Is the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet VOLT has 347 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (82 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (82 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (65 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2018 Chevrolet VOLT?

The 2018 Chevrolet VOLT has an EPA rating of 42 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1829. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Chevrolet VOLT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT is approximately $1,857/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2018 Chevrolet VOLT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet VOLT has 347 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 284. The most common issue is transmission problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving my car on freeway at 65 mph and suddenly car displayed warning on dash board to shift the car in park position. car immediately lost power from engine. i had to immediately pull over car from left most lane to buffer lane between freeway and exit. my move until it had momentum. but th. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

4 crash reports 2 injuries

347

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

82 complaints

24%

• I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AND SUDDENLY CAR DISPLAYED WARNING ON DASH BOARD TO SHIFT THE CAR IN PARK POSITION. CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER FROM ENGINE. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER CAR FROM LEFT MOST LANE TO BUFFER LANE BETWEEN FREEWAY AND EXIT. MY MOVE UNTIL IT HAD MOMENTUM. BUT TH
• WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AROUND 60 MPH, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING 'SHIFT TO PARK' APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE DRIVER SHIFTED TO PARK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL DOWN TO DRIVE AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE O
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD VIOLENTLY, SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH, AND THEN STALLED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED OVER

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AND SUDDENLY CAR DISPLAYED WARNING ON DASH BOARD TO SHIFT THE CAR IN PARK POSITION. CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER FROM ENGINE. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER CAR FROM LEFT MOST LANE TO BUFFER LANE BETWEEN FREEWAY AND EXIT. MY MOVE UNTIL IT HAD MOMENTUM. BUT TH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Chevrolet VOLT

Based on 75 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER30/08/2018

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.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2018 Chevrolet VOLT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$1,813

Per month

$151

Per mile

15.1¢

kWh/mi

0.80

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Chevrolet VOLT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,857

Full coverage / month

$155

Liability only / year

$638

vs US avg

+11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1857

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet VOLT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2018 VOLT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2018 Chevrolet VOLT

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 347 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AND SUDDENLY CAR DISPLAYED WARNING ON DASH BOARD TO SHIFT THE CAR IN PARK POSITION. CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER FROM ENGINE. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER CAR FROM LEFT MOST LANE TO BUFFER LANE BETWEEN FREEWAY AND EXIT. MY MOVE UNTIL IT HAD MOMENTUM. BUT TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO POWER OFF VEHICLE AFTER SHIFTING TO PARK, AN ERROR MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED ON CONSOLE, "SHIFT TO PARK", AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT POWER OFF. VEHICLE IS IN PARK WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURS, BUT REQUIRES SHIFTING OUT OF PARK, POSSIBLY MULTIPLE TIMES, TO ALLOW VEHICLE TO POWER OFF. ISSUE OCCUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AROUND 60 MPH, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING 'SHIFT TO PARK' APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE DRIVER SHIFTED TO PARK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL DOWN TO DRIVE AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AROUND 60 MPH, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING 'SHIFT TO PARK' APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE DRIVER SHIFTED TO PARK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL DOWN TO DRIVE AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)