NHTSA opens investigation into GM’s Chevy Volt over sudden loss of power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Friday that the U.S. auto safety regulator is opening an investigative probe into 73K Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid cars.

The investigation stems from consumer reports of sudden loss of power, failures to restart and other issues.

The NHTSA said it was opening the preliminary evaluation concerning the 2016 to 2019 Chevrolet Volt models due to 61 complaints associated with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Several of these complaints highlighted instances where drivers experienced sudden or minimal warnings before encountering a loss of operating power or entering reduced power mode.

General Motors (NYSE:) had previously issued a technical service bulletin indicating that if vehicles fail to restart, the BECM might require replacement and reprogramming. However, GM has not issued a recall for these vehicles.

The NHTSA highlighted that the problem could potentially present a safety risk, particularly if affected vehicles are unable to keep up with the flow of surrounding traffic.

Several owners have informed the NHTSA that they encountered considerable delays, spanning months, or faced challenges in obtaining replacement battery modules following the problem.

One owner in Los Angeles recounted that their Volt “suddenly, and unexpectedly lost propulsion while driving. The vehicle is no longer able to turn on or drive.”

Another owner reported that their Volt experienced limited driving capabilities, being unable to exceed 35 miles per hour on the highway, “and it stops driving on electricity randomly.”

General Motors ceased production of the Volt in early 2019.

Shares of GM are up 1.66% in mid-day trading on Friday.