2013 Chevrolet Volt: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt: 3 recalls, 308 owner complaints and up to 37 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #15V145000 · 2015 · 50,236 vehicles
What's wrong: If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery May drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the on position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #18V397000 · 2018 · 4,606 vehicles
What's wrong: An update to the hybrid powertrain control module 2 (hpcm2) May have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
Why it matters: If the voltage drops, the vehicle May lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the hpcm2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V516000 · 2023 · 767 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver-side air bag inflator May explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (161): the most common themes are warning light on (42).
- Electrical (63): the most common themes are electrical failure (34), warning light on (10), stalls / loses power (8).
- Fuel & propulsion (53): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), stalls / loses power (9).
- Engine (37): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), stalls / loses power (10), warning light on (8).
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt has 308 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 9 Volt model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 207). Complaints peaked in 2019 (71 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (245 complaints, 2 recalls), 2014 (93 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 40 | 37 | Premium Gas or Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Volt problems?
Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (161), electrical (63), fuel & propulsion (53).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt get?
EPA ratings run up to 37 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Chevrolet Volt repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.