Are Chevy Volts unreliable?
Overall, the Chevy Volt is not broadly unreliable; it has demonstrated solid reliability ratings and strong owner satisfaction, though aging units require careful maintenance and battery health checks. This article weighs reliability scores, recall history, and user experiences to give a nuanced view of Volt ownership.
Reliability data in practice
To understand how reliable the Volt has been, we examine ratings from independent surveys, real-world maintenance trends, and the effect of age on a plug-in hybrid's components.
Reliability metrics and owner sentiment can be summarized in a few key points:
- Consumer satisfaction among Volt owners has historically been high, with many reporting low maintenance costs and strong fuel economy savings.
- Independent reliability surveys generally rate the Volt above average for the segment, though scores can vary year to year.
- Real-world repairs are typically modest in cost, with major expenses more likely tied to aging components rather than the drivetrain itself.
- The biggest variable is battery health in older units; a degraded battery pack can be costly to replace, but is often covered by warranty within the period.
Bottom line: Reliability is generally solid, with caveats around age and battery health.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2 reliability snapshot
The Chevy Volt generations share the same Voltec powertrain but differ in refinement and software; Gen 1 covers 2011–2015, while Gen 2 spans 2016–2019. Gen 2 benefits from incremental improvements in charging, software, and packaging, while Gen 1 models remain a solid used-option with higher mileage caveats.
Key takeaways:
- Gen 1: Overall solid reliability, but aging components and battery wear become more likely as miles rise.
- Gen 2: Generally improved refinement and resilience, with fewer early-life software glitches and a smoother charging experience.
- Across both generations, battery and propulsion system warranties help mitigate major repair costs for buyers.
Conclusion: Both generations are reliable overall, with Gen 2 offering a more modern package and fewer early-life issues in many cases.
Buying a used Volt: what to check
Before buying a used Volt, prioritize a thorough check of the battery’s health, the vehicle’s recall history, and the charging equipment and software. A well-documented service history and recent recall fixes can significantly influence long-term reliability.
- Battery health and state of health (SOH): Assess current capacity, degradation, and any history of battery replacement or cooling system service. The battery warranty is typically 8 years / 100,000 miles, which can affect long-term ownership costs.
- Recall and service history: Verify that all recalls have been completed and that software updates are current, especially for charging and energy management systems.
- Charging equipment: Inspect the onboard charging system and the home charging setup (EVSE) for wear, proper operation, and safety compliance.
- Engine and cooling systems: While the Voltec system handles most driving, the gasoline engine and cooling circuits should be checked for leaks, unusual noises, or performance concerns.
- Usage and climate factors: Volts in extremely hot or cold climates can experience different battery wear patterns; verify climate-related maintenance records if applicable.
Conclusion: Used Volt buyers should prioritize battery health, warranty coverage, and a clean recall/service history. When well maintained, the Volt offers economical operation with a low-emission profile.
Recalls and safety considerations
Like many aging vehicles, the Volt has undergone recalls over the years. The main categories have included safety equipment (airbags), charging software, and battery cooling or electrical systems. Dealers address these through safety campaigns and formal recalls.
- Airbag and related safety system recalls: Addressed with dealership replacements or software updates as required.
- Charging and battery cooling system recalls or service campaigns: Targeted fixes to ensure charging reliability and thermal management.
- Software updates: Regular updates to energy management and infotainment systems to improve reliability and user experience.
Conclusion: Recalls are not unusual for vehicles of this age; checking the vehicle’s recall history and ensuring completed fixes are in place is essential for assessing overall reliability.
Summary
In broad terms, the Chevy Volt is not categorized as unreliable. It has earned solid reliability ratings and strong owner satisfaction over its production run, especially in the context of a plug-in hybrid from the 2010s. The main reliability considerations for used Volt owners are battery health, proper maintenance history, and ensuring recalls have been addressed. With careful evaluation and ongoing, moderate maintenance, a Volt can deliver economical, low-emission driving for years to come.
