2017 Chevrolet Volt

Introduction

The 2017 Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It offers an all-electric range of up to 53 miles and a total driving range of up to 420 miles when combined with the gasoline engine. The Volt is praised for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and spacious interior. However, some owners have reported issues with various components.

Engine

1.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine

• Faulty Piston Rings: Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, engine knocking. Solution: Replace piston rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Timing Chain Failure: Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Solution: Replace timing chain and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup: Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, hesitation upon acceleration, check engine light. Solution: Clean intake valves. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Transmission

CVT Transmission

• Transmission shuddering or slipping: Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips while shifting gears, rough acceleration. Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Transmission failure: Description/Symptoms: Transmission does not engage, grinding noise when shifting gears. Solution: Replace transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000+

Suspension

• Strut mount failure: Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise over bumps, reduced stability. Solution: Replace strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 per wheel
• Sway bar link failure: Description/Symptoms: Knocking or rattling noise on turns, reduced stability. Solution: Replace sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 per side

Electrical

• 12-volt battery failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, loss of electrical power. Solution: Replace 12-volt battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Traction battery module failure: Description/Symptoms: Reduced battery capacity, loss of power. Solution: Replace traction battery modules. Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000+
• Charging system failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging the battery, check engine light. Solution: Replace charging system components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Headlight condensation: Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside headlight housings. Solution: Replace headlight housings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per headlight

Interior

• Climate control system failure: Description/Symptoms: HVAC system does not blow hot or cold air. Solution: Replace climate control system components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Touchscreen display failure: Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, black screen. Solution: Replace touchscreen display. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

While the 2017 Chevrolet Volt is known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, it has experienced some issues that owners should be aware of. Engine problems, such as faulty piston rings and timing chain failure, can be severe and expensive to repair. Transmission issues, including shuddering and failure, can also impact the vehicle’s drivability. Electrical problems with the battery and charging system can compromise the vehicle’s ability to function properly. Interior and exterior issues, while less severe, can still be inconvenient and costly to address.