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2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls and problems

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt has 1 safety recall and 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
49
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Chevrolet Volt recalls

Recall 15V-145: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 13, 2015 · 50,236 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

2011 Chevrolet Volt problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System23
Air Bags8
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Engine4
Steering3
Power Train3
Service Brakes3
Suspension2
Seats2
Wheels1
Tires1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Chevrolet Volt complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · at 97,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that water was accumulating inside the driver's side taillight assembly. The contact stated that the water caused a short circuit in the taillight, and the passenger’s side turn signal became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness for the driver's side taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was…
Electrical System · reported Apr 26, 2024
Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off power.
Engine · reported Jan 20, 2024
'11 Chevy Volt hybrid was daily driver of 100+ miles, multiple trips both highway and city for last 2 1/2 months. Breaks and rotors have been replaced all the way around, fresh oil changes as needed and filters. Warning on dash "Service High Voltage Charging System", ”Service Airbag" and check engine light have been on since I've owned it (Oct. 23). When plug car in it doesn't charge, but the EV charges while driving. Car generally switches back and forth from EV to ICE without issues. No other issues have been noted. 1/18/24 Start car and drive all day for work. Total of 129 miles between…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Dec 29, 2023
The car quit running when my wife was driving the car when the mileage range went down to 4 miles range remaining. The car was towed to the local Chevrolet dealership who charged over $1,000 to reset the electronics so car would run. I was advised that if battery range was run down to a low mileage range that car would quit running again and that it would have to be towed back to the dealership for the electronics to be reset. I was concerned about liability if anyone drove car and it stopped on highway. It was clear to me that the only way out of potential liability, associated with the car…
Engine · at 90,000 miles · reported Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Other Chevrolet Volt years

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Compare all Chevrolet Volt years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt: 15V-145 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (23 reports), followed by air bags (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.