Common Problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

Battery and Charging Issues — Chime Is Very Loud, Several Codes Thrown After A Remote Start, Voltage Regulator Failed.

Other Electrical System Problems:

“my forward proximity sensors would randomly trigger. One day my ambient air temperature went haywire, checked for codes and had high voltage reading ambient air, brake booster trouble. after further investigation found that the X100(female) connector had water intrusion causing shorts across the pins showing voltage to drop across other pins further sending false or incorrect signals to the computer. the connector was thoroughly cleaned and aired out. now wrapped intensively with a lot of electrical tape in hopes to prevent water from getting in and causing voltage that range from 5v-14v from shorting across terminals and causing false activation.”

“vehicle suddenly stopped while driving, engine light came on and on board charging system maintenance showed on dash display, I was able to restart it and take to the dealer for diagnosis they said that the BECM needs replacement at the cost of $2500 and that it is common on this vehicle, this issue is a safety problem GM has issued a TBS for this defect recognizing it as an existing defect, this would cause a tragedy if it occurs while driving a on the highway, since the car would loose power and could cause a catastrophic accident. the cost of the repair for a known defective part is unfair to the consumer and should be the manufacturer responsibility to bear the cost for safety.”

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the battery level indicator was fluctuating up and down and then the instrument panel went blank. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. A case was filed. The failure mileage was 160,800.”

“Any time that the vehicle is turned off, a warning message displays on the HUD saying "Action Required: Shift to Park". This occurs whenever the vehicle is turned off, despite the gearshift already being in Park.”

“When I put the car in park and try to turn it off, I frequently get an error on the gauge display that says "action required, shift to park." This is very frustrating. When this error happens, I'm unable to power off the car or lock the doors. I turn the car back on, jiggle the shifter or move it into drive and back to park, and then try turning the car off again. Sometimes I have to go through this process 5 or more times before the car will power down. This error happens about half the time that I use my car, which makes it a daily problem. I bought the car used in Oct 2019, and the previous owner also had the problem but I don't know when it started for him.”

Powertrain Problems:

“My car, without warning, lost power while driving and then flashed an engine light. This happened on a street and I was able to coast to safety, but if it had happened in an intersection I would not have been so lucky. The problem was confirmed by a dealer as a failure of the Battery Energy Control Module, which has been happening to this car with numerous other owners, according to the Volt owner website.”

“My 2016 Chevy Volt has an issue where the is an intermittent shift to park message displayed while the vehicle in in park. This issue has been identified as a widespread issue and Chevrolet has published a Service Bulletin (NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206). The most recent version is Version 6 that was published in December 2020. The dealership is refusing to perform repairs that are clearly under warranty. The service bulletin specifically says it is covered under the warranty.”

“Vehicle Shifter does not correctly register the vehicle is in park. Does not allow the vehicle to be turned off. This is a common issue experienced by Gen2 Volt owners and well known by GM Service Tech and GM has not yet issued a recall. There is a potential safety issue if someone believes the vehicle is parked and exits the vehicle and the car is left running. Potential Driver Confusion on the park status could lead to the vehicle continuing to run or being put back in gear. GM needs to issue a recall for Gen2 Volts - 2016 and on.”

Engine Problems:

“Got a Check Engine light on Aug 26 2022 driving about 5 minutes out of my house. With that light turned on, the EV showed zero miles range (it was fully charged when I left the house), the ICE engine kicked in but it was running very harsh and when I stepped on the gas peddle, it would not accelerate and can only go about 30 mph. I immediately made a U-turn and returned home for the car is not drivable. Took the Volt to my dealership on Aug 29, 2022 and service manager diagnosed as a BECM failed and now waiting for a replacement, which they said they are not able to find one. This is going on week #7.”

“Vehicle suddenly experienced "reduced propulsion mode" on the highway. Multiple codes were triggered in the ECM. Root cause of the problem was the EGR valve which is on a shared circuit with multiple other components including a water pump which causes the car to overheat.”

“My car, without warning, lost power while driving and then flashed an engine light. This happened on a street and I was able to coast to safety, but if it had happened in an intersection I would not have been so lucky. The problem was confirmed by a dealer as a failure of the Battery Energy Control Module, which has been happening to this car with numerous other owners, according to the Volt owner website.”

“2016 Chevy Volt wouldn't start, less than a year old, current on maintenance. Towed it to dealer, they said there were some recalls - but couldn't tell me what was wrong. Got it back after 2 days, was fine - then on 9/22/16 wouldn't start again - I was stranded in the dark, got it jump started. Took it to the dealer, since it was running fine he didn't take it in. Told me next time it happens to get it towed in. Wouldn't start again yesterday, unreliable car. Please investigate.”

Brakes Problems:

“Service stabilitrak light came on along with ABS and traction control and check engine service center found metal debris on tone ring. Unknown origin”

“The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the message service stabilitrak suddenly displayed. The brake pedal was still and the steering wheel failed to respond when turned as a result control of the vehicle was lost and the contact crashed into a bluff. The vehicle was destroyed. The driver sustained a sore body due to the impact and medical attention was not sought. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The local dealer (unknown) was called and informed that the vehicle was destroyed but the failure experienced was not discussed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.”

Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com

California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist

The California Lemon Law serves as a crucial safeguard for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles afflicted by defects, including the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. If you're facing ongoing issues that haven't been adequately resolved despite reasonable repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been out of service for a substantial duration due to repairs, you might have strong grounds for a Lemon Law case.

Valero Law, a respected Lemon Law attorney firm, specializes in supporting individuals dealing with challenges like those encountered with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. Equipped with a deep understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can expertly guide you through the legal process. Whether it involves negotiating with the manufacturer for a buyback or replacement, or pursuing a legal claim to protect your rights, Valero Law is dedicated to advocating for your interests. If the ongoing problems with your Chevrolet Volt are affecting your driving experience, it's wise to consider seeking the expertise of Valero Law to explore your options and pursue resolution through the California Lemon Law.