When starting the vehicle, which had some charge on the batteries, the engine immediately started and a message appeared on the speedometer screen which stated, "Propulsion Power Reduced,” and another message said, “speed limited to 25mph.” I was in a very busy part of Hollywood running errands for my job when this happened. I felt very unsafe driving under these circumstances as I often need to drive above 25mph to keep up with traffic and cross busy streets to avoid other cars. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not been taken to a dealership or anywhere else to have the issue looked at. The problem has occurred a few other times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warnings or other symptoms whatsoever prior to this issue occurring.
2013 Chevrolet Volt fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 57, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1)A diagnostic inspection performed by Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro, N.C., during the week of Feb. 5-9 found that the car’s propulsion system suffered “catastrophic failure” and was a “total loss.” 2)My wife and I were in convoy when we drove off the used-car lot in Pittsboro, N.C., on [XXX], heading for my sister’s home in Greensboro. By the time we reached [XXX], the Volt would not reach highway speeds as heavy traffic sped past. As the federal safety agency has reported in another Volt investigation, “the problem could pose a safety risk if vehicles can’t move with the flow of surrounding traffic and is more serious if a stalled vehicle is unable to restart.” 3) On Tuesday, [XXX], a Terry Labonte Chevrolet service representative in Greensboro reported that the main battery had experienced “catastrophic” failure and the “major malfunction” represented a “total loss." 4) Factory dealer Terry Labonte Chevrolet in Greensboro performed the diagnostics. 5) An instrument-panel message appeared about 15 minutes after I drove the Volt off the used-car lot in Pittsboro. The message read “propulsion power is reduced.” The owner manual (Page 5-48) read: “The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but maximum acceleration and speed may be reduced.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
My 2013 Volt will not charge or start. This happened suddenly. It has been working fine.
I received a notification on the dashboard that the engine is not in service and propulsion has been reduced. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety and myself has been deeply compromised because the issues cause the car to suddenly not accelerate without warning. The issue happened to me on a freeway and could have caused an accident due to the engine and propulsion systems stop functioning without warning. The vehicle has been inspected. There were no warnings on why the car was doing what it was doing. The only warning I received was that the engine and propulsion system has now stopped functioning.
We purchased this car used in January 2023. Several times throughout 2023 we have gotten a Propoulsion Power Reduced warning. When this happens the car’s ability to accelerate drops and we have also had problems getting it to charge. Following one incident, we let the car sit for 4 days. While the car still would not charge using our at home level 2 charger, the warning went away and I was able to drive it to a dealership. They ran a software update which they said should resolve the issue. Three times since then, when turning the car on from parked it in parking lots away from home, it has given the warning. While driving the car to get it home, the warning has spontaneously resolved.
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.
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.
The car’s hybrid battery shut down the car in the middle of the road. I was unable to turn it back on safely.
There is already a "Hybrid Propulsion System" recall for the 2013 Chevy Volt (Recall number 18V397000). My VIN is not part of the recall however I have been having the same issue described for a few years. My car has been seen by multiple different Chevy dealerships over the years to correct the issue and reprogram the computer system but the issue continues to happen. It is extremely scary and dangerous to be driving a car and it not be able to accelerate suddenly. What happens: When my car switches from electric to gas engine I get a propulsion error and am unable to accelerate. This happens while driving and I lose the ability to accelerate and it can also happen right away when my car turns on. It has happened numerous times while driving on the highway and my car essentially just turns off randomly while driving. Most recently I just got my car back from the dealership again about a week ago after having the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module and computer system updated again but propulsion issue remained immediately as a problem still.
I was driving through the grapevine and my car was losing propulsion. I had to drive in the slow lane with the semi-trucks. The semi trucks had to go around me. I am nervous about driving my car on a road trip to North Cal. I am not sure if that is normal, but I don't think so. The airbag light just went on. I am not sure why. My car has also on several occasions lost traction. Has anyone reported these problems before?
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service High Voltage System” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software bug. The dealer performed a software update and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,899.
When Im driving on the hi way, it sounds like it keeps accelerating, sounds like its going to explode. The pulsation warning comes on, then the pulsation warning will go away and the sound goes away.
There is a bearing that fails in the motor which is a safety issue and should be recalled. It causes the engine/transmission to lock up and become inoperable which can result in a crash. They even issued a bulletin regarding it (PIP5081), yet they have been refusing to cover it under warranty for me as well. This needs to be recalled and all affected owners should be reimbursed for any expenses they paid regarding this issue. General Motors must be held accountable for this safety issue. This has been confirmed by the dealer and all of these vehicles are experiencing the issue.
My 2013 Volt has turned off while driving on multiple occasions, usually while on the highway. I have taken it to the Chevy dealer on several occasions and they are unable to find the problem. The vehicle "Propulsion System" warning has come on when the car suddenly decelerated while on the highway and eventually turned off. The vehicle is at the Chevy dealer who tells me they cells were not balanced and is no longer functioning. They are unable to replace the battery because Chevy is not releasing them so now the car is a paperweight in their parkinglot. Stopping on the highway is a serious problem.
Before battery ran out went to gas, I got the Propulsion Power Limited warning on the dash slowed gradually to a halt, next day car is dead, it won't start or change, nothing. Code P0AFA and P1E00. All recalls were done a year before
Vehicle has stoped in the middle of the street on several occasions. During this time the vehicle will post an error on the dash screen. This issue happens when the vehicle transitions from electric fuel to gasoline, when the electric fuel is depleted. Chevy refuses to repair or warranty the vehicle, also the dealer refuses to complete the necessary recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle does not return to normal until you turn the vehicle on and off multiple times.
Please see attached document for full description of the un-commanded self acceleration issues in my 2013 chevy volt including my contact information. Thank you!
Three times the vehicle has lost propulsion power resulting in reduced acceleration and no longer starting. It is at a dealership for the third time for repairs. The recall instructions were completed in 2019; however, I continue to have the same problem. The dealer is now just charging me for replacement items (112 volt battery, cluster) instead of dealing with the actual problem with the voltec battery that is under warranty.
The vehicle airbag service continually goes on while driving and in park. There has been no spills or related issues with the seat but the sensor has obviously malfunctioned.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet volt. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact pulled over to the side of roadway. Propulsion power reduced was displayed on the instrument panel before the vehicle stalled. After waiting for ten minutes, the vehicle started and operated as intended however, the message remained displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to paradise chevrolet cadillac (27360 ynez rd, temecula, ca 92591) however, no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. *ln*jb*dt the consumer has stated that the issue occured once more on july 11 and july 12 of 2020.
This vehicle suddenly looses propulsion while driving and it switches from electric to gas. It has happened more than once, but this last time I was on the highway and almost caused an accident. I took it to a dealer to be repaired but the problem has persisted.
My car had the exact issues that are documented in the federal safety agency campaign number 18v397000 while driving on the freeway, I got a low propulsion warning when the lithium battery was depleted and switched to engine. Engine was revving very high and almost no acceleration was available. I made it home and car wouldn't restart. 12v battery was dead so I replaced it but still could not start the car.
Reduced propulsion warning. Causes car to not go over 40 MPH while driving. Covered under voltech warranty but dealers want to charge for the diagnosis. Unfair, as this is a safety concern. I refuse to pay for a warranty diagnosis.
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.
Car slowed down and then came to a full stop on side of residential street. Tried to turn off and restart engine to no avail. No power coming from motor
Overall battery life appears to have been reduced from average 38 miles at full charge to 31 miles.
I have had my car for 2 years and have not experienced any issues with the battery or propulsion control system. I got a recall notice to fix "loss of propulsion due to low cell voltage". The service team was very nice, I sat in their waiting room for about two hours. They said it was done so I then went to work for a couple hours. When driving home I get to the point where the initial electrical battery is depleted and then it turns on the gas generator. I immediately get an alert "loss of propulsion" and the car stops accelerating and drives very different. Low acceleration, AC turns off. I make it home and then the charging system says it is not working. I try to turn the car back on and it doesn't let me put it in gear. I called on star and they scheduled a tow truck to come and have it towed back to the dealership. Will let you know how it goes.
While starting vehicle for commute back home, the on board diagnostic warning popes up saying that profusion peer was reduced. The gasoline engine then turned on even though battery was approximately 75% charged. While driving I noticed that the vehicle had difficulty with acceleration as well as deceleration; as a result, I elected to take the side streets instead of the interstate
While on the highway and the main high voltage battery is depleted, I have a sudden reduction in speed and zero acceleration. I get a dashboard alert "propulsion power reduced". "reduced" is an understatement! The gas engine tries to keep up with speed by ramping up the rmps. The sudden loss of speed forces other cars to avoid me and I cannot increase my speed if needed. I expect I will be rear ended or lose control when this happens again. Engine revs extremely high. I usually pull over and turn off vehicle- sometimes a restarts fixes it. I have also waited (5 mins?) with the engine running at high rmps hoping the battery would recover, but no. I also fear the gas engine will overheat. The car can no longer drive at highway speeds safely after depletion and cannot accelerate sufficiently even in a 30mph zone. This is a continuing issue and has happened for the past several days. The dealership says the high voltage battery is bad, but the main battery charges and drives fine until it is depleted. I now don't drive farther than what the EV battery can achieve. (all other current recall issues, software updates have been addressed)
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