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 ↗2018 Chevrolet Volt engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Volt have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Volt | 4 |
| 2016 Volt | 19 |
| 2017 Volt | 73 |
| 2018 Volt (this page) | 18 |
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet Volt in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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
The dominant failure reported across these 18 narratives is EGR valve electrical failure. The electronically actuated EGR valve draws excessive current and blows the F3 fuse (labeled "No Walk Home"), which supplies power to critical engine management components. When this happens, owners get "Reduced Propulsion" and "Engine Not Available" messages, and the engine shuts down completely—often while driving highway speeds with no warning.
Owners describe sudden loss of motive power as a serious safety hazard: one owner was on a busy highway 150 miles into a trip when the car dropped to reduced propulsion; another had a passenger and service dog aboard on a 70 mph road trip. The battery backup doesn't always save them—several report using up electric range before the engine died, leaving them stranded. Failures occur between 20,000 and 69,000 miles, well within the vehicle's life.
The repair is complicated by a critical parts shortage. EGR valves have been on backorder for 4+ years. Dealers quote $1,400 to $4,000 for replacement plus labor; one owner found the same part available elsewhere in 2024 for $240. Warranty technically covers the part, but unavailability leaves owners waiting months or years without resolution. GM's response has included extended warranties only in certain states and a suggestion that owners rent cars at $45/day and seek reimbursement later.
Secondary issues include botched dealer emissions recalls (wrong component installation), burnt plastic smells that dealers dismiss as break-in, and park switch failures that prevent engine shutdown.
Same Chevrolet Volt engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
EGR Valve Electrical Failure
The electronically actuated EGR valve fails and draws excessive current, causing the F3 ('No Walk Home') fuse to blow. This fuse powers multiple engine control functions, leading to sudden loss of engine power while driving. The failure occurs with little to no warning and can leave owners stranded.
When: Between 20,000 and 69,000 miles; earliest reported at 20k miles of engine usage
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced propulsion message on dashboard; Engine not available/Engine unavailable message; Check engine light illumination; Complete loss of engine power while driving; Inability to restart engine or very limited restart duration; Car jolting before failure; Vehicle drops to EV mode only with severely reduced speed
Codes mentioned: F3 fuse failure (No Walk Home fuse), Multiple unknown DTC codes (40+ reported in one case), EGR valve fault detection
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement EGR valve costs $1,400 to $2,500 (2024 pricing); one owner reported $4,000 total repair cost with labor. In 2024 same part was available for $240. Dealers have quoted $4,000+ for replacement and installation. One owner noted dealer charged $400 for diagnosis and $200 for re-diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranties in limited states with CARB emissions protections only. Service Bulletin 21-NA-116 (released February 2023) exists but dealers claim not recognizing it. Parts have been on backorder for 4+ years with no resolution timeline. Warranty coverage confirmed but parts unavailable. GM customer service suggested $45/day rental car reimbursement only after owner pays and seeks reimbursement.
Emissions Repair Botched Installation
Dealer performed recall repair for fuel vapor leak emissions issue but installed components in wrong locations per GM service bulletin (TSB N192273600). Repair was ineffective and vehicle continues to report fault codes. Dealer refused to re-check work without additional payment and refused warranty service for unrelated park switch issue.
When: During recall service at an undisclosed time
Symptoms owners cite: Slow emissions leak fault code; Fast emissions leak fault code; Continuing fuel vapor leak detection
Codes mentioned: Emissions leak code (slow), Emissions leak code (fast)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had to use personal borescope camera to document incorrect parts placement compared to GM service bulletin. Photos showed parts located in wrong places and resulting damage from improper installation. Owner paid out-of-pocket for re-checking dealer's work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall TSB N192273600 issued but not performed correctly by dealer. Dealer (Haselwood Chevrolet, Bremerton Washington) has not responded to phone or email complaints about the faulty repair work.
EGR Valve Cooler Failure
EGR cooler fails in conjunction with or as a related component to EGR valve failure, resulting in complete engine failure and total loss of propulsion.
When: At 69,000 miles in one reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine reduced power mode; Engine failure mode; Complete loss of propulsion
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported both EGR valve and cooler replacement cost $4,000 and was allegedly not covered under federal emissions warranty.
Burnt Plastic Smell Under Hood
Strong burnt plastic smell coming from under the hood after engine warms to operating temperature. Occurs repeatedly over months and thousands of miles. Smell occasionally enters cabin. Dealers dismiss as normal break-in burn-off despite high mileage being inconsistent with this explanation.
When: After 3,000 to 6,700 miles of operation; persists for months
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burnt plastic smell from under hood when engine at operating temperature; Smell intensifies when exiting vehicle; Smell occasionally enters cabin; Smell continues despite months of operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers claim normal hybrid break-in burn-off and refuse to investigate further.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealer claims it is normal operation
Park Switch Failure
When shifting to Park, the display indicates Park position but the engine does not shut off. Owner spends extended time trying to power down the vehicle. Creates safety concern of engine running unattended on gasoline, producing exhaust fumes.
When: Timing not specified; part replacement cost $491.33
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park does not trigger engine shutdown; Display shows Park but car remains on; Engine continues running after Park selection; Warning message when shifted to Park; Extended delay (up to 10 minutes) before engine shuts off
Repairs/costs cited: Shift stick and harness replacement performed by dealer at $491.33. Owner noted multiple online listings for this issue suggesting it is widespread.
Engine Failure to Switch Over from Battery Power
When battery power is depleted, the gas engine fails to engage or start to provide propulsion, leaving the vehicle stranded without motive power.
When: Occurs when battery depleted during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not switch on when battery power runs out; Vehicle unable to restart; Complete loss of propulsion on highway
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Volt?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 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?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 37,470 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 $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/2018/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.