Why was the Chevy Volt recalled?
In short, the recalls were prompted by a fire risk linked to the high‑voltage battery in the Volt, especially after crashes. GM implemented hardware fixes to the battery pack, added protective shielding, and updated software to improve safety. Additional service actions addressed related charging and safety concerns over the model’s production years.
Background and context
The Chevrolet Volt, a plug‑in hybrid introduced by General Motors, used a lithium‑ion battery pack supplied by LG Chem. After a series of incidents and heightened regulatory scrutiny, questions arose about the battery’s behavior in severe crashes and post‑crash scenarios. Those concerns led to formal recalls and service campaigns spanning the 2011–2012 model years and beyond, as regulators and GM sought to minimize the risk of fire or thermal events related to the high‑voltage pack.
What prompted the safety recalls
The core safety concern centered on the potential for the high‑voltage battery to experience a thermal event or fire after a severe impact, or during post‑crash scenarios when the vehicle was parked. The remedies focused on physical modifications to the battery assembly, improved cooling and isolation from vehicle structure, and software updates to the battery management system to better control charging and thermal conditions.
Major recall actions
Below are the most significant recall actions tied to the Volt’s safety concerns. These actions reflect the primary fixes GM announced and implemented for affected vehicles.
- 2011–2012 recall addressing post‑crash fire risk by adding an enhanced protective shield around the battery pack, improving the pack’s cooling pathway, and issuing a software update for the battery management system.
- Follow‑on service campaigns focused on verifying cooling performance and applying additional software updates to further reduce the chance of abnormal charging or thermal events in both existing and older Volt vehicles.
These measures aimed to ensure the battery system remained isolated from vehicle structure during impacts and maintained safe temperatures during charging and operation.
Current status and takeaways
Production of the Volt ended in 2019, and recall work on affected vehicles has been completed through official dealer service campaigns. Owners could receive free repairs, battery pack replacements, or software updates as part of these recalls. The Volt’s discontinuation also shaped GM’s broader strategy toward electrified propulsion in the following years, with lessons carried into later electric‑drive initiatives.
Summary
The Chevy Volt was recalled primarily due to a fire risk associated with the high‑voltage battery after crashes. The recalls and subsequent service campaigns focused on strengthening battery isolation, improving cooling, and updating software to mitigate safety risks. While the Volt is no longer in production, the recall efforts are part of the vehicle’s safety history and GM’s ongoing approach to battery safety in its plug‑in and electric vehicles.
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 year Chevy Volt to avoid?
You should be wary of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Chevrolet Volt models due to potential issues, particularly the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and "Shift to Park" problem. While later years are generally better, specific manufacturing dates can matter, as some 2018 models made before March 2018 may also be affected by early BECM problems. Early Volts (2011-2012) may also have issues with the heater coolant heater and auxiliary coolant pump.
Years to approach with caution
- 2016: This year had the fewest reliability improvements compared to other Gen 2 Volts.
- 2017: This model year is notorious for BECM failures.
- 2018: Some early models may have been built before the BECM issue was resolved in March 2018.
- 2011-2012: These early models had issues with the heater coolant heater and auxiliary coolant pump, which can be expensive to fix if not under warranty.
What to look for when buying
- For Gen 2: Look for 2019 models as they are generally more reliable than the 2016, 2017, and early 2018 models.
- For Gen 1: 2015 models are a good choice, as they are generally more reliable than the earlier 2011-2014 models.
- When buying: Check service records for any repairs that may have been done, especially those related to the BECM and the "Shift to Park" problem.
What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Volt battery?
The Chevy Volt battery is designed to last for many years, with owners reporting exceptional longevity, sometimes over 300,000 miles with minimal degradation thanks to the vehicle's liquid-cooling system and software. General Motors provides an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the battery, which covers 75% of its original capacity, and many factors like proper charging and avoiding extreme temperatures can extend its life.
You can watch this video to learn how to check your EV's battery health: 0:54ThatJamesGuyYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Battery longevity and performance
- Long lifespan: Chevy Volt batteries are known for their durability, with some owners reporting minimal battery capacity loss even after hundreds of thousands of miles.
- Built-in protection: The Volt has a liquid-cooling system that helps maintain an optimal battery temperature, which preserves battery life.
- Software management: The vehicle's software also helps protect the battery by limiting the charge to a certain percentage (e.g., below 100%) to extend its lifespan.
- Extended driving capability: Because the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, it can continue to run on its gasoline engine even if the battery is depleted, ensuring the vehicle can still be driven.
Warranty and maintenance
- Warranty: A limited warranty is provided for the high-voltage battery, covering it for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Maintenance: Regular charging and avoiding extreme temperature exposure will help maximize the battery's lifespan. Staying up to date with manufacturer software updates is also recommended.
Is there a recall on Chevy Volts?
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
