The Lemon IndexChevrolet Volt.
The best Chevrolet Volt years are 2016, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2017, 2012, 2013. Across 2011-2019, it has a Lemon Index of 261, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2012 to 2017.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Best years to buy
2016.
Quick answers.
Is the Chevrolet Volt a good car?
Not overall: it draws more complaints than the average car, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2011-2019: Lemon Index 261; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2016 and the worst is 2017.
What are the best Chevrolet Volt years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2016, 2013, 2012.
What Chevrolet Volt years should you stay away from?
The years with the most complaints per car sold: 2017, 2012, 2013.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Volt have?
6 safety recalls across the 4 model years we track. Most: 2013 (3), 2012 (2), 2016 (1). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name electrical, transmission & drivetrain and engine most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 177 | 1.8× the average car's complaints | 45 | electrical (36%) | 2 | ★★★★★ | 37 |
| 2013 | 146 | 1.5× the average car's complaints | 42 | electrical (38%) | 3 | ★★★★★ | 37 |
| 2016 | 89 | 1.1× fewer complaints than average | 22 | electrical (45%) | 1 | — | 42 |
| 2017 | 856 | 8.6× the average car's complaints | 196 | electrical (38%) | 0 | ★★★★★ | 42 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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