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2013 Chevrolet Volt Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hybrid propulsion system and ignition. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “High-voltage charging system fault.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Campaign #18V397000 · Jun 14, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.

Risk: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #15V145000 · Mar 13, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. 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.

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.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #23V516000 · Jul 27, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Chevrolet Volt.

Reported to NHTSA

High-voltage charging system fault

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2023-08

“BACK IN JUNE 2020 TOOK MY 2013 CHEVY VOLT TO FERMAN CHEVROLET FOR SERVICE HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM FAULT, DRIVE BATTERY NOT FULLY CHARGING, REDUCED PROPULSION FAULT AND BURNT ODOR FROM UNDER HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366229
“The High Voltage charging system error message has chronically been triggered despite numerous mechanic visits, sensor and coolant replacement. I am now told this is a software issue and hope to have it resolved”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491035
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle would not charge. The contact stated that the "service high voltage charging system" warning message was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430338

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal malfunction during stops

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2024-07

“Stacia was driving the vehicle on September 20th on a residential street. She was driving at 25 MPH. All of the sudden the brakes slammed on by themselves and the car slammed to a stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486613
“While driving, the car developed a brake malfunction. when the brake pedal is depressed you can feel the pedal pulsating and was not slowing down until you pressed harder then the brakes apply abruptly causing risk of rear ending”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11601801
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact’s husband stated that while attempting to park the vehicle while driving approximately 1 mph, the brakes would not function”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428101

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat presence sensor disabling airbag

AIR BAGS

126 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2026-02

“If nobody is in the passenger seat it gives a warning to check the airbag. If someone is in the seat there is no issue. I’ve seen others report this online and it appears to be a $1,200 defect. People won’t pay to repair this so it becomes a safety issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429928
“PASSENGER PRESENCE SENSOR (PPS) MALFUNCRION IN PASSENGER AIRBAG IN 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CAR ALWAYS CONSISTENTLY HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT GO ON AND OFF MANY TIMES FOR YEARS WITH THE CAR. IT ALWAYS STAYS ON DUE TO PPS MODULE ERROR NOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317171
“I AM GETTING AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAUSED BY A FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE. IF I HAVE A PASSENGER RIDING WITH ME, THE WARNING LIGHT WILL GO ON AND OFF SOMETIMES CAUSED BY HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11221249

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Propulsion power reduced during driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

38 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was flashing, and the messages "No Propulsion Power" and "No Power To Engine" were displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705337
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 76-77 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The message "Low Propulsion" was displayed, and the engine revved significantly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651727
“THIS VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOOSES PROPULSION WHILE DRIVING AND IT SWITCHES FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, BUT THIS LAST TIME I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

9 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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