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VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE

Chevrolet Volt2011–2019

Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.

⚡ HYBRID
Chevrolet Volt
2011–2019
B
Defect Risk
Recall intensity
1.0/yr · seg. median 0.0
Limited data — provisional
Safety
Low
0 inj.
✓No open federal investigations
2
Recalls
0
Complaints
2016
Best Yr
0
Injuries
Avoid 2012
9
Years Analyzed
2
Total Recalls
0
Total Complaints
0
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths

Chevrolet Volt Years to Avoid

#1 WORST
2012

1 recall · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

#2 WORST
2016

1 recall · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Federal Defect Investigations

NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 1 past investigation into the Volt became recall.

Recently concluded investigations
PE23022 · electrical system · closed Mar 2025Closed, no recall
DP22005 · electrical system · closed Aug 2023→ Became recall

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of September 11, 2026.

Chevrolet Volt — Year-by-Year Comparison

Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.

YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliabilityValueBuyer ScoreVerdict
201900——
82
84
83
Excellent
201800——
82
78
81
Excellent
201700——
82
71
78
Excellent
201610——
77
64
72
Avoid
201500——
82
57
73
Excellent
201400——
82
51
71
Excellent
201300——
82
46
69
Excellent
201210——
77
42
65
Avoid
201100——
82
39
67
Excellent

Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.

Shopping by Era

How each generation of the Volt compares — best year within each era shown.

2018–Present

Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2019 (Buyer Score 83).

Best: 2019
2019 · 832018 · 81

2013–2017

Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 78).

Best: 2017
2017 · 782015 · 732016 · 722014 · 712013 · 69

Pre-2013

Older Volt models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.

Proceed with Caution
2011 · 672012 · 65

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best year Volt to buy?+

See the Buyer Score table above for a full ranking of every Volt model year.

Which Volt years have the most problems?+

The 2012, 2016 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2012 Volt leads with 1 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

What is the Buyer Score?+

The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.

What are the most common Volt problems?+

See the complaint chart on this page for a breakdown by component.

Deep-Dive Research

Common Problems

Full year-by-year breakdown of every documented defect for the Chevrolet Volt.

Reliability Score

Reliability rating and score breakdown compared to similar hybrid vehicles.

Years to Avoid

Every Volt year ranked by problem score — worst years listed with full reasoning.

Found the right year? Verify the specific car.

A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.

Run a VIN Check →