2016 Chevrolet Volt engine problems

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Engine · NC

The engine light came on, but the car would run and so took it to the dealer. They determined that the EGR valve had failed and would cost $2400 to repair. Apparently, this is a common failure point for Generation 2 Chevy Volts. If it might trigger a forced recall, I'd like to add this to the list.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Component/System Failed: The engine of my 2016 Chevrolet Volt experienced a sudden internal crack, leading to complete engine failure. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable, posing potential risk if it had occurred while driving. Sudden loss of engine power could have caused a crash or left me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and others. Problem Reproduction / Confirmation: The failure was confirmed by a GM dealership, which performed a full inspection and documented the engine crack. The dealership verified that the crack was sudden and not caused by negligence or improper maintenance. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and all reports are available. I have also submitted the issue to GM corporate for warranty review. No police or insurance representatives have reviewed this, as this was a mechanical failure with no collision. Warning Lamps or Symptoms: No warning lights, messages, or unusual symptoms appeared prior to the failure. The engine appeared to operate normally until the sudden failure. Upon failure, low oil and low propulsion error message appeared on dash. Current no dash lights are on in the vehicle. Assessment of Cause: Based on dealership inspection and documentation, the failure appears sudden and possibly related to a defect in emissions-related engine components. No external damage or user error contributed to the failure.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WA

While driving the car displayed “reduced propulsion power” on the dash and then I lost all drive power and could not switch the plug in hybrid from electric to gas engine mode. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer who stated that the battery electronics control module and perhaps the battery needed to be replaced. The check engine light came on slightly before the incident.

Filed Feb 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Becm failure Car suddenly stopped driving and or starting Had to have it towed home

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

On [XXX] the check engine light turned on in my 2016 Chevy Volt (VIN: [XXX] miles 145,xxx). I was 2 hours from home in the freezing cold snow but thankfully the vehicle allowed me to drive home without any issues (no reduced propulsion power). When I returned to the vehicle to have a diagnostic check the error light disappeared and I was unable to check for error codes. Still no issues driving under EV/gasoline. Later that day, the car stopped going completely, no shifting out of park either. EV range was reporting 0 miles despite having full charge. I plugged in the charger but it would not work (first time this happened), " Not able to Charge" message displayed. After cycling power the EV range was full range and I was able to shift into drive again. These issues were intermittent over 3 weeks, frequently standing me temporarily. After cycling power, opening and closing the door, cycling power again, the car would function normally and I could drive under battery or gasoline power. I managed to capture these error codes while the MIL light was on: U2603, U2604, U2605, U2606, U2617, U2618, U2619, U2620, U2621, U2622, U2623, U2624 [XXX] my vehicle no longer drives or shifts out of park, "Not able to charge" message displayed, CEL light on. A class action lawsuit revealed a technical service bulletin 18-NA-261 released in 2018 (see attached) accusing GM of continuing support of the known faulty module. The result of the case was Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680 which acknowledges and addresses the above mentioned issues by replacing a faulty BECM common to ALL Chevy Volt models years 2016-2018. My VIN is EXCLUDED from coverage due to being a CARB compliant vehicle despite exhibiting the same behaviors, error codes, and sharing the same faulty BECM. Of the 60,000 Volts sold in 2016-2018, only 19,000 (~33%) qualify under the special coverage terms. 100% of the vehicles that qualify for coverage are NON-CARB compliant. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MN

BECM failure leaving car stranded in traffic with no ability to move under its own power.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine · NC

EGR valve has failed leaving me stranded on side of the road. Problem was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership. Engine light came on moments before it happened.

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 143,000 miles · NV

Shift to park message & audible alarm. Display while in motion pulling into home driveway. Vehicle stalled midway while in motion. Halfway in the street & half driveway. Displaying propulsion power reduced & Engine not available service soon. After 30 minutes of starting & restarting was able to move out of the street. However vehicle will NOT move. Transmission will shift, however will not move. Shift to park keeps popping up.

Filed Oct 14, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

Faulty micro-switch from factory, causes power surge. Flawed microswitch in transaxle shift cable. Incomplete connection of microswitch resulting higher voltage to PCM.(power control module) This irregularity, shows a DTC code reducing power propulsion during movement. The car will loose power & ability to shift. During driving movement. Quite a safety concern. A "shift to park" error displays on driver display screen. An OBD2 scanner will clear code & after a few attempts remain operational. However intermittent & unpredictable when to expect the loss of traction power.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

The vehicle loses power when trying to accelerate when driving in electric mode, and the gas engine kicks on after a second at which point acceleration returns. It occurs when the battery power is high or low. Sometimes a warning pops up on the dash saying speed is limited to a specific MPH.