Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Chevrolet Volt
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt has moderate issues with air bags and the electrical system according to recalls and owner complaints. Owner-reported complaints emphasize airbags, which also have a significant related recall. Electrical and propulsion systems have fewer but notable complaints. Overall, keep an eye on electrical components and airbag functionality as these are common issues reported by owners.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 308 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V516000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V397000 Loss of Propulsion Power in Low Voltage Condition NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V145000 On, but Unattended, Vehicle may cause CO Poisoning NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 161 complaints
- Electrical System 63 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 53 complaints
- Engine 37 complaints
- Seats 31 complaints
- Power Train 24 complaints
Of the 308 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 308 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator can explode
How to check: Ensure airbag recall work is completed by checking with a GM dealer.
Ignition system drains battery
How to check: Verify correct shutdown process works, preventing unwanted battery drain.
Hybrid propulsion voltage issues
How to check: Confirm system software is updated for battery voltage control.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure vehicle starts without dashboard warnings.
Red flag: Dashboard shows warning lights.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Odd noises from the engine bay.
- 03
Stop and restart
What to check: Test ignition by turning off and restarting.
Red flag: Trouble starting or warning lights appear.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe shifts in power from electric to gas.
Red flag: Unusually jerky transitions.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Analyze power delivery and steering stability.
Red flag: Lacks acceleration or feels unstable.
- 06
Braking
What to check: Check for smooth, effective brake response.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or slow to respond.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Have there been any electrical issues?
- Has the hybrid system been updated?
- Are there any current mechanical problems?
- What is the battery condition?
- Have all recalls been completed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion proof
- Service history
- Battery health report
- Title and registration
- Hybrid system maintenance records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Chevrolet Volt? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.