetooth non-functional; Radio non-functional; OnStar non-functional; HVAC controls unresponsive; Charging parameter controls inaccessible; Display screen goes blank or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Display resets after powering vehicle off for several minutes. No permanent repair available. GM attributes to user error (improper USB cord disconnection) despite design flaw.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states no fix available; issue is inherent to design. Advises disconnecting phone charger before turning off vehicle as workaround.
Electromagnetic Radiation / Health Hazard (Unverified Claim)
One owner reported experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms (hair loss, memory loss, burns, swelling) while in vehicle, improved 48 hours after staying away from vehicle. Installed radiation detection app showed high radiation levels. Dealership and manufacturer acknowledged high radiation readings. Claim is unverified and anecdotal.
When: Symptoms occurred over several months; measurement taken during failure investigation
Symptoms owners cite: Hair and memory loss; Burns and lesions to left side of body; Shaking; Severe head swelling; Neurological decline requiring potential wheelchair/cane use; App-detected high electromagnetic radiation levels in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership and manufacturer concluded high radiation present; advised owner to stay out of vehicle. Previous electrical repairs performed; manufacturer stated unrelated to radiation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and manufacturer investigated and confirmed high radiation. Claim denied when owner submitted for coverage. No further action taken.
Synthesized from 222 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Failure of the BECM and “Shift to park” message. The vehicle will spontaneously produce a shift to park message when starting up the vehicle and turning it off. The vehicle will also show a 0 mile EV range and use the engine where a message saying “propulsion power reduced”. This will also cause the car to shut off randomly. The vehicle has not been inspected by a shop or the dealership. There…
so we inspected your vehicle and it needs a battery module, that part is on back order and we have no ETA when it will come in. That is what the dealership sent me. There are people on Chevy Volt forums saying it's the EGR valve and they've been waiting months with non-working cars. Is anyone doing their job around here?
Shift to park message and will not allow car to be turned off. This problem also occurred ~2 years ago and the part was replaced by Chevrolet under warranty. This seems to be a serial defect
Problems with EGR valves still in defects, and engine gaz motor loose power. GM don’t have enough parts to resolve them.
All of a sudden while braking on a freeway offramp, the check engine light came on and a reduced propulsion warning came on my screen. The car ran weird for about a day, then it wouldn't start. I had it towed to a dealer, they diagnosed the BECM went bad, now my car has been there 2.5 weeks and there's no estimated ship date for the part, much less repair date. If they said they had enough parts…
On Sunday night, I was driving around 65 mph on the 405 freeway to take my friend to the airport. I noticed that the car started to give a weird feedback sensation on the pedals and had started to jerk us forward. As I merged onto the two-lane on ramp to the 10 freeway, the car started to rapidly lose power and then completely died and went dark. I was unable to use the hazard lights as the car…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a meaningful issue. 222 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 74 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 28,000 and 58,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 58,000. 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/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.