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2017 Chevrolet Volt

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

Chevrolet Volt
Pictured: 2011 Chevrolet Volt -- NHTSA 1. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints703 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 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), 56% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 703 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2017

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Volt — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Volt →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatchback180.3 in71.3 in56.3 in105.9 in60.6 / 61.8 in3,543 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Volt Plug-in Hybrid1.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive43 / 42 / 42+56%$1,60051
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.9 MPG2017 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt.

Similar 2017 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Chevrolet Volt (this car)42 MPGNot rated0
2017 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★6
2017 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated3
2017 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated0
2017 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Chevrolet Volt is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

703Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
9Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
36,436 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System301
Fuel/Propulsion System236
Power Train215
Engine184
Unknown Or Other114
Vehicle Speed Control32
Service Brakes27
Steering15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 524/12: 725/01: 525/02: 825/03: 925/04: 1025/05: 325/06: 1025/07: 425/08: 425/09: 425/10: 625/11: 425/12: 426/01: 726/02: 326/03: 626/04: 126/05: 126/06: 326/07: 226/08: 326/09: 326/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Chevrolet Volt buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Electrical System — 301 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 236 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.
  4. Power Train — 215 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,436 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Volt. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Volt years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Volt42180.3 in★★★★★234
2018 Volt42180.3 in★★★★★2226
2016 Volt42180.3 inNot rated1170
2015 Volt37177.2 inNot rated143
2014 Volt37177.2 inNot rated089
2013 Volt37177.2 inNot rated3282
2012 Volt37177.2 inNot rated2215
2011 Volt37177.2 inNot rated141

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →