MyCarTSB

2016 Chevrolet Volt Engine Problems

19 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

19
Complaints
Jan 2017Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (19)

criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11703409
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

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.

NHTSA #: 11717029
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

EGR valve has failed leaving me stranded on side of the road. Problem was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership. Engine light came on moments before it happened.

NHTSA #: 11628500
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failed. Confirmed by dealer, Culver City Chevrolet, 8/29/2024. Failed EGR valve causes gas engine to emit harmful smog forming emissions. This part is still covered by 10 year, 150,000 mile warranty. However, GM/Chevrolet has not made a replacement available and GM representatives have provided no estimate of when or if that replacement part will be made available.

NHTSA #: 11616531
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2024

Check engine light came on. Moran Chevrolet dealership says the code is related to the EGR cooler and EGR valve. They want me to pay $3,175.23 for these two parts - however, they can't guarantee that I will get the parts as they are on backorder, and no idea when they will get parts. This is outrageous. I asked, "What if the part doesn't come in?" The dealer's response, "Then we will refund your money, but, we will keep $250 for inspecting the car." "And what if I don't fix it?" Their response: "Eventually, your car will stop working." "What if the car is on the freeway and just stops?" Their response is unsettling for me and hopefully every driver on the road: "We haven't seen that type of failure, yet."

NHTSA #: 11615410
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

Car displayed a lower power mode on dashboard. Approximately 20 miles later car switched from gas mode to electrical battery mode. Fortunately there was some charge remaining in the battery that I was able to get off freeway and charge car for 3 hours to make the 30 miles home. Dealer thinks problem is a defective EGR valve and I am awaiting a part for this repair for 37 days and counting. The low power mode states it is limited to 35 KW of power but I was surprised when the engine cut off to battery mode. If I had used up the battery charge on the first portion of this trip I do not know how suddenly the car would have stopped on freeway.

NHTSA #: 11613145
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

The EGR valve failed, blew up a fuse, and the internal combustion engine started to overheat and run very roughly and unsteady. I almost lost control

NHTSA #: 11605328
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2024

EGR valve failed. When switched from Battery to gas car stalled and we were stuck. Dealer said it needs a new EGR valve. But it was on back order. This was a year ago and Chevy still claims the part is on back order! Now the car is ready to renew registration. But it cannot pass inspection because it must have been driven on gas for many miles for the inspection to work! The part is obviously no longer available and Chevy has not offered a solution.

NHTSA #: 11604439
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

There is a propulsion warning due to faulty EGR valves. Many customers are experiencing backorders lasting for up to 6 months or more, just from what I can quickly find online. I am now on my 5-month mark. I have not been able to drive the car at all. Driving it could damage the engine and put drivers at risk. Because many of these vehicles no longer qualify for lemon laws, the manufacturer seems to not take our delay seriously or even care about our limited resources in time and money. (I purchased this used car that was in great condition and passed the inspection for about $13,000 in-full. I am not wealthy so this was an expense I was carefully saving for. I was only driving it for weeks before this happened. I am now hunting for my legal options.) Not only is their response completely unethical and inconsiderate, but some desperate drivers are suggesting to unplug the EGR then replace the fuse. This can damage engines further, disallow us to pass emission tests, and cause possible danger to the driver and others on the road. Chevy and GM need to be held accountable!

NHTSA #: 11594428
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2024

My 2016 Chevy Volt experienced a loss of propulsion power multiple times due to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve failing. The malfunctioning EGR valve caused the F3 fuse to break, disabling the cooling system and forcing me to pull over immediately, which posed a safety risk, especially in high-traffic areas or on highways. The problem was reproduced when the replacement EGR valve also failed. It is not specified if the vehicle or components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. Both the original and replacement EGR valves should be available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA #: 11589804
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2024

EGR valve failure. No replacement parts being made to replace failure. Engine doesn’t run smoothly and check engine light is on. Items been back ordered since August last year. No longer California compliant, cannot pass smog. Danger hazard.

NHTSA #: 11577367
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

I have a engine code P0401

NHTSA #: 11558218
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2023

I had BECM failure and the car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. They need to make this a safety recall.

NHTSA #: 11558032
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

I was driving on a highway and all of a sudden I have a Check engine light and “propulsion power reduced” on my display. I took my car to the dealer and found out it was my EGR valve that had an internal failure and it was needed to be replaced. This should be a recall because I was under warranty and they stated that my warranty only covers in California or an emission state. It’s been about 2 months it’s been on back order and I cant even drive my car. This is not a rare problem every volt with a EGR valve has failed.

NHTSA #: 11548374
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2023

Our 2016 Volt was cruising at 65 mph on a major interstate highway (HOLD mode) when out of nowhere the check engine light came on followed by a warning message "Propulsion power reduced." We managed to pull off the highway, but a few minutes later navigating on local roads, we received another message that the engine had overheated and was shutting off. Fortunately, there was a chevy dealer only several miles away, and we made it there slowly under EV mode. They later traced the problem to a failed exhaust gas recirculation (ERG) valve. It was replaced under warranty. The whole experience was terrifying. We also own a 2017 Volt, and now we are afraid that it could also experience the same problem without warning.

NHTSA #: 11515787
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2022

Got a Check Engine light on Aug 26 2022 driving about 5 minutes out of my house. With that light turned on, the EV showed zero miles range (it was fully charged when I left the house), the ICE engine kicked in but it was running very harsh and when I stepped on the gas peddle, it would not accelerate and can only go about 30 mph. I immediately made a U-turn and returned home for the car is not drivable. Took the Volt to my dealership on Aug 29, 2022 and service manager diagnosed as a BECM failed and now waiting for a replacement, which they said they are not able to find one. This is going on week #7.

NHTSA #: 11489126
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2022

Vehicle suddenly experienced "reduced propulsion mode" on the highway. Multiple codes were triggered in the ECM. Root cause of the problem was the EGR valve which is on a shared circuit with multiple other components including a water pump which causes the car to overheat.

NHTSA #: 11483721
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Received a Reduce Power warning with a check engine light on. OnStar e-mail notification saying there is an issue with Lithium-ion battery and to service the vehicle within 7 days. When this happened I was driving on the street not far from my house and sure enough I was not able to keep up with the speed of the traffic so I turned around and returned home. My battery was fully charged when I left home and when this happened, it showed my battery was depleted and switched to my gas engine but was not able to drive over 40 mph for the gas engine was making a weird sound as if it is not able to run smoothly.

NHTSA #: 11482925
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2017

IN REGARD TO RECALL 16055 REPROGRAM HYBRID POWERTRAIN CONTROL; MODULE 2. I HAD THIS RECALL DONE ON JANUARY 5, 2017. THIS SERVICE CHANGES SOME SETTINGS WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OWNER. CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IT CHANGES THE ENGINE RUN ON REMOTE START FROM OFF TO ON. IF THE OWNER STARTS THEIR CAR TO WARM UP IN THE GARAGE THE ENGINE WILL RUN UNKNOWING TO THE OWNER. THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE BUILDUP OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE GARAGE.

NHTSA #: 10943712

Other 2016 Chevrolet Volt Issues