Chevrolet Volt Woes: The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has announced the initiation of an investigation into 73,000 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid cars due to reports of abrupt power loss, difficulties restarting, and other related issues. This scrutiny is focused on the model years 2016 through 2019.
The NHTSA’s decision to open a preliminary evaluation comes in response to 61 complaints linked to problems with the battery energy control module (BECM). Some of these complaints underscore instances where vehicle owners experienced little to no warning before the sudden loss of operating power or a transition to reduced power mode.
General Motors (GM), the manufacturer of Chevrolet Volt, had previously issued a technical service bulletin addressing the potential problem. According to GM, if vehicles fail to restart, the BECM might need replacement and reprogramming. However, as of now, there has been no recall of the affected vehicles. It’s worth noting that GM concluded the production of the Volt in early 2019, and the ongoing investigation pertains to the mentioned model years.
Also Read: GM Electric Roadmap: Bolt and Premium EVs for Chevrolet and Cadillac
GM has communicated its cooperation with the NHTSA investigation, stating that it believes appropriate actions have been taken to address customer concerns related to the battery energy control module. However, the company has expressed its commitment to supporting the agency’s review of the matter. The NHTSA’s interest in this issue stems from potential safety risks, particularly if vehicles experiencing these problems cannot move with the flow of surrounding traffic. The severity of the issue depends on the ability of a stalled vehicle to restart.
Some vehicle owners have reported to the NHTSA that they have faced challenges in obtaining replacement battery modules, with delays lasting for months. GM has responded by assuring that it has a sufficient supply of replacement parts in its pipeline.
Among the documented complaints, an owner in Los Angeles described the Volt’s sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion while driving, rendering the vehicle unable to turn on or drive. Another owner reported that the Volt would not exceed 35 miles per hour on the highway and would randomly stop driving on electricity.
The outcome of this investigation will likely have implications for both affected vehicle owners and the broader automotive industry. As GM cooperates with the regulatory scrutiny, the focus remains on addressing potential safety concerns and ensuring the reliability of the affected vehicles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why is the Chevy Volt not selling?
Chevy’s Bolt quickly took over the reins from the Volt, especially during the phase-out of cars in favor of more popular SUVs and crossovers. However, the Bolt’s reign was short-lived as e-cars with a range of 230+ miles became more appealing to some buyers. Additionally, the Bolt’s compact size made it less desirable for some.
How reliable was the Chevy Volt?
After being on the market for just eight years, the Volt managed to gather a wealth of data during its time on the road. Before you decide on a particular year, it’s important to consider the model’s overall reliability. Repairpal.com gives the Volt a score of ?, which places it in second place out of four alternative vehicle options.
Why are Chevy Volts being recalled?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating 2016 to 2019 models of the Volt due to 61 complaints received regarding the car’s battery energy control module. Several owners reported that their vehicles lost power without any prior warning, while others stated that their cars failed to restart after the issue occurred. The NHTSA is taking this matter seriously and is working to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.
Why do Chevy volts depreciate so much?
With the commoditization of PEVs, purchasing a used PHEV is not a priority unless the price is significantly reduced. This trend is likely to drive down the price of the Volt. Coupled with the current low demand for the vehicle, the market and consumer attitude changes create a recipe for severe vehicle depreciation.