Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Chevrolet
  6. /
  7. Volt
Chevrolet · Known Issues

2019 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 4 Known Issues

2019 model year · 770+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2019 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 770+ owner reports, the 2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power ($0-$3,000 repair) and Rear Brake Caliper Piston Gas Pocket — Reduced Rear Braking (2018-2019 Recall 18V576) ($0-$250 repair). The most commonly reported issue is "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown with 520 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Volt Electrical3
  • Volt Brakes1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Brakes1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS201920182017201620152014201320122011
Community reported
250 owners

On the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt, nHTSA received 61 complaints about second-generation Volts losing motive power due to Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure. The BECM manages the high-voltage battery system, and when it fails, the vehicle can stall, enter a reduced power state, or refuse to start. Loss of power can occur at any speed, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle may be unable to restart after a BECM-related shutdown.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of propulsion power while driving
  • Vehicle enters reduced power mode unexpectedly
  • Vehicle will not start or restart after shutdown
  • Multiple warning messages on dashboard simultaneously
  • Battery system fault codes stored in BECM

How to Fix

BECM replacement at a dealer costs $1,500-$3,000. The module must be programmed to the specific vehicle VIN. Check if a software update addresses your specific BECM behavior before committing to replacement. For vehicles under Voltec warranty (8 years/100,000 miles), BECM replacement is covered at no cost.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,000

Research This Issue

Based on 250 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence250 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
520 owners

On the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt, second-generation Chevrolet Volts (2016-2019) have a widespread manufacturing defect that prevents the vehicle from recognizing that it is in Park, displaying a persistent "Shift to Park" error message. The vehicle cannot be powered off normally, draining the battery. The issue is caused by a faulty shift position sensor or worn shift mechanism contact. GM released Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 but offered limited repair coverage. DIY fix parts cost under $30 but dealer quotes range from $450-$1,400.

Common Symptoms

  • "Shift to Park" message displayed when vehicle is in Park
  • Vehicle will not power off or shut down normally
  • Key fob unable to lock doors after exiting
  • Battery drains if vehicle cannot shut down properly
  • Intermittent issue that worsens over time

How to Fix

Check if GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 covers your vehicle under the Voltec Warranty. The actual fix involves replacing the shift lever contact assembly ($10-$30 in parts). Many owners successfully fix this themselves in 30-45 minutes. If the dealer refuses warranty coverage, reference the Voltec warranty terms and escalate to GM customer service.

Typical repair cost:$10 - $1,400

Research This Issue

Based on 520 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence520 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

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Volt 1.5L Voltec range-extender (Gen 2), on certain 2018-2019 Volts, supplier ZF failed to properly apply the surface coating to the rear brake caliper pistons, allowing gas to form in the rear brake hydraulic circuit. This produces a soft/spongy pedal, reduced rear-brake performance and longer stopping distances. Recalled under NHTSA campaign 18V576 (GM recall 18279), part of a broader GM brake recall of roughly 210K-240K vehicles; the same ZF defect affected other automakers.

Common Symptoms

  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Reduced rear-brake performance
  • Longer stopping distances
  • Pedal travels farther than normal

How to Fix

Under recall, dealers bleed the vehicle's brake system to purge the trapped gas, free of charge. If a spongy pedal persists, affected caliper pistons/calipers are inspected and replaced.

Find a Chevrolet dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Chevrolet dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Chevrolet vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $250

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High 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.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Chevrolet Volt problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Chevrolet Volt. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

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 770+ owner reports, the 2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power, Rear Brake Caliper Piston Gas Pocket — Reduced Rear Braking (2018-2019 Recall 18V576), "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

The 2019 Chevrolet Volt has 4 known issues documented across 770+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power and Rear Brake Caliper Piston Gas Pocket — Reduced Rear Braking (2018-2019 Recall 18V576). 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 $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power, typically costs $0-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Causing Loss of Motive Power?

NHTSA received 61 complaints about second-generation Volts losing motive power due to Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure. The BECM manages the high-voltage battery system, and when it fails, the vehicle can stall, enter a reduced power state, or refuse to start. Loss of… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Volt Rear Brake Caliper Piston Gas Pocket — Reduced Rear Braking (2018-2019 Recall 18V576)?

On certain 2018-2019 Volts, supplier ZF failed to properly apply the surface coating to the rear brake caliper pistons, allowing gas to form in the rear brake hydraulic circuit. This produces a soft/spongy pedal, reduced rear-brake performance and longer stopping distances. Recal… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: high.

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 770+ 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 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt "Shift to Park" Error Message Preventing Vehicle Shutdown?

Second-generation Chevrolet Volts (2016-2019) have a widespread manufacturing defect that prevents the vehicle from recognizing that it is in Park, displaying a persistent "Shift to Park" error message. The vehicle cannot be powered off normally, draining the battery. The issue i… Repairs typically run $10-$1,400. Severity: medium.

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.