How do I tell if my Chevy Volts battery is failing?

In brief: if your Volt’s electric range has noticeably shrunk, charging takes longer or behaves erratically, or you see warning lights related to the battery or charging system, the high‑voltage battery may be degrading. If you notice these signs, have a qualified EV technician inspect the car—high‑voltage work requires proper safety precautions.

What counts as a failing battery?

A failing high‑voltage battery means the pack’s capacity and health have degraded beyond what’s typical for its age, affecting electric driving and reliability. In the Volt, this can show up as reduced EV range, slower or inconsistent charging, or faults registered by the battery management system. Because the battery pack is integral to safety and performance, a confirmed fault usually requires professional assessment, and replacement costs can be substantial.

Common signs and symptoms

The following indicators are commonly observed by Volt owners when the high‑voltage battery is aging or failing. If you notice any of these, consider a diagnostic check with a Chevrolet service center or qualified EV technician.

• Significantly reduced all‑electric driving range. If your typical EV-only miles drop from the mid‑30s (in healthy packs) to a much lower figure, it can indicate capacity loss.


• Longer or inconsistent charging times. Full charging that used to take roughly 4–5 hours on Level 2 may take noticeably longer, or the car may fail to reach a full 100% state of charge.


• Increased use of the gasoline engine during normal driving. The vehicle may switch to gas power sooner or more often than before, reducing the electric‑only share of your drive.


• Unusual behavior on the battery gauge or energy display. The SoC gauge may behave erratically, or the energy‑flow screen shows limited battery contribution despite charging.


• Dashboard warning lights related to power, charging, or battery. Messages such as “Service Battery Charging System” or other battery/Powertrain warnings can signal a fault in the battery or its management system.


• Excessive battery temperature or abnormal cooling fan activity. The pack may run hotter than normal or the cooling system may operate more aggressively to manage temperature.


• Charging port issues or failed recognition of a charger. The car may intermittently refuse to charge or display charging faults.


• Overall loss of battery health over time. If the car’s performance and efficiency decline steadily across multiple years, it could reflect aging cells and reduced capacity.

If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. A prompt diagnostic check can determine whether the issue is battery health, a battery management system fault, or a charging/thermal problem.

Practical checks you can perform

Below are steps you can take to gauge whether the battery health is likely the issue before committing to a paid inspection. Use these checks to decide if professional diagnostics are warranted.

1. Review your EV range versus when the vehicle was new. Compare the current all‑electric range shown in the Energy or EV screen to the usual range you experienced in good condition.


2. Time a full Level 2 charge. Plug in at a standard wall outlet (Level 1) or a 240V charger (Level 2) and note how long it takes to reach full. Significantly longer times may indicate capacity loss or charging faults.


3. Monitor the Energy Flow or Power Flow display. Confirm that the battery is contributing to propulsion during normal EV driving and that the gasoline engine is not disproportionately engaging when you expect EV mode.


4. Check for warning codes or messages with a scanner. An OBD‑II reader with GM diagnostics capabilities can reveal battery‑related codes or fault status from the battery control module.


5. Inspect for abnormal battery or pack temperatures after driving. If the pack is unusually warm or hot after typical trips, that can point to thermal or cell‑level issues.


6. Review recall and service information for your VIN. Some Volts have had recalls or service bulletins related to battery modules or cooling systems; confirming no outstanding recalls is prudent.

These self‑checks help you decide whether to pursue formal diagnostics, battery health testing, or potential replacement through a dealer or specialized shop.

What to expect from repairs and safety considerations

High‑voltage battery work should be performed by trained technicians. The Volt’s battery is covered by an extensive warranty in many markets (commonly up to 8 years or 100,000 miles for the high‑voltage pack). Confirm coverage for your vehicle and location, as terms can vary by year and market. If the pack requires replacement, discuss options with an authorized Chevrolet service center, including new, remanufactured, or recycled modules and the associated labor costs.

Safety notes: do not attempt to open or service the high‑voltage battery yourself. If you suspect a problem, minimize driving, and contact a certified technician. If the vehicle has been in a severe collision or shows signs of a fire risk, prioritize safety and arrange professional inspection promptly.

Additional considerations: recalls, warranties, and next steps

Because the Volt is a plug‑in hybrid with a high‑voltage battery, it’s wise to check for recalls and service campaigns related to the battery system and cooling components. You can verify recalls and service updates using your VIN on the official manufacturer recall site or through your local Chevrolet dealer. Understanding your warranty coverage helps you know what is eligible for no‑cost replacement or repair.

Summary

Signs of a failing Chevy Volt battery include a noticeably reduced electric range, longer or inconsistent charging, warning lights, and abnormal battery temperatures or performance. Start with practical checks on your EV range, charging times, and the energy flow display, and consider diagnostic testing with a qualified EV technician if issues persist. Because high‑voltage battery work carries safety risks and costs can be substantial, treat any suspected failure as a priority for professional evaluation, and leverage your warranty or recall information where applicable.

How to tell if a car battery is bad voltage?

And the positive probe to the positive terminal. The resting voltage of the battery should be no lower than 12.6. Vol. Now have someone start the car while you keep the probes on the battery.

What happens when a Chevy Volt battery dies?

Consequences of Battery Failure in the Chevy Volt
Even if the battery is completely depleted, the vehicle will continue to function using gasoline alone, thanks to the auxiliary gas engine. This engine can propel the vehicle for another 350-450 miles, depending on fuel availability.

How to check battery life on Chevy Volt?

App you can see here 22%. Then go to your screen that says energy. Details you can see here I've used 49.1. Kwatt hours so I pull up my calculator. And And I divide 49.1 by.

What are the most common problems with Chevy Volt?

Common Chevy Volt problems include battery degradation, issues with the gasoline engine due to carbon buildup from short run cycles, charging system malfunctions, and electrical system faults like failed control modules. Other reported issues involve brake problems like premature wear and noise, and various software glitches. 
This video discusses potential issues to watch out for when buying a used Chevy Volt: 1mThe Disgruntled MechanicYouTube · Jul 18, 2020
Battery and charging

• Battery degradation: Over time, the high-voltage battery can lose capacity, which results in a shorter electric-only range. 
• Charging problems: Owners have reported the car won't charge at home, won't fully charge, or doesn't work with certain public chargers. A failed condenser in the charging system can also be a problem. 
• High-voltage cooling system issues: A problem with the cooling system can prevent the battery from charging. 

Gasoline engine

• Carbon buildup: The direct-injection engine can develop carbon buildup on the valves due to frequent, short run cycles, leading to rough idle, misfires, and reduced performance.
• Stuck valves: Owners have reported a stuck valve in the engine, sometimes related to the oil pressure control solenoid. 

Brakes

• Premature wear: Owners have noted that brake pads and rotors wear out sooner than expected. 
• Noise and vibration: Common issues include brake noise or vibrations and pulsations in the brake pedal. 
• System failure: In some cases, problems with the master cylinder, calipers, or anti-lock system have been reported. 
• Regenerative braking issues: Some owners have experienced problems related to the regenerative braking system. 

This video shows an example of a common problem with the Chevy Volt's shifter: 56sWatchJRGoYouTube · May 30, 2025
Electrical and software

• Control module failure: The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) or Battery Control Module (BCM) can fail, causing significant reliability issues, including the car stopping unexpectedly. 
• Software glitches: Various software glitches can occur, leading to problems like display screen flickering or intermittent satellite radio reception. 
• Electric drive motor malfunction: At least one owner has reported a malfunction of the electric drive motor.