The 2013 Volt is a complex plug-in hybrid with a solid electric drivetrain but notorious for range-extender engine failures and unique coolant system issues. The electric components are generally durable, but when the 1.4L gas engine needs work, costs escalate quickly due to labor-intensive access.
Range Extender Engine Bearing and Piston Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or ticking from engine during range-extender operation, Metal shavings in oil, Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Sudden loss of range-extender power
Fix: The 1.4L engine suffers from oil consumption and bearing wear, often requiring complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. Access requires partial disassembly of the hybrid system. Expect 18-25 hours labor for short block swap, 22-30 hours for full rebuild with pistons and bearings.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler and Coolant Circuit Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or contaminated coolant in expansion tank, Transmission slipping or rough shifts, Coolant in transmission fluid, Overheating warnings on dash
Fix: The transmission oil cooler fails internally, mixing coolant and ATF. This requires cooler replacement, fluid flushes of both systems, and often transmission repair if contamination went unnoticed. Complete job runs 8-12 hours including flushes and system bleeding.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000
Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) Coolant Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell in cabin, Reduced electric range, Battery conditioning messages on display, Visible coolant pooling under center of vehicle
Fix: The Volt uses a separate coolant loop for battery thermal management with unique Dexcool formulation. Hoses, fittings, and the reservoir develop leaks. Requires lifting the vehicle and accessing components under the battery pack. 4-7 hours depending on leak location.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission Mount (Rear Motor Mount) Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when accelerating or decelerating, Vibration felt through floorboard, Excessive drivetrain movement visible when rocking vehicle, Harsh transitions between EV and gas modes
Fix: The rear transmission mount bears significant torque load from instant electric motor torque and fails prematurely. Replacement requires supporting the drivetrain from below. 2.5-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Shifter Assembly Electronic Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: null
Symptoms: Shifter won't move out of Park, Shift to Drive message appears but car won't move, Shifter position not matching gear display, Intermittent shift lock issues
Fix: The electronic shifter module experiences internal failures requiring complete assembly replacement. Programming required after installation. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
High Voltage Battery Capacity Degradation
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Electric range drops below 28-30 miles on full charge, More frequent range-extender engagement, Battery capacity test shows below 65% of original
Fix: The 16.5 kWh battery pack degrades gradually. GM offered 8yr/100k mile warranty coverage for Gen 1 Volts. Replacement involves complete high-voltage system de-energizing and pack removal from underneath. 12-16 hours labor. Many owners live with reduced range rather than replace.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Becm (Body Electrical Control Module) Communication Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: null
Symptoms: Random electrical glitches, Infotainment system freezing or rebooting, Charging issues, Multiple warning lights with no other symptoms, Parasitic battery drain
Fix: Communication bus errors between control modules cause bizarre electrical issues. Often requires BECM replacement and reprogramming. Diagnosis can be time-consuming. 3-5 hours including programming.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Owner tips
Change range-extender engine oil every 2 years regardless of mileage—long sits cause oil degradation
Run the gas engine monthly for 10+ minutes even if using EV-only to prevent fuel system issues and keep engine lubricated
Monitor both coolant systems separately—battery coolant and engine coolant are different loops with different service intervals
Keep software updates current—GM released multiple calibrations addressing shift quality and battery management
Budget for engine work if buying over 80k miles—bearing failures are expensive and not uncommon
Buy only if under 70k miles with documented range-extender oil changes and you can stomach potential $5k+ engine bills—otherwise the EV drivetrain is solid but the gas engine is a ticking time bomb.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in rear cargo area under load floor; powers accessories only, separate 360V Li-ion traction battery for propulsion
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Every control module on the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly, below instrument panel
🔧 GM SPS2 via GDS2/MDI
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement
Body Control Module (BCM)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack, above transmission tunnel
🔧 GM SPS2 via GDS2/MDI
⚠️ VIN programming and theft deterrent relearn required
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear interior trim, driver side
🔧 GM SPS2 via GDS2/MDI
⚠️ Key fob programming required
Park Assist Control Module (PACM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith rear park assist▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper cover, center
🔧 Basic scan tool for sensor calibration
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rno codingwith rear vision camera
📍 Integrated with rear liftgate handle assembly
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.5 hr R&Rno coding▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, behind driver side headlamp assembly
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 23V516000
2023-07-27
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · 18V397000
2018-06-14
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
Consequence: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 15V145000
2015-03-13
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. 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.
Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
35mpg
Highway
40mpg
Combined
37mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Compact Cars
Wiper blades
Gen 1 Volt (2011-2015); sedan body style has no rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt 1.4L I4 Range Extender and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.