2013 Chevrolet Volt: check engine light

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing the Gas Engine on and the vehicle hesitated upon applying the accelerator for the remainder of the drive. My safety and that was others was at risk because the acceleration dropped quickly and I was on a busy freeway at the time when the Alert happened causing further hesitation. Upon stopping I could not get the vehicle to take a charge nor would it start up until a mechanic arrived and was able to confirm the problem.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 141,323 miles · NE

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. The contact stated that two individuals pulled over and assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to the side of the road to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who made the contact aware of an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested vehicle rental assistance, but the dealer was unable to provide assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance in initiating a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 141,323.

Filed Jun 10, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 100,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test result was undisclosed; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an ASC high-voltage battery to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired after the ASC battery was replaced. The contact stated that the propulsion system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IL

I was driving my plugin hybrid Volt on a highway when the engine stalled and the engine light turned on. I tap the throttle a few times to get it to stay on. It worked, but I had to continue to tap the throttle to keep it going. It also revved up sharply when it was in low gear. The vehicle was out of battery, so it was as running on engine.

Filed Dec 11, 2022 · Brakes, Fuel system · MO

1. Propulsion Power Reduced -AGAIN. We have had this repaired recently & it’s back. Apparently it’s “not a problem” as long as check engine light is not on. Unfortunately, the engine light is on AGAIN - despite being reset. The car is not accelerating when needed. 2. “Brake Assist” light is on AGAIN- and I do not have power brakes. It is hard to stop. Could we at minimum get accurate warning systems & repairs that work? 2.

Filed Nov 26, 2022 · Fuel system · MD

Car suddenly lost ability to accelerate normally while driving. It could only accelerate extremely slowly, seemingly with great effort. It displayed “PROPULSION POWER REDUCED SERVICE ENGINE SOON” and ENGINE NOT AVAILABLE” messages on the dashboard, and a check engine light came on. It sounds like it may be related to current GM recall 18215/ the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V397000, but nothing comes up when I search for this VIN.

Filed Sep 21, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 97,919 miles · CA

I was driving my 2013 chevrolet volt and I received a loss of propulsion message on my dashboard and immediately followed by a check engine light. My car shut down and slowed down on the freeway as I was driving. It was very dangerous because it was also dark. I was able to glide to exit the freeway. My car came to a complete stop in the exit lane of the freeway. I pressed the power button to turn off the car and then I waited about 30 seconds and I turned the power button back on and the car came on as only power mode. I was able to move the car very slowly somewhere more safe. I called tow truck and I towed it to dealership. The volt was still able to move slowly up the tow truck and when I arrived at the dealership, it was still able to move slowly to the entrance of the service station. Check engine light was on, but loss of propulsion light was gone. Service advisors told me they would fix my car as it was covered under the recall even though my car was salvaged. The estimate was $145. Later on they called me that my car had 8 check engine lights on and that I needed a transmission because their was a whining sound and also loss of propulsion still on. I went to go look at my car a couple days later after I filled a complaint with gm headquarters because this should be covered under the recall. When I went to go check out my vehicle, it was in a worse condition then when I dropped it off. My car would not even turn on. When I pushed the power button, it would say engine not available and it would also say loss of propulsion and check engine light still on. I was not able to move my car and the battery still had 8 miles left. It was weird as to why my car is getting worse while being in the dealer. Dealer told me they are done with the update and in order to diagnose the vehicle, I have to pay $430 and more than likely thousands of dollar to fix it.

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 69,000 miles · CA

I live in and drive my car around southern california under normal conditions. My battery coolant radiator was hit by a small rock and leaked. This prevented charging, caused a check engine light to come on, and coolant to pool underneath my car. I towed it to a nearby chevy dealership to get the radiator replaced. Radiator damage to volts is not uncommon. Chevrolet knows this is an issue and has issued a service bulletin covering some (but not all) volts due to their low, vulnerable, and relatively unprotected design of the radiator. I believe chevrolet should remedy the problem with stronger radiator shields and protectors.

Filed Apr 14, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 17,400 miles · MI

A warning message appeared on the dash, which said "propulsion power is reduced," followed by, "engine not available. Service soon," as well as a check engine light. I pressed the onstar button to find out what was wrong but they had never heard of the error message and could not establish communication with the vehicle to perform diagnostics. While on hold with onstar, the vehicle began to spontaneously decelerate very rapidly despite my attempts to accelerate, in the middle of fast highway traffic. I made it over to the side of the road safely, limping along at 3-10 MPH, with the help of a good samaritan who blocked traffic for me. This is a spontaneous occurrence, with no maintenance negligence to explain the event. The car was towed to a dealer, which has yet to determine the source of the issue.

Filed Jul 30, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 6,500 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet volt. While pulling out the driveway at 10 MPH, the parking brake automatically applied and the vehicle stalled. The check engine indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that water leaked into the battery charging receptacle causing the resistance of the interlock to drop over a period of time, which contributed to the parking brake becoming engaged. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 6,500. Updated 12/2/14*cn the consumer stated the incident caused the transmission to go into park.