This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Volt engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Volt have filed 73 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volt | 9 |
| 2014 Volt | 4 |
| 2016 Volt | 19 |
| 2017 Volt (this page) | 73 |
| 2018 Volt | 18 |
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Chevrolet Volt we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 73.
Owners have filed 73 engine 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 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 service bulletin advises the tech to check the wiring harness to validate that the harness is not the cause of the check engine light and to replace the EGR to correct a customer concern of MIL Illuminated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe sudden, unexpected engine shutdowns or severe power loss on highways, triggered by the EGR valve internally shorting and blowing the F3 ("walk home") fuse. The vehicle enters "reduced propulsion" mode or "Engine Not Available," forcing drivers to limp home on battery power alone—typically 40–50 miles of range—or coast to the shoulder. Engine temperatures spike well above normal (220°F–240°F) before failure occurs.
Check engine lights and "propulsion power reduced" warnings appear without prior symptoms in most cases. Owners report takingtheir vehicles to multiple Chevrolet dealerships across the country, all confirming the same diagnosis: a defective EGR valve. However, the replacement part has been on global backorder for over a year in many cases, with dealers telling customers they have no ETA and no idea if the part will ever be manufactured again.
Some owners report the BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) also fails with similar symptoms—sudden power loss, inability to charge, failure to start. Like the EGR valve, this part is backordered.
Quotes for EGR valve repair range from $1,200 to $3,800, with actual parts costing $700–$717. GM has not issued a recall despite acknowledging awareness of the widespread issue. One owner waited 10 months and was told the part would be $3,500, reduced to $3,000 only after producing an old quote for $1,200. Owners report being unable to pass emissions tests while the EGR valve fails, making their vehicles legally undrivable even if they could limp along on battery power. Some owners have driven out of compliance by unplugging the valve to temporarily clear the fault.
Same Chevrolet Volt engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
EGR Valve Failure – Sticking/Internal Short
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve becomes internally shorted or stuck, causing a blown F3 ('walk home') fuse that triggers 'reduced propulsion' mode or complete engine shutdown. Owners report sudden loss of engine power on highways, elevated engine temperatures, and inability to pass emissions tests. The part is globally backordered with no clear availability timeline, leaving vehicles undrivable for months.
When: Typically 25,000–115,000 miles; some failures early in vehicle life, others after years of operation
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden 'reduced propulsion' warning message and check engine light; Engine overheating (coolant temperature spikes to 230°F+); Complete loss of engine power while driving; vehicle limps home on battery only; Engine dies unexpectedly at highway speeds; Blown F3 fuse (walk home fuse); Strong burning or exhaust smell in cabin; Vehicle enters 'Engine Not Available' or 'Gasoline Engine Not Available' mode; Jerky, rough engine operation before failure
Codes mentioned: P0401, P0403, P0405, P0030, P0031, P0054, P0135, P0443, P0458, P0489, P0597, P0598, P06DA, P06DB
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement EGR valve required; dealers quote $1,200–$3,800 for parts and labor. OEM parts remain on global backorder indefinitely. Some owners source refurbished or Chinese aftermarket valves ($500–$1,500), but this voids warranty and does not resolve emissions compliance. Unplugging the valve as a temporary fix allows limited driving but renders vehicle non-compliant with emissions regulations.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges the issue is widespread; dealers cite manufacturing strikes and parts shortages. Some owners report GM offered buyback at reduced fair-market value ($5,000 below market in one case), loyalty points, or partial cost reductions after long waits (e.g., $500 reduction on $3,500 repair after 10-month delay). No official recall issued. Some owners report GM's case managers stated parts may never be manufactured again.
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure
The BECM fails intermittently or completely, causing the vehicle to lose all electrical power while driving or fail to start. Owners report sudden 'propulsion power reduced' warnings, inability to charge, or complete shutdown on the road with no warning. The part is backordered and dealers acknowledge replacement timelines are unknown.
When: Approximately 30,000–115,000 miles; documented as a known issue per GM Bulletin 18-NA-261
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving; Vehicle fails to start or starts intermittently; Check engine light and 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warning; 'Unable to Charge' message on dashboard; 'Shift to Park' message displayed when starting; Reduced EV range display or incorrect battery state readout; Hybrid battery failure warning illuminated
Codes mentioned: <unknown>
Repairs/costs cited: BECM replacement is the required repair. Dealers report the part is on backorder with no ETA. One owner waited 10 days; others report months-long waits. Some dealers told owners it is safe to drive while awaiting parts, though sudden power loss poses safety risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges this is a known issue (Bulletin 18-NA-261) dating to 2018; no recall issued. Dealers cite manufacturing strikes and supply chain delays. No timeline or interim solutions offered; owners advised to wait.
EGR Cooler Failure
The EGR cooler develops a breach or fails to cool exhaust gases properly, resulting in engine overheating and reduced propulsion. One owner reported EGR cooler replacement; later the EGR valve failed, suggesting the cooler may fail concurrently or the root cause remains unresolved.
When: 2023 (one documented case); timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Reduced propulsion warning; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: <unknown>
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement performed by dealership in 2023. Cost not specified by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for cooler failures; grouped under EGR system issues.
Fuse F3 Blowing Repeatedly – Secondary Effect of EGR Valve Failure
The F3 (walk home) fuse repeatedly blows as a consequence of EGR valve internal shorting. Replacing the fuse provides only temporary relief; the underlying EGR valve short causes recurrence within days or weeks. One owner replaced the fuse multiple times before identifying the root cause.
When: Coincides with EGR valve failure; can recur cyclically until EGR valve is replaced
Symptoms owners cite: F3 fuse blown, triggering 'reduced propulsion' mode; Check engine light; Fuse blows again after replacement if EGR valve not addressed
Codes mentioned: <unknown>
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement ($10–20 part) is temporary; EGR valve replacement is permanent fix. One owner unplugged the EGR valve and replaced the fuse repeatedly, driving the vehicle out of emissions compliance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response; issue is secondary to EGR valve design flaw.
Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Pipe Failure – Insulation Failure from Recall Work
During a recall for EVAP pipe issues, dealers applied insulation to a pipe. The insulation later slipped or deteriorated, exposing the pipe and causing a new hole to develop. This resulted in a failed recall repair and forced the owner to bear labor costs for a corrective repair.
When: Recall performed; issue discovered June 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; EVAP pipe hole after insulation failure
Codes mentioned: <unknown>
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disputes responsibility for labor cost of corrective repair following failed recall work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM case opened with no resolution; owner reports they should not be liable for failed recall repair work.
Synthesized from 73 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
This is a safety issue for Chevy Volt. After seven years of good operation, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt stopped running in traffic while we were driving on [XXX]. The Check Engine Light was on, and "Reduced Propulsion" Message on dashboard panel. We brought it to the dealer from whom we purchased the vehicle. Tech Report paraphrased, Customer states CK Engine Light is on and "Reduced Propulsion"…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 73 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 46,000 and 111,722 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 111,722. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.