DecodedCars2013 Chevrolet Volt
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 35 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,781 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 43% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a compact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,781 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (35 city / 40 highway), 43% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Volt — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Volt →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 177.2 in | 70.5 in | 56.3 in | 105.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,781 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volt Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 40 / 37 | +43% | $2,200 | 81 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Chevrolet Volt (this car) | 37 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jul 27, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V516000 · 767 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jun 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V397000 · 4,606 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.
- Risk
- If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.
Electrical System › Ignition · Mar 13, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V145000 · 50,236 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.
- Risk
- If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.
Not every 2013 Chevrolet Volt is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Chevrolet Volt buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 159 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 47 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 42 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Volt years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →