repaired · 2016 Q3
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
2011 Chevrolet VoltProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 49 owner complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-145 the manufacturer reports only 90% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 20, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has problems
49 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine
3Service brakes
3Power train
3Steering
2Seats
2Suspension
99 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 23 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 9 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Volt year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Volt median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Chevrolet Volt safety ratings
2011 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Post-Crash EV Fire HazardNo recall
In owners' words
What Volt owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off power.
Driver instrument panel went blank. Speedometer, fuel/battery gauge, odometer, etc are all gone. The screen display light lit on and off in the background without any information.
SINCE THE SPRING OF 2020, "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, RELATED TO PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG. WARNING GENERALLY COMES ON AT STARTUP, IF IT APPEARS. NO FLUIDS HAVE BEEN SPILLED ON THE SEAT, AND NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED FROM FRIEND, CAR HAS…
Own a 2011 Volt?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.