The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Volt.
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is worse than average by owner complaints: 42 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 146, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 37 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Volt year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 308 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Volt year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 38K to 89K miles on the car (213 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 58K–97K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 15K–83K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 16K–71K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2023
The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
- hybrid propulsion system 2018
An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
- electrical 2015
If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1953 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Do not replace b75b mass airflow sensor, intake air temperature sensor or ecm if experiencing
- Coolant leaking from the drive motor battery coolant radiator
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedPassenger sensing system2019–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car gas engine started, (engine running due to temp). Ran for just a few seconds, then shut down and went into "service mode" - killing both the gas engine and electric motor - without touching any buttons on dash.
2013 Chevrolet Volt owner · NHTSA complaint 10572851
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 146; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Volt year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Volt problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (38%), engine (31%) and fuel or ev drive system (24%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt get?
37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Volt safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Volt problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 38,000 and 89,000 miles. The middle report was at 67,000 miles, from 213 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Volt have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Volt year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2013 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works