Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 222 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Volt, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 35 | 16% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 23 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 22 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 19 | 9% |
| Power train | 12 | 5% |
| Engine | 12 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 4% |
| Power train | 8 | 4% |
| Power train | 6 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I was driving back from [XXX] on XXX, when I received a "propulsion power limited" message on my dash with a check engine light. I pulled off to a nearby gas station and tried to scan the code to figure out what was goin
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The vehicle frequently fails to register that the transmission has been shifted into Park. When this happens the instrument cluster displays "Action Required / Shift to Park" and the power (STOP/START) button will not sh
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I was driving on an interstate in Seattle, and the car completely died. A check engine light went on. I had to roll into the shoulder and call for a tow to the dealership's service department. Here is what they found: -
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
What component or system failed? When the BCEM failed on my car, it led directly to the transmission failing as well as the PIM. I was driving normally then had a completely inoperable car with no warning. I was told to
NHTSA complaint: Power train
While driving on a highway the car started to hesitate, a message appeared on the console "Propulsion power is reduced" and the engine light turn on. After driving some miles, a new message appeared: "Engine unavailable
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The Vehicle had a the BECM fail at 64,000 miles. This is a known issue that GM still refuses to recall, and is refusing to warranty
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I was investigating a thumping sound coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. I discovered that the left fuel tank strap had completely broke into two pieces and was no longer holding up the tank. The fuel tank str
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failed. Before repair, the check-engine light appeared intermittently, the vehicle sometimes had difficulty starting, and the indicated electric range could suddenly drop from abo
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insuf
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac cus
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly pre
Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer se
| Reliability raw | 77 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 57 | average |
| Performance | 39 | below average |
| Efficiency | 64 | average |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 222 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 35 of them (16%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 77/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2018 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 72/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.