2016 Chevrolet Volt — Known Issues & Recalls

Your Volt lost power and shifted into park while driving on the highway, then stopped completely. After a year of troubleshooting, the dealer identified a failed battery but may not have addressed the underlying problem—a faulty BECM (Battery Energy Control Module)—which could cause the same stalling issue to happen again even after battery replacement. Fixing this properly will likely require replacing both the battery and the BECM to prevent future breakdowns.

Your 2016 Chevy Volt has experienced multiple major failures: an EGR valve failure at 40,000 miles (cost $3,000), a Battery Energy Control Module failure (covered under special warranty), and now your hybrid battery needs replacement. The problem is that GM has stopped manufacturing the hybrid battery for your vehicle, and the dealership cannot source a replacement part, leaving you unable to repair your car even though it's properly maintained.

Your Volt lost power and propulsion while driving on the highway. The dealership initially replaced the Battery Energy Control Module and serviced the battery cooling system, but the check engine light returned and the problem happened again. The dealership then discovered they hadn't properly completed the original repair and replaced the exhaust gas recirculation valve and refilled the cooling system. You're waiting on warranty reimbursement from GM that was claimed 2 months ago.

Your car is displaying error codes P0401 and P0B9A, which are causing a loss of power while driving on the highway. You may also experience difficulty shifting into Park, and the engine may start using gasoline before the battery is fully depleted. The issue likely involves the fuel system or hybrid propulsion system and may require diagnostic testing and component repair or replacement.

Your 2016 Chevy Volt experienced intermittent electrical issues over three weeks, including check engine lights, inability to shift out of park, loss of EV range display, and charging failures that temporarily resolved after power cycling. GM released a technical service bulletin and special coverage program acknowledging these problems are caused by a faulty battery energy control module (BECM) affecting 2016-2018 Volt models, but your vehicle is excluded from coverage due to CARB emissions compliance designation despite showing identical symptoms. The fix would involve replacing the faulty BECM unit under warranty or repair.

Your car's battery control module (BECM) failed, leaving you unable to drive the vehicle. This left you stranded in traffic with no way to move the car under its own power. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the electrical control module and replacing it or its internal components.

While driving, your car displayed a "reduced propulsion power" warning on the dashboard, then completely lost power and wouldn't switch between electric and gas engine modes. A check engine light appeared shortly before this happened. The dealer identified that the battery electronics control module and possibly the battery itself needed replacement.

Your car's battery control module (BECM) failed, causing the engine to suddenly stop and preventing the car from starting. The vehicle had to be towed home and will need the battery control module replaced or repaired.

Your 2016 Chevy Volt won't drive and has been diagnosed with a failed BECM (Battery Energy Control Module). GM has extended the warranty for this known issue on many Volts, but your vehicle's VIN isn't covered under that recall. The car is currently not functional, and the repair will likely require replacing the BECM module, which controls power distribution in the electrical and drivetrain systems.

Your car displayed a "propulsion power reduced" warning multiple times, then refused to switch from gas to electric mode. You noticed a burnt rubber smell, the heater wouldn't turn off, and the next morning the car wouldn't start—the dashboard would light up but shift into drive and show a "Shift to Park" warning. The dealership diagnosed a failed Battery Energy Control Module and found a corroded electric cable, but GM is denying warranty coverage despite issuing a Special Coverage bulletin for this exact problem in 2016-2018 Volts. The repair will require replacing the Battery Energy Control Module and addressing the corroded electrical cable.

Your car's Battery Energy Control Module failed at 87,000 miles, leaving the vehicle unable to start. While GM issued a warranty extension for this known defect on some vehicles, your car wasn't included, leaving you with a $2,500 repair bill despite NHTSA involvement. The repair will require replacement of the Battery Energy Control Module.

Your 2016 Volt stalled unexpectedly while making a left turn at normal driving speed, then restarted on its own without any warning lights appearing. This issue may be related to a known Battery Energy Control Module problem that Chevrolet has addressed in some cases, though your vehicle wasn't covered under that special service program. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and possibly replacing the Battery Energy Control Module or related electrical components.

Your Volt displays a "Propulsion Error" message and tells you to "Shift to Park" while driving, and sometimes won't start right away. The dealer found that your Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is an electrical system failure that affects your vehicle's ability to start and operate properly.

Your Volt's propulsion system surges unpredictably on both battery and gas power, causing sudden loss of power followed by unexpected acceleration—this has almost caused multiple collisions. You've already spent over $4,000 on repairs that didn't fix the problem and aren't covered under warranty. The issue likely involves the engine control module, fuel injectors, or hybrid system components that need professional diagnostic testing and potential replacement.

Your Volt's battery energy control module—a critical component that manages the high-voltage battery system—may malfunction, causing the car to fail to start or lose power while driving. This is a known issue covered under Chevrolet service bulletin 18-NA-261, though the dealer may claim your VIN isn't eligible for warranty coverage even if it shows the same fault codes. Repairs can cost around $5,000 and typically involve replacing or reprogramming the battery energy control module.

Your 2016 Chevrolet Volt's engine developed a sudden internal crack that caused complete engine failure with no warning signs beforehand. The dealership confirmed the crack and ruled out maintenance issues or negligence as the cause. A GM dealership inspection documented the failure, and you've submitted it to GM corporate for warranty review. Repair will likely require engine replacement or internal engine repairs.

While driving at 75 mph on the freeway, your car's engine power suddenly cuts off and a "Propulsion Power is Reduced" message appears on the dashboard, causing your speed to drop dramatically to around 20 mph in active traffic. Your dealer identified the BECM (battery energy control module) as the likely cause and noted that GM extended the warranty on this part to 150,000 miles due to the known safety concern, though your vehicle is just over that mileage limit. This control module manages critical powertrain functions and may also be linked to the EGR valve system. Replacing the BECM module would be required to restore normal power delivery.

Your Volt lost all electrical power while driving on the highway at highway speed, leaving you stranded with no engine or electric power available. The car wouldn't start again for about 30 minutes, with the dashboard completely dark except for a dinging sound, and refused to charge when you tried to recharge the battery afterward. A GM technician diagnosed the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) as faulty, though your vehicle wasn't covered under the existing recall or special coverage program despite having the same symptoms as thousands of other owners. Fixing this issue will likely require replacing or reprogramming the BECM module.

Your check engine light came on, and the dealer identified a failed EGR valve as the cause, with repair costs around $2400. This appears to be a recurring issue affecting Generation 2 Chevy Volts. While your car still runs, you'll need this component repaired to clear the warning light and restore full engine performance.

Your 2016 Chevrolet Volt was sold as a CARB-compliant vehicle, but General Motors is not honoring warranty coverage under recall N232432680 because your vehicle is registered in a non-CARB state. The manufacturer has not properly linked your vehicle's identification number to this recall coverage, leaving you without the protection you're entitled to.