Chevrolet Volt Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Volt model year (2011–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Volt Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 628 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 648
3 recalls · 222 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 249
0 recalls · 207 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 211
Best Chevrolet Volt Years to Buy
0 recalls · 25 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 29
0 recalls · 40 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 40
1 recall · 36 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 45
Found the right year? Verify that specific Volt with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Volt — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 25 | 2 | — | 29 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 207 | 2 | — | 211 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 628 | 10 | — | 648 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 1 | 147 | 3 | — | 156 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 40 | — | — | 40 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 61 | 1 | — | 63 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 3 | 222 | 9 | — | 249 | Caution |
| 2012 | 2 | 179 | 11 | — | 207 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 36 | 3 | — | 45 | Excellent |
All 9 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Volt Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent Volt models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 29 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade Volt units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Volt models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Volt should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2017 Chevrolet Volt if possible. It has 0 recalls, 628 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 648 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Volt to buy?+
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 29. It has only 0 recalls and 25 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Volt has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2015, 2011 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Volt Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Volt VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →