2018 Chevrolet Volt

My 2018 Chevy Volt started making a creaking and clanking noise when driven at low speeds. Dealer diagnosed the problem as being the rear shocks and bushing. Replacing these did not fix the problem. Not sure if this is a safety issue or not.

The car suddenly lost power and produced error messages on the screen. I had to quickly change lanes to get out of traffic on the highway. My dealer diagnosed the issue as a BECM malfunction and quoted a repair cost of approximately $3500. However, due to my car originally being registered in California, this failure is not covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680 (issued March 2024), which provides an extended warranty for BECM issues on affected 2016-2018 Volts up to 15 years or 150,000 miles. My VIN does not qualify for this coverage despite the vehicle being within the model years affected by known BECM soldering/connection failures. This appears to be part of a broader pattern of BECM defects in 2016-2019 Volts that can lead to sudden loss of propulsion, as previously investigated by NHTSA. GM should extend coverage or issue a recall for all affected vehicles, as this defect compromises vehicle safety and leaves owners with expensive out-of-pocket repairs for a known issue.

I was driving my 2018 Chevy Volt at about 30 mph on EV mode. The battery was at 50%, the car was performing normally. Then the battery jumped to 100%, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle lost power. I was in rush hour traffic and unable to get the vehicle to go faster than 5-10 mph. I switched to "normal" mode to engage the gasoline engine, hoping this would help but it did not. The gas engine RPM fluctuated wildly and did not restore the ability to accelerate the vehicle. I was still unable to go faster than 5-10 mph. I was a few blocks from home and managed to get home safely. The engine code was P1E00. I put the vehicle on the charger and it seemed fine the next day. This exact situation I ran into - reduced engine power - is addressed in Special Coverage N232432680, which includes this vehicles VIN. I took the car to the GM dealer today and they are telling me that the car is fine, they can find no problems. I mentioned that this issue is covered under Special Coverage N232432680, and was told that unless they can reproduce the issue in the shop, that they cannot apply Special Coverage N232432680.

The vehicle (2018 Chevrolet Volt) is experiencing an intermittent failure of the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Diagnostic trouble code P1E5B was stored in the system. This is a well-documented defect in this vehicle population that frequently results in a sudden, unexpected loss of propulsion power while driving ("Propulsion Power Reduced" mode), posing a significant safety risk in high-speed traffic. ​Although a Chevrolet dealership confirmed the presence of the stored fault code, they refused to perform the repair under the extended warranty (Special Coverage N23243268) because the Check Engine Light was not actively illuminated at the exact time of inspection. The manufacturer requires the vehicle to be operated until the fault recurs, exposing the driver and others to the danger of stalling on highways or at busy intersections. The failed component remains in the vehicle and is available for inspection.

Dealer non-Compliance with Recall N192273600 I am reporting Anderson Chevrolet for failure to identify and perform a mandatory federal emission recall while the vehicle was in their possession for service. Because the dealer neglected their statutory duty to perform the free recall repair, I was forced to spend $584.83 at independent shops to diagnose and fix a defect that is a direct mechanical match to the recall repair. General Motors has denied reimbursement, claiming the independent shops repair is ineligible, despite the fact that the dealer’s original negligence created the need for the independent repair. I did call the General Motors Customer Relations department, was told by Breanna a case would be opened and followed up by Angel. No case number given. Angel called the next day and informed me the reimbursement was denied because services were rendered by an independent shop.

The vehicle losses power on high speed, check engine comes on, low propulsion massage displays. Vehicle does not charge. Issues similar to the investigation DCS6812.

It was the XXX recall for the DTC P0442/check engine light code. The dealership said that the recall had been satisfied in 6/2020 by putting a buffer in to separate the 2 lines but not replacing the part. Now the exact same code DTC P0442/check engine light in the exact spot that occurred for the original recall. The dealership originally quoted $5,093, then after me complaining that it is the same recalled problem they dropped the cots to $2384. I believe that is an agreement that the manufacturer should cover this. Of course I will have to pay to get my car but I would like the manufacturer to reimburse me for it seeing it was a manufacturer default. I spoke to the manufacturer they flat out refused to cover it. I obviously disagree. Would like you to pressure them to change their decision. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2018 Chevrolet Volt frequently fails to recognize when the vehicle is shifted into Park. The dashboard displays “Shift to Park” even though the gear selector is already in Park. When this occurs, the vehicle will not power off, requiring multiple attempts to move the shifter before shutdown is possible. This creates a safety risk because the vehicle may be left powered on unintentionally and may not properly secure itself in Park. In one occasion, the vehicle moved backwards even when shifter was in Park, which created a collision risk. This is a known defect affecting many GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt, and has been widely reported by owners. I am concerned about unintended vehicle movement, battery drain, and driver safety.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the battery module became inoperable. While attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Engine Unavailable - Service Soon” was displayed. The contact was unable to use the vehicle. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-261. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

On June 27, 2025, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning message and a Check Engine Light illuminated. I immediately experienced a loss of power. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Chevrolet dealer the same day. On July 1, 2025, the dealer diagnosed the failure as a faulty Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and high-voltage system fault (Code P1E00), requiring a full replacement of the high-voltage battery pack (Part #24296900). The manufacturer (GM) was contacted, and the replacement battery was ordered on July 2, 2025. As of December 2025, the vehicle remains in dealer possession (over 5 months) with no repair completed. The manufacturer has stated the part is on indefinite backorder with no ETA. The failure of this component renders the vehicle inoperable and presents a safety risk due to sudden loss of propulsion power while in motion. The manufacturer has confirmed the failure but is unable to provide a remedy within a reasonable timeframe.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over as intended. Additionally, the vehicle would not charge when connected to a charger. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the BECM was reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the message "Reduced Power" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the BECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown Chevrolet recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Why in operation the car goes into Shift to Park and Also getting a Propulsion Power Reduce

Component: Battery Energy Control Module, available from dealership ATM Daughter's safety compromised when vehicle power decreased quickly to 5mph in the middle of fast heavy city traffic. The problem has been confirmed by Chevrolet dealership service department The vehicle has not been inspected by other than dealership service center. I contacted GM, and was told that the component was replaced once already in 2021, so they will not replace it a second time on special coverage N232432680 released March 6, 2024. Warnings:Propulsion 11/3/25 Power Reduced and check engine light on 11/3/25. GM dealer service center cleared codes, did a software update 11/7/25: Propulsion Power Reduced and check engine light again. Vehicle is at GM dealer service center.

My wife and I were on a 200 mile trip and the engine failed about 150 miles into the trip. Was driving and the instrument panel indicated that the engine was in reduced power mode. I switched over to battery power but had only approximately 10 miles of range left so after a couple of miles I switched back to engine power and was almost immediately informed by the instrument panel that the engine was in failure mode. Was fortunate that there was an exit nearby and was able to use the remaining battery power to exit the highway and pack the car before there was no power.the car was towed to a dealer and we were told that the egr valve and cooler had failed.they were replaced and I was told that they were not covered by the federal emissions warranty so the cost would be $4000.the car was driven with the vast majority being electric power.

The EGR valve clogged, causing a a servo to blow the F3 fuse, disabling the engine while driving. This occured suddenly while driving on a busy road with no shoulders. I managed to coast into a parking lot not too far away but I had no charge left in my battery. I could only get the engine to start back up for less than a minute at a time. I got my car inspected by Chevrolet and they confirmed they issue. Very shortly before the engine cut off, the car started jolting. There weren't any warning lights or error codes before this.

Chevy had done an update for the Propulsion Power being reduced. In 2024, I had to do another update when the check engine light came on. After that the electric battery power decreased, I am only getting 17 miles per charge. August 2025, the check engine light came on again. I had it check and no codes came up. While driving home on the freeway, the Propulsion Power being reduced warning came up. I had to pull off the freeway. Once I turned my vehicle off, I was unable to drive my car. There was not any acceleration. I had to have my car towed 50 miles home. A mechanic was able to repair it at that time. On 10/7/2025 the check engine light came on again and once again no codes appeared, on 10/14/25 the Propulsion Power being reduced warning came on again. I was able to get home safely, but I got off the freeway and took side streets home. At this time, the vehicle will not accelerate.

The car can't decide if it wants to use the battery or the engine. It shows zero charge even though it is full. It lurches at stop lights as it tries to decide whether to use battery or engine. It says "propulsion power reduced". "Not able to charge". "Shift to park". Check engine light is on.

Dashboard displays “Shift to Park” message even when the shifter is in the park position for the past month. I am unable to turn off the vehicle completely until I Shift to drive then back to park multiple times.

The dealer reported having repaired an emissions recall for a fuel vapor leak, however the repair was ineffective and the vehicle still reports the leak as a fault code "slow" and "fast" emissions leak. The dealer refused to recheck their work without payment. Recently I came into possesion of a borescope camera and was able to photograph the dealer's "repair". The photos clearly show the parts for the emissions repair are located in the wrong place as compared with GM's own service bulletin. Therefore the dealer did not do the repair, or failed to do the repair, and refused to check there own work without compensation when informed of the continuing problems and left me to do their recheck of their work at my own expense. I have provided photos of the GM prescribed parts placement and the incorrectly placed parts in my car as well as the resulting damage. We never experienced the relief intended to be provided by the repair service. They claim to have performed the necessary recall service, but THAT IS A FALSE CLAIM. See Chevrolet TSB N192273600. NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY SO FAILED. The dealer, Haselwood Chevrolet, Bremerton Washington, was contacted by phone and email but offers no response. They have the pictures of the botched repair job. Additionally the car needs warranty service for a bad park switch which service they refuse to perform without my agreeing in advance to pay for that in warranty repair.

In 2020, GM issued a recall (#N192273600) for emissions pipes on the Chevy Volt that could be compromised by rubbing against the A/C hose connector. I took my vehicle to my local dealership (Chesrown Chevrolet) to have this issue remedied, that same year. This year, my check engine light came on and this same dealership informed me that the cause was this same issue (i.e. a compromised emissions pipe due to rubbing against the A/C/ hose connector). Assuming the fix was conducted per GM's specs, GM did not provide an adequate fix for their faulty design.