Product Reviews
News
Take Action
About Us
search
Become a Member
Donate
Search
All Products A-Z
    Become a Member
    Donate

    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
    Get Started
    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

    Chevrolet Volt Change Vehicle

    The Volt is an electric car for drivers who don't want to be limited by battery range. It usually allows you to drive gas-free for 35 miles, however the exact number depends on weather and driving style. In our testing, it ranged from 20 to 50 miles. When the battery is depleted, a backup gasoline engine kicks in to keep the electric motor running. This allows you to keep driving for up to 315 more miles before refueling.
    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

    Chevrolet Volt

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Acceptable
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph (sec.) 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    NA
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    NA
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS and ESC standard. Front side and head protection air bags standard.
    Road Test

    The Volt is an electric car for drivers who don't want to be limited by battery range. It usually allows you to drive gas-free for 35 miles, however the exact number depends on weather and driving style. In our testing, it ranged from 20 to 50 miles. When the battery is depleted, a backup gasoline engine kicks in to keep the electric motor running. This allows you to keep driving for up to 315 more miles before refueling. If you charge every night and your daily drive fits within the battery's range, you might never need to buy gasoline.

    Running on electricity alone, the Volt cost about four cents per mile at national-average electric rates -- much less than required to fuel any gas-powered car. Actual cost will depend on your electric rates, which vary greatly from state to state. Driving on the highway also diminishes the battery's range. We got our longest electric-only drives on rural roads at around 45 mph. The Volt is amazingly inexpensive to run on short trips, but when the gas engine kicks in and trips reach around 70 miles, traditional hybrids catch up. That's partly because the gasoline engine requires premium fuel, which strikes us as out of step with what Volt buyers might expect.

    Seating
    2 front, 2 rear
    Drive Wheels
    Front
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    4-door hatchback
    Transmissions Available
    • 1-speed Direct
    Engines Available
    • 1.4-liter 4 electric (150 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Chevrolet Volt owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    “intermittant freeze on the display screen. Have not taken it in to dealer yet”

    Larry H., AZ (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “when pushing the buttons or touch screen, nothing happened. After a period of time everything you pushed would quickly display on the screen until it came to the last button you pushed. This is not an everyday occurrence. Deal could not fix”

    Jose M., IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Radio would hang at the tone adjustment screen. Dealer had to install an update to fix. Resolved now”

    Anonymous, CO (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “HAC system problem caused the button that changes the car from electric battery mode to gas engine mode failed then frozen”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Display screen goes blank

    “whole in dash system would intermittently go blank, and turn off. Even lost charging schedule once. Had a loose connector and required the system be removed and connector reseated. Took several hours to download software so repair took over 6 hour”

    Doug F., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Goes blank when cold and reboots”

    Anonymous, NY (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “The system goes down and then reboots by itself. The unit has been replaced”

    Anonymous, MD (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    “Plugging in a iPhone 5S resulted in car freezing up and not starting. This happened only once or twice. The dealer was unable to recreate the problem”

    David G., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Poor music design - Bluetooth skips during songs - No ability to access iPhone's playlists - Every time you stop and restart the car, you have to manually wade through menus to reselect the blutooth USB playback is worse - "Blue Screen of Death"”

    David H., TX (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Nav system sometimes failed to track car's correct location; dealer replaced a component and all worked fine thereafter”

    C R., MD (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “Sometimes when streaming audio it will distort the audio for 30-40 seconds”

    Tim M., CO (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Radio

    “crackeling, bad FM on local station. Took in to be fixed more than 4 times. Still is crappy”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Touch screen often does not work properly, especially when trying to program channels. Always been a problem, but getting worse. poor radio reception”

    Doug F., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Voice control commands

    “doesn't work”

    Donald S., FL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Totally useless. Rarely understands what we're saying. Even the technicians at Chevy can't get it to understand them. Makes the hands-free portion almost useless”

    Bruce M., MA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Load more

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    “Received warning light that there was a problem with the a/c. Took it to the dealer under warranty and in 4 days my vehicle was repaired”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Automatic climate control

    “A few miles after the car switches from battery to gas powered, the climate control system starts blowing hot air even though the A/C settings haven't changed”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Heat and cooling controls didn't seem to work as they previously did”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Heater system

    “blew cold, took 1 month to get replacement part”

    Michael B., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “The module which controls heat when running on electric power was faulty”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Automatic defrost system does not clear the driver's side as good as the passenger side”

    Jose M., IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “heater control module failed and had to be replaced (under warranty(”

    Anonymous, NM (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Heat took way too long to come on - ended up being a software update according to dealer; works fine now”

    C R., MD (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “The electric heater quit working. Engine assisted heating continued to work”

    Daniel D., IA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “Heater blew cold air and had to b repaired”

    Colin T., IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “Heater never really worked. I live in a mild climate, so haven't needed it much. Took it in for repair and the dealership said a "pump" was not working and was replaced. This fixed the problem”

    Adam C., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Refrigerant leaks

    “There was a small leak in a pipe seal”

    Anonymous, KS (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Load more

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    “bolt in hatch that had some play. dealer couldn't find, a friend did”

    Norton H., MA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “while driving , annoying noise and rattle, readily repaired by dealer at no cost”

    Moisy S., MO (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Body panels make a popping nose when it's hot or warming up”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Wind noise

    “I sometimes have a problem using the handsfree microphone due to wind noise at highway speeds”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Wind buffeting noise with the windows open at 35 mph and higher. A Volt Advisor told me there was a Wind Buffeting kit available and covered under the warranty, so I took it to the dealer and they installed it. Now I can drive with the windows open”

    Steve C., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “A little wind noise from driver side front window”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Load more

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Electrical failure

    “BATTERY FAILED TO CHARGE INTERMITTANTLY”

    Anonymous, PA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “On-board charge controller died and had to be replaced”

    Peter H., NM (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “The vehicle wouldn't start. Towed to the dealership. I think they had to replace some sort of drive control module”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Car wouldn't hold charge or start”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “Car refused to kick on the electronic system multiple times and I had to pull the power to the car to get them to work again”

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

    “the problem was failure of ythe rear vision system”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    12V power plug

    “it quit working had to get another one”

    Anonymous, PA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “Front turn signal bulb burned out. Cost $75 to get it replaced”

    Anonymous, AZ (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Interior lights

    “After a warning message I brought my vehicle in for check. It took 3 days to isolate the problem. The vanity light wire on the drivers side shorted causing the BCM to limit speed. The vehicle was 1week outside the 36k mile warranty so Chevrolet dealer charged me $150 to find the problem and another $150 to solder wires back together after heat from a short caused a harness to melt. They wanted an additional $245 to replace the drivers visor or nothing more to cut the wire leading to the ligh”

    Tim S., AL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Load more

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission leaks

    “The drive unit was leaking fluid”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “Leak noted at 86000 miles, resulted in 1 week repair. I was told it was a leaking pipe in the transmission of some sort”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Gear selector or linkage

    “Gear selector wouldn't move into Park. Selector knob was replaced”

    Joseph R., IN (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    What Owners Say

    Hybrid/electric system and battery (excluding replacement)

    “Vehicle says "propulsion power reduced", then a minute later "engine not available". This leaves you stranded once the battery runs out. That would 18 miles in Chicago winter”

    Alex D., IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “The car would routinely not kick on the battery correctly and then a single sensor prevented the car from charging and using the engine”

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Glass defects

    “on first day driving in daylight noticed two distortions in windshield exactly where my eye line met with the horizon. Anywhere else would not have been a problem but really bothered me. Was replaced by dealer”

    Doug F., CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    “Factory recall”

    Anonymous, PA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    “voice navigation simply does not work. Have had it replaced and still doesn't work”

    Donald S., FL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    “The infotainment system is extremely frustrating in trying to get it to play off our iPhones, whether hooked directly via cable or bluetooth. It defaults only to music, always the first song in alphabetical order. Will not go back to where you were”

    Bruce M., MA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    “Volt has 5 coolant systems and I had low coolant level in one that activated a warning light. Dealer topped off tank at no cost. Pressure test showed no leak”

    Anonymous, TN (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    “According to dealer, a rock punctured the electric battery's cooling system radiator”

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None 1.4-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    “Electric power steering developed a "hitch" off dead center. Steering would stick and then release. Dealer fixed/replaced steering gear at no charge. Steering perfect since”

    Irving S., IA (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    “on roof plastic strip got loose”

    Anonymous, IN (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    “When car switched from battery to gas power, engine suddenly shut down. Luckily I was going slowly in traffic. If this had happened when on the expressway, it could have been disastrous. Chevrolet took this VERY seriously and found the issue and f”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Master cylinder

    “brakes failed”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Chevrolet Volt None Plug-in Hybrid)

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Change Vehicle