2016 Chevrolet Volt: common problems and reliability
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has 169 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag shift-to-park failure — micro-switch in the shifter fails, preventing the car from recognizing it is in park, causing inability to turn off the vehicle. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
169
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
electrical system
77
fuel/propulsion system
63
power train
51
engine
48
vehicle speed control
6
Recalls affecting the 2016 Volt
air bags:frontal
Campaign 17V621000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event …
What owners say across generations
Mixed to highly positive sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and specific ownership experience. The vehicle is widely praised for its innovative plug-in hybrid design, offering substantial all-electric range (reported 40-60 miles for Gen 2, 35-43 miles
Shift-to-Park failure — Micro-switch in the shifter fails, preventing the car from recognizing it is in Park, causing inability to turn off the vehicle. Frequency: very frequent.
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure — Causes stalling, reduced propulsion, inability to start, or failure to restart. Parts are frequently on extended backorder. Frequency: very frequent.
12V accessory battery problems — Parasitic drain or failure causes a multitude of error messages (Service High Voltage Charging System, Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering, Theft Deterrent) and complete no-start conditions. Frequency: very frequent.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failure — Causes check engine lights and can lead to blown "no walk home" fuses. Frequency: recurrent.
Infotainment/Projection issues — Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity problems, screen freezes, failure to boot. Requires specific software updates (e.g., bulletin 16-NA-042 for 2016 models). Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Volt.
Typical used price
Used Volt listings typically run $9,138–$13,665 across 2011 to 2019 model years.