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Chevrolet · Known Issues

2015 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 4 Known Issues

2015 model year · 180+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2015 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Inner Tie Rod Separation from Steering Gear (2015 Recall 15V442) ($0-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1) with 180 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Volt Steering1
  • Volt Electrical2
  • Volt Drivetrain1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Steering1
  • Electrical2
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS201920182017201620152014201320122011

On the 2015 Chevrolet Volt 1.4L Voltec range-extender (Gen 1), a small number of 2015 Volts (built April 11, 2014) left the factory with an inner tie rod not tightened to specification due to a supplier assembly-machine error, allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear and cause loss of steering control. Recalled under NHTSA campaign 15V442 (GM recall 15386) alongside 2014-2015 Cruze models. Note: the Volt portion of this recall was very small in scope (roughly 10 units total across Cruze and Volt), so real-world prevalence is low.

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of steering control
  • Clunking or looseness in the steering
  • Wandering / vague steering
  • Vehicle pulls unexpectedly

How to Fix

Under recall, dealers replace the entire steering gear assembly free of charge. Owners noticing clunking, play, or wandering steering should have the tie rod torque inspected immediately.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
180 owners

On the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt, first-generation Volts (2011-2015) can experience battery coolant heater failure. The heating coil is located inside the battery pack and can develop isolation faults, causing the vehicle to run on gasoline only when the battery is below 50 degrees F. The poor design placement requires opening the battery pack to test and replace the heater coil. A failing heater coil measures below the required 80 ohms isolation resistance. This significantly reduces EV range in cold weather and can trigger fault codes.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV SUV

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle runs on gasoline only in cold weather (below 50F)
  • Battery will not charge or hold charge in cold temperatures
  • Reduced EV range in winter months
  • Engine runs constantly even with full battery charge
  • Battery coolant temperature warning messages

How to Fix

Have the dealer measure the heater coil resistance (should be 80 ohms). Replacement requires removing and opening the battery pack, which is a major service operation ($1,500-$2,500). Under the Voltec warranty (8yr/100k mi), this is covered at no cost. For out-of-warranty vehicles, some EV specialty shops can perform the repair for less than dealer pricing.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $2,500

Research This Issue

Based on 180 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence180 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt, a widely documented Volt fault where the 12V auxiliary battery drains while the car sits, leaving an otherwise fully-charged EV completely dead and unable to power up. Root causes include parasitic draw from modules that fail to sleep (OnStar/telematics hang-ups, software bugs) and, in worse cases, a failing Accessory Power Module (APM/DC-DC converter) that no longer keeps the 12V battery charged. Owners frequently need a jump-start after the car sits a few days. Note: Gen 1 used three non-interchangeable APM variants under one GM part number, which matters when sourcing a replacement.

Common Symptoms

  • Car completely dead / won't power on after sitting
  • Needs a jump-start despite full main battery
  • Repeated dead 12V battery every few days
  • Electrical gremlins and warning lights
  • Fails to enter Ready mode

How to Fix

Diagnose parasitic draw and update software; replace the weak/aged 12V AGM auxiliary battery. If the APM (DC-DC converter) has failed, replace it (professional HV service). Some cases traced to modules (e.g. OnStar) not powering down are resolved by software reflash.

What you need to diagnose it

The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.

  • UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter

    1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero

    $40–$70View

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.

Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $2,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt 1.4L Voltec range-extender (Gen 1), gen 1 Volts (2011-2015) commonly display a 'Propulsion Power is Reduced' message with reduced acceleration and electric range, often with DTC P0A7F. GM traced this to an HPCM2 (Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2) software update that could disable the cell-balancing function, causing a low-voltage condition and potential loss of propulsion. Addressed via NHTSA recall 18V397 and GM recalls N172130460/461/462 (rolled out across 2011-2015 by year). Note: the frequently-cited Customer Satisfaction Program 17228 is the analogous program for the Gen 2 (2016-2017) Volt, not Gen 1; badly degraded packs out of the 8yr/100k HV warranty can still require costly module/pack replacement.

Common Symptoms

  • 'Propulsion Power is Reduced' message
  • Noticeably reduced acceleration
  • Reduced electric-only range
  • Vehicle limits speed/power

How to Fix

Dealers reprogram/recalibrate the HPCM2 free of charge under the recall to restore proper cell balancing and provide adequate warning. If a battery module has degraded beyond limits and is out of the HV warranty, module/pack replacement is required and expensive.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $8,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Campaign #18V57600030/08/2018

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #18V67300026/09/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

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Other Chevrolet Models

Chevrolet Silverado 150078Chevrolet Corvette59Chevrolet Equinox58Chevrolet Malibu44Chevrolet Camaro40Chevrolet Traverse37

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2015 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Inner Tie Rod Separation from Steering Gear (2015 Recall 15V442), High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1), 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

The 2015 Chevrolet Volt has 4 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Inner Tie Rod Separation from Steering Gear (2015 Recall 15V442). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Volt problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Volt issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Inner Tie Rod Separation from Steering Gear (2015 Recall 15V442), typically costs $0-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015 Chevrolet Volt Inner Tie Rod Separation from Steering Gear (2015 Recall 15V442)?

A small number of 2015 Volts (built April 11, 2014) left the factory with an inner tie rod not tightened to specification due to a supplier assembly-machine error, allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear and cause loss of steering control. Recalled under NHTSA cam… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)?

First-generation Volts (2011-2015) can experience battery coolant heater failure. The heating coil is located inside the battery pack and can develop isolation faults, causing the vehicle to run on gasoline only when the battery is below 50 degrees F. The poor design placement re… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 180+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #17V62100005/10/2017

STEERING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.

Campaign #15V44200010/07/2015

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead?

A widely documented Volt fault where the 12V auxiliary battery drains while the car sits, leaving an otherwise fully-charged EV completely dead and unable to power up. Root causes include parasitic draw from modules that fail to sleep (OnStar/telematics hang-ups, software bugs) a… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt Gen 1 'Reduced Propulsion Power' — HV Battery Low-Voltage / Cell-Balancing Fault?

Gen 1 Volts (2011-2015) commonly display a 'Propulsion Power is Reduced' message with reduced acceleration and electric range, often with DTC P0A7F. GM traced this to an HPCM2 (Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2) software update that could disable the cell-balancing function, cau… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: medium.