2016 Chevrolet Volt Safety Report
2016 Chevrolet Volt Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (166) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Chevrolet Volt with 34 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Chevrolet Volt before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Volt Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Volt years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Volt | 685 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Volt | 43 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Chevrolet Volt | 209 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Volt | 34 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Chevrolet Volt Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
21 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Electrical System
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Reliability Score
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becm Module Failure The BECM module failure can cause the vehicle to not drive, leading to potential safety hazards. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Egr Valve Failure The EGR valve failure can result in significant repair costs and reduced propulsion. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Propulsion System Surging The propulsion system can surge, posing safety risks, especially on the highway. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Battery Failure Battery failure can lead to propulsion and shift to park issues, affecting vehicle reliability. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt:
Issues with the BECM module can cause the vehicle to not drive.
The EGR valve can fail, leading to significant repair costs.
The propulsion system can surge, posing safety risks.
Battery failure can cause propulsion and shift to park issues.
Recall Details for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
I have a 2016 Chevy volt. It had to be towed to a Chevy dealership because it will not drive. The BECM module has failed, as is apparently the case with so many volt owners. GM, as a result of lawsuits about this car, extended the warrantee to fix the issue, but my vin number is not included in the case. The gar is a brick, and there is no way to fix it now. GM doen't even replace these batte...
Vehicle displayed reduced propulsion and shift to park while driving on highway then suddenly stopped. Dealer said battery failed after a year of diagnosing issue. Issue may be BECM which has extended warranty service but dealer not addressing the issue of car stalling but instead other costly minor issues leaving the vehicle a safety concern. Replacing battery with a bad BECM would lead to exact ...
After experiencing loss of power and loss of propulsion on the highway, took the car to Tropical Chevrolet in Miami Shores, FL. after diagnosing the car for 287.37 (credited to the estimate total of 3101.20), the dealership replaced the Battery Energy Control Module and bled the battery pack cooling system. We paid the bill (2665.89). On January 4, 2026 the check engine light came on again when t...
The engine light came on, but the car would run and so took it to the dealer. They determined that the EGR valve had failed and would cost $2400 to repair. Apparently, this is a common failure point for Generation 2 Chevy Volts. If it might trigger a forced recall, I'd like to add this to the list.
In May 2025, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve failed on my 2016 Chevy Volt with approx. 60,000 kms / 40,000 miles on it - that cost me approximately $3,000 to fix. In my opinion that should have been covered under warranty given that it is a common failure point on second generation Volts. Note that the EGR value (OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a readily available part. In O...
GM is not honoring coverage from N232432680 for CARB vehicles in non-CARB states. They have failed to tie CARB vehicle vins to the coverage in N232432680.
This vehicle has had multiple incidents of surging of the propulsion system both on battery power and when powered by the internal combustion engine, causing loss of propulsion and sudden acceleration almost causing collisions multiple times. We have paid for over $4,000 in repairs that are not covered under the propulsion system warranty, and these repairs have not remedied the issue.
While I driving in the past week, a warning that "propulsion power reduced" appeared on my dashboard several times. The last time that I had driven the car, the heater would not turn off, and the smell of burnt rubber filled the car and then dissipated soon after. The car would only run in it's gas engine mode, and not switch over to electric mode, as it usually would. The next morning, the car wo...
Battery Energy Control Module Malfunction. It is a known issue with this system failing on the chevy volt. There is a service bulletin on this problem. 18-NA-261 is the service bulletin. The car will not start and when it does start it has loss of power while driving. Chevy is only fixing certain VIN numbers even thou it pulls up the same codes in their bulletin. Chevy only gave extended warrantie...
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: P...
Component/System Failed: The engine of my 2016 Chevrolet Volt experienced a sudden internal crack, leading to complete engine failure. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable, posing potential risk if it had occurred while driving. Sudden loss of engine power could have caused a crash or left me stranded in tra...
P0401, P0B9A Loss propulsion power on highway Shift to Park issues And car uses gas before electricity is empty
Driving at 75 MPH on the freeway the power completely cuts off an a message appears on my dash "Propulsion Power is Reduced" - Pressing the gas barely gives any power, Imagine being in the middle of flowing traffic doing 75 mph to close to 20 mph. Research shows me this is a KNOWN issue with GM and the problem is with the BECM control module. There is also the issue of the EGR valve which appar...
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while operating vehicle the "Propulsion Error” was displayed, and the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while driving. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) was faulty and n...
•Vehicle lost power while driving on the highway at speed. The vehicle would not run with gas engine power or EV charge basically died on the road in traffic. After coming to a stop safely but not without some close calls vehicle would not start even with car having fuel of two types in it. •The battery charge would not register, and the car would not start for a little while. Display showed noth...
While driving the car displayed “reduced propulsion power” on the dash and then I lost all drive power and could not switch the plug in hybrid from electric to gas engine mode. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer who stated that the battery electronics control module and perhaps the battery needed to be replaced. The check engine light came on slightly before the incident.
Becm failure Car suddenly stopped driving and or starting Had to have it towed home
On [XXX] the check engine light turned on in my 2016 Chevy Volt (VIN: [XXX] miles 145,xxx). I was 2 hours from home in the freezing cold snow but thankfully the vehicle allowed me to drive home without any issues (no reduced propulsion power). When I returned to the vehicle to have a diagnostic check the error light disappeared and I was unable to check for error codes. Still no issues driving un...
BECM failure leaving car stranded in traffic with no ability to move under its own power.
Vehicle had the Battery Energy Control Module fail at about 87,000 miles. Vehicle will not start and will leave you stranded when this happens. This is a known defect and GM issued a special coverage to extend the warranty for this specific component, but for some reason only applies to a handful of VINs. Mine was not one of them, so I got stuck with a $2500 repair bill. I love the car and am not...
Showing 20 of 166 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Electrical System
Opened 2023-11-29 · Closed 2025-03-03
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE23022 to investigate allegations of a loss of motive power, including a stall, reduced power state, and/or a no start condition due to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in model year (MY) 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt passenger car vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The BECM is located within the high voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and monitors the temperature, current, and voltage of the high volt...
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System
Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2023-08-07
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Has the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT have?
The 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT has 166 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
The 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT involve electrical system (21 complaints), power train (19 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (15 complaints). Other affected components include power train,electrical system, unknown or other, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT out of 166 total complaints (1.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT out of 166 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 166 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (19 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (13 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 21 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
Be aware of potential issues with the BECM module, EGR valve, propulsion system surging, and battery failure. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid these problems. The 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT has 166 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
The 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 166 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include BECM Module Failure and EGR Valve Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT?
Known issues with the 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT include: BECM Module Failure, EGR Valve Failure, Propulsion System Surging, Battery Failure. These are based on patterns found across 166 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt?
Common issues include BECM module failure, EGR valve failure, propulsion system surging, and battery failure.
How can I prevent propulsion system surging?
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent propulsion system surging.
What should I do if my BECM module fails?
Take the vehicle to a dealership for immediate repair to avoid safety hazards.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential issues with the BECM module, EGR valve, propulsion system surging, and battery failure. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Chevrolet Volt
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The data includes 166 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14