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What was the last year Chevy Volt was made?

The Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), was discontinued after the 2019 model year. The Volt was first introduced in 2010 and was produced for nearly a decade before being phased out by General Motors.


The Rise and Fall of the Chevy Volt


The Chevrolet Volt was launched in 2010 as one of the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles available in the United States. The Volt combined an electric motor with a gasoline-powered engine, allowing it to operate in both all-electric and hybrid modes. This innovative design made the Volt a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still having the flexibility of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.


Despite its initial success, sales of the Volt began to decline in the mid-2010s as competition from all-electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, increased. Additionally, the low price of gasoline during this period made the Volt's higher sticker price less appealing to some consumers. In 2019, General Motors announced that production of the Volt would be discontinued, with the last model year being 2019.


Reasons for the Volt's Discontinuation


There were several key factors that contributed to the Chevrolet Volt's discontinuation:



  • Shift Towards All-Electric Vehicles: The rise of all-electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, made the Volt's hybrid design less appealing to some consumers. These all-electric vehicles offered longer ranges and lower operating costs, which appealed to many eco-conscious buyers.

  • Low Gasoline Prices: The relatively low price of gasoline during the mid-2010s made the Volt's higher sticker price less attractive to some consumers, who were less motivated to pay a premium for a hybrid vehicle.

  • General Motors' Restructuring: As part of a broader restructuring effort, General Motors decided to discontinue the Volt and focus on other models, including its growing lineup of all-electric vehicles.li>

While the Chevrolet Volt was a pioneering PHEV that helped pave the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, its discontinuation after the 2019 model year reflects the rapidly evolving automotive landscape and the growing consumer preference for all-electric vehicles.

Is there a 2026 Chevy Bolt?


Yes, a new Chevrolet Bolt is coming for the 2026 model year, with production starting in late 2025 and sales beginning in early 2026. It will be a redesigned, affordable EV with a new Ultium platform and faster charging. The 2027 model, announced by GM, will also be available, with some reports suggesting the 2026 model is a placeholder for the new model year. 
This video discusses the return of the Chevy Bolt and its features: 1mDriven Car Reviews With Tom VoelkYouTube · Oct 14, 2025
Key features of the 2026 Chevrolet Bolt

  • Platform: It will use the new Ultium platform. 
  • Battery: It will feature a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. 
  • Range: It is expected to have a range of over 300 miles. 
  • Charging: It will have faster charging capabilities compared to the previous model. 
  • Technology: It is expected to include updated infotainment and optional Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. 
  • Design: It will have a refreshed design with a new front fascia and a slightly different rear. 
  • Price: It will be an affordable EV, with a starting price under $30,000. 

This video shows the new Chevy Bolt EV and its features: 56sThe Electric VikingYouTube · Sep 6, 2025
Why it's different from previous models
  • Discontinuation and return: The original Bolt was discontinued, but it's coming back by popular demand. 
  • Platform upgrade: The new model is built on the updated Ultium platform, which is used in other new GM EVs. 
  • Cost reduction: The new LFP battery chemistry and manufacturing process will allow for lower production costs. 

This video discusses the features and design of the new Chevy Bolt: 1mOut of Spec ReviewsYouTube · Oct 11, 2025



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. 



Why did they quit making the Chevy Volt?


The Chevy Volt was discontinued due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, a strategic shift by General Motors (GM) away from plug-in hybrids toward all-electric vehicles, changing consumer preferences for larger SUVs and trucks, and the car being a financial loss for the company. GM decided to invest its resources in a future of all-electric vehicles, rather than plug-in hybrids like the Volt.
 

  • Shifting strategy: GM announced a pivot away from plug-in hybrids and sedans to focus on its next-generation battery-electric architectures, prioritizing all-electric models and larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs. 
  • Declining sales: Sales of the Volt had been declining in the years leading up to its discontinuation. 
  • Consumer preferences: There was a broader trend of consumers moving away from sedans and toward SUVs and trucks, a market shift that GM needed to address. 
  • Financial reasons: The Volt was reportedly a financial loss for the company, and GM needed to redirect funds to its future EV and autonomous vehicle research. 
  • Lack of marketing: Some sources suggest the car was not marketed effectively, which contributed to its lower-than-expected sales. 
  • Confusion with the Chevy Bolt: The naming of GM's all-electric car, the "Bolt," created confusion with the "Volt," and some customers were not clear on the differences between the two vehicles. 



What are the best years for Chevy Volt?


The best Chevy Volt years are 2019 for the second generation and 2015 for the first generation, due to their improved range, features, and reliability. The 2019 model offers the most modern technology and has the issues from earlier second-gen models resolved, while the 2015 is the most reliable first-gen with the largest battery and working LTE connectivity. 
Second generation (2016-2019)

  • 2019: Widely considered the best year for the second generation. It has the most range and features, like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, and issues like the BECM were fixed by this model year.
  • 2016-2018: These years had more reliability issues, particularly with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and the EGR valve. While some 2018 models were supposedly fixed mid-year, it's still a riskier choice compared to the 2019. 

First generation (2011-2015)
  • 2015: The best and most reliable first-gen model. It has the largest battery of the first generation, the most up-to-date features, and working OnStar LTE connectivity, which was lost by older first-gen models when their 3G network was discontinued. 
  • 2013-2014: These years are also good options and better than the 2011-2012 models, with a larger battery and improvements like "hold mode". 
  • 2011-2012: While reliable, they had smaller batteries and fewer features than the later first-gen models. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.