2013 Chevrolet Volt fuel system problems

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT

Fully charged. Goes from electric to generator/gas propulsion and abruptly slowes about 1/2 speed. Very dangerous.

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 Oct 23, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

Propulsion power reduced error has happened many times but the recall lookup shows that there are no active recalls on our car. There was a recall on this problem in 2018 so I think it may have been done my the last owner but it is still having this problem.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Fuel system · MI

Fuel leaking from fuel tank at filler inlet. Defect in fuel tank assembly. Large puddle of gasoline formed under car after refueling causing buildup of fumes in closed garage. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than owner. There were no warning lamps prior to failure.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · 61,000 miles · KY

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. The contact moved over to the far-right lane to pull over to the side of the road as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring temporarily. The contact had researched the failure online and became aware that the release of the accelerator pedal while the failure was occurring could temporarily correct the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2024 · Fuel system · GA

This is a reoccurring problem that is worsening. It is difficult to replicate (but becoming easier to replicate as the problem worsens). The problem conditions are as follows: -The car is fully charged The following drive conditions are required: - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “L” mode (aggressive regenerative braking), AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes some conditions that would NORMALLY engage regenerative breaking and redirect energy flow back to the high voltage battery. (E.g.: Beginning a drive by going up a small incline; then proceeding to drive down a decline.) OR - The beginning of a drive, with the car in the fully charged state, is driven in the “D” mode, AND the beginning (first mile or two) of the trip includes almost exclusively conditions that would NORMALLY trigger regenerative breaking and redirect flow back to the high voltage battery. IN BOTH cases: the instrument cluster, during conditions that would reflect regenerative breaking and energy flow back into the high voltage battery, instead reflects suddenly INCREASED electrical OUTPUT despite there being no increased demand for output from the driver. Expected behavior in these conditions would reflect a negative power output while the car is driven in regenerative conditions (e.g.: going down hill). In either of these cases, the final condition is that you fully stop the vehicle (via brake) during the regenerative conditions. DESPITE full depression of the brake, the car jerks forward violently and erratically, attempting to accelerate. Engaging the emergency brake does not cure the condition while the car is still in L or D driving mode, and it will continue to attempt to accelerate while held in place. Shifting in to neutral does stop the behavior. Shifting back to L or D from neutral will cause the vehicle to continue to attempt to accelerate. There are no error codes/lamps and sensors appear normal.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Fuel system · IL

Vehicle went into reduced propulsion mode and then shut-off while driving down the highway. Same issue as recall 18V397000 that was not applied to my VIN number as part of that recall. Please apply recall 18V39000 to my vehicle VIN. Chevy Volt owners also need the federal safety agency to issue an edict to GM/ that the reset codes for the ECM/HPCM2 being given to the OBD2 bi-directional scanner companies so owners don't have to pay a ransom to the dealerships and GM to get there cars back up and running.

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Fuel system · WA

Engine shuts off randomly...message "Engine not available". Car shut off on freeway at 60 mph. Got to shoulder, cycled start button...Engine started then resumed driving. Has now happened a few times since. Also code related to reduced propulsion... Used OBDII to clear codes but makes no difference. Sometimes the car starts and drives without problem. Other times, Engine rpm very erratic.

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 May 4, 2024 · Fuel system · CA

This report is in general for EV batteries and low propulsion, BMW also. When system moves to low propulsion the break lights do not eliminate so the vehicle slows very fast as if it is breaking but no break lights turn on, this creates a risk for other drivers, this occurs on steep mountain climbs when mountain mode was not engaged. What I want to happen is when low propulsion mode engages the break lights come on so that other drives can keep safe distance as I pull to the side for battery to recharge. This does not happen that often but when it does occur it creates a scary situation. A electric BMW also did this today. Please request a break light adaption for future EV batteries/Gas Powered vehicles. Keep in mind this is generally for electric cars that have a backup gas engine that powers after battery is depleted, they most often have issues on steep mountain climbs at freeway speeds and or in some cases as I witnessed today when behind a BMW cars slowing very quickly without alarms to other drivers. If the system can generate a low propulsion error warning drivers it can turn the break lights on also in if software is coded correctly. System should turn on break lights when this occurs for BMW and or other electric cars