Common Problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Volt

Electrical Problems — Loss Of Electrical Power While Driving, Car Doesn't Start, Cruise Control Will Not Engage Randomly, Electrical Fire, Main Control Unit Failed

Battery Issues:

“Battery Energy Control Module failed. Car stopped unexpectedly while driving which was a huge safety issue. Car has been broken for 3 months waiting for parts which seem to be unavailable.”

“Our car would not start. Took to dealer for repair. They changed 12 volt baterie and a fuse. Next couple days later same problem. No start or baterie. Took back to the dealer they diagnosed a bad becm battery electric control module. They have had it for 2 weeks with no estimate on when the part will be available. I understand it is common failure on volt cars.”

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screens became inoperable, causing the instrument cluster and gauges to become unavailable to the driver. In addition, the audible alarms were no longer audible. After turning the vehicle off and restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.”

“BECM failure caused vehicle to lose propulsion. Could have stopped working in a dangerous situation such as an intersection, steep hill, or railroad tracks.”

“I received a 'Reduced Propulsion' message along with a check engine light and that progressed to a 'Engine not Detected" message and stranded along the interstate in a dangerous situation. Had it towed to a dealership which had a technician which could work on a volt - he replaced the Engine Control Module fuse which "fixed" the car for about 15 miles and then the 'Reduced Propulsion' error with the Check Engine light appeared. Technician said something must be shorting out the fuse. Dangerous situation.”

Engine Problems:

“I have owned my 2017 Volt since November of 2016. I drive about 200 miles a week and currently my mileage is at 109,000 (9,000 miles PAST the warranty period). My car did not start one morning and had to have it towed to my local GM dealership. They diagnosed it with a bad BECM and a repair bill of $1,400. They have no estimated time on when the part will be shipped. It is unacceptable to not have an ETA for a critical part or the vehicle. I have read on many forums that the BECM is a known failure for the 2017 Volt.”

“Emergency warning messages appeared on 24 Aug 2022 and a day later vehicle was taken to Chevrolet dealer who first replaced a "section of the battery" and eventually verified a problem with the BECM (Battery Energy Control Module). Now (end Nov 2022) 3 months later no repair part has become available. Because we immediately took the vehicle to a dealer, we had no safety issues.”

“The car suddenly started starting problem, then the electrical charging component to refuel the power from an electrical charging outlet was unable to charge. Now it does not start at all. I brought the 2017 Chevy Volt to a dealer, it has been more than a week and they said that the part to fix the problem is not available yet and I have to wait. They do not have any idea when they will get the part.”

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact mentioned that the electrical hybrid battery failure warning error was illuminated, and the check engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was able to start after multiple attempts to switch over to gasoline mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery energy control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.”

Brakes Problems:

“While using one pedal driving the brake lights do not engage unless brake pedal is used. This is a known issue by the company and was fixed in later models due to it being a problem. After speaking to the company I was advised to go to the dealer who informed me that the company has not offered any sort of update or repair option. If it was not deemed an issue why then did the company fix the issue in later models of the same vehicle" I have had many instances of very close calls with other vehicles. I truly believe if the company didn't believe it was an issue why then was it changed"”

“When I put the car in park the vehicle tells me I need to shift to park even though it is shift to park. Vehicle will not shut down and drain itself.”

“It is an ongoing issue and that happens intermittently. When arriving to a stop (at times) the car still advances forward about a foot, even when the brake pedal is being used as far as it can. Also the vehicle claims to be losing propulsion, often, and seems strained when operating when the message appears.”

“I was approaching a sudden red light and applied my brakes hard but not too hard (I did not suddenly slam the brakes). The brakes applied as expected at first but the brakes let up some and my vehicle failed to decelerate for about half a second before the brakes applied again and decelerated to a stop. I was not able to depress the pedal further when it was clear that the brakes were not decelerating.”

Steering Issues:

“Power steering failed while driving on neighborhood street. Message saying "service power steering" came up, cad only has 28K miles on it. This should not be happening. Dealer says I must replace entire steering assembly. Multiple people online having my same problem, all under 30K miles.”

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the steering column latch failed without warning. The contact held the steering up in order for the steering column to stay in place. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who inspected the steering column and confirmed that the latch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (titus-will Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac 2425 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502 (888) 528-3416) and was inspected. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed. The failure mileage approximately 61,368.”

“The power steering failed while driving approximately 50 mph on a mild curve on a wet Oregon state highway. It became extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. This surely could have caused injury or death had there been a sharp curve or pedestrian or vehicle to avoid. I am having the vehicle towed to the dealership for repair. This vehicle has 2043 miles on it.”

Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com

California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist

The California Lemon Law stands as a crucial protection for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles marred by defects, including the 2017 Chevrolet Volt. If you're grappling with ongoing issues that haven't been effectively resolved despite reasonable repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been out of service for a significant duration due to repairs, you might have strong grounds for a Lemon Law case.

Valero Law, a reputable Lemon Law attorney firm, specializes in supporting individuals navigating challenges like those faced with the 2017 Chevrolet Volt. Equipped with a deep understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can adeptly 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 committed to advocating for your interests. If the ongoing problems with your Chevrolet Volt are impacting 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.