2019 Chevrolet Volt
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints reported for the 2019 Chevrolet Volt, organized by category and component, as you requested.
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle known for its impressive electric range and fuel efficiency. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine (101 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque) paired with a two-motor drive unit producing a combined 149 horsepower. It doesn’t have conventional transmission options. People generally appreciate the Volt’s comfortable ride, quiet operation in EV mode, and advanced technology. However, some dislike the limited rear passenger space and the sometimes-hesitant operation of the hybrid powertrain in certain situations.
Electric Motor
- Drive Motor Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A whining or grinding noise emanating from the drive unit, especially noticeable at higher speeds or during acceleration. The noise may worsen over time and can eventually lead to motor failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected drive motor bearing. In some cases, the entire drive unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Reduced Propulsion Power Message
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle displays a “Reduced Propulsion Power” message on the instrument panel, often accompanied by a noticeable decrease in acceleration and electric range. This can be caused by various issues within the electric drive system, including problems with the battery pack, motor control module, or related sensors.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the specific fault code(s) to identify the root cause. This may involve replacing faulty sensors, repairing wiring harnesses, or replacing the motor control module or battery pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
Engine
1.5L Inline-4 (Range Extender)
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and a check engine light. Misfires can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. A diagnostic scan is needed to determine the affected cylinder.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil between oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the cause of the oil consumption, which may involve checking for leaks, performing a compression test, and inspecting the piston rings and valve seals. Depending on the cause, the solution may involve replacing the valve seals, piston rings, or even the entire engine.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+ (depending on the cause and extent of repair)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Charging Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle fails to charge properly, either not charging at all or charging very slowly. This can be caused by issues with the charging port, charging cable, onboard charger, or battery management system.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the charging system to identify the faulty component. This may involve testing the charging port, cable, and onboard charger, as well as checking the battery management system for error codes. The solution may involve replacing the charging port, cable, onboard charger, or battery management system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ (depending on the component)
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive. This can be caused by software glitches, outdated software, or hardware failures.
- Solution: Performing a system reset, updating the software, or replacing the infotainment system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,200+ (Software updates might be free, hardware replacement is costly)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tail Light Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation buildup inside the tail light housings, making them appear foggy or wet. This can be caused by a faulty seal or crack in the housing.
- Solution: Replacement of the tail light housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per tail light)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Heated Seat Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The heated seats fail to operate or operate intermittently. This can be caused by a faulty heating element, switch, or wiring harness.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the heating system to identify the faulty component. This may involve testing the heating element, switch, and wiring harness. The solution may involve replacing the heating element, switch, or wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (per seat)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt, while generally reliable, does have some common issues owners have reported. The electrical system and electric motor components seem to be the most problematic, with charging issues and drive motor noises being relatively common. The engine can also experience issues like misfires and oil consumption, although less frequently. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect any used Volt before purchasing.