DecodedCars2016 Chevrolet Volt
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 43 city / 42 hwy
- Length
- 180.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,543 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 58% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,543 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (43 city / 42 highway), 58% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 37 to 42
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Volt →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 180.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 3,543 lb | 60/40 |
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 | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 42 / 42 | +58% | $1,600 | 51 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Volt (this car) | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal · Oct 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V621000 · 16 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Volt is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Volt buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 73 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 64 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.
- Power Train — 50 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,000 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 2016 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 →