[rand49er]

Took delivery in early July 2016, and besides a couple of software updates, I've experienced three issues all covered under warranty over the 24k miles I've driven. The 12-volt battery died. This was the worst problem because it wouldn't start and had to be flatbedded to dealer. Then, the horn malfunctioned when it started sounding weird. Finally, last summer, I noticed a static on the AM radio which I was able to replicate by pushing the ECO button on the HVAC on and off. GM chased it down to a poor ground on the antenna, and I dropped the car off this morning so they could replace the whole shark fin. (Side note: Got an '18 Volt loaner for the day.)

A faulty 12-volt battery is a serious problem with the Volt. A faulty horn and a poor antenna ground are not serious but quite annoying. While not a strong anthropogenic climate change advocate by any stretch, I do feel strongly in the future of electric vehicles, and I wish these little issues hadn't occurred with my Volt. However, this update is for full disclosure. If someone else experiences a bad horn or static on AM stations with their Volt, they know they're not alone and GM's dealer network can and will fix them.

I love the car. It's quiet, it's comfortable, it's economical, it has a very good ride, and I love the tech. And, it should also be noted that the problems I've experienced aren't exclusive to EVs and could've happened to any vehicle regardless of method of propulsion.

 

[N8XWB]

I too have a '17 Premier and picked up the car in July, 2016. My comments in total are the same as the poster EXCEPT I have had no issues other than the software updates! I too love the Voly

 

[BAZINGA]

I've owned my early build 2017 for 15+ months, have driven it 11,5xx miles. 97.2% electric. Aside from 3 recall's (software updates) I've had ZERO issues with my car.

It love this car.

 

[timoshev]

I carry a li-ion jump starter all the time. Don’t leave home without it

 

[rand49er]

Just got back with my car. Static in radio is gone ... sounds great. Hopefully, the last nuisance issue for another 200k miles.

 

[Mr_B]

I also picked my 2017 Volt up in July 2016. I love the car!! But I have also had some issues. 1) Android Auto did not work properly - sound stopped coming through the speakers but it was still controlling the phone. 2) Infotainment reboots. 3) The day after I picked it up and backed out of my garage, the display said "Service Rear Vision System". 4) AC smell problem almost immediately - and stayed even after the dealer turned on the "afterblow". 5) AM radio unusable due to static - dealer told me it was a broadcast station problem. I carpool and we rotate which car we take. The other cars do not have an issue with the same station. 6) Strut mounts replaced because of sticking - not rotating freely and creating a loud boing noise.
I have had 3 software updates and evap hose replacement - it's a "service campaign" which means they only check if they have the car for another reason. If the evap hose is damaged (mine was) it is a 12 hour fix after the 2 day wait for the part. They have to drop the engine to replace the hose.
I have a coworker who also has a Volt. He got stranded because of a bad 12v battery. Since then, I carry a li-ion jump starter just in case.
I am currently at 25K miles and 71% electric.
I still love the car, but the dealership does not want to fix any issues. I don't know if it is incompetence or laziness.

 

[JRRF]

I still love the car, but the dealership does not want to fix any issues. I don't know if it is incompetence or laziness.

Or just "dealer-ness" They actually get paid less for warranty work than regular retail work. So it's not worth their while to try and fix things under warranty unless they are disabling, or they're not busy. Your mileage may vary as some dealerships look at customers differently than others.

 

[Saint]

My horn sounds really ugly. And only the right one sounds when I press steering wheel. Left one honks and sounds normal with locks etc. Good to hear that I am not alone. Since I don't honk all the time I didn't care..

 

[firehawk618]

OP, great update.

Just wanted to say the 12v battery is crucial on ANY modern vehicle. Not just the volt.

When they start getting weak electronics will glitch out. Especially in a conventional gas car. When you crank the car over the battery is so weak the electronics on the car get a very low voltage as the starter cranks which results in one un happy car.