Recall 15V145 affects 50,236 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles for carbon monoxide risk from engine auto-start. Free software update at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 50,236 2011-2013 Volt vehicles because leaving the car with its electrical system on can drain the battery until the gasoline engine starts automatically to recharge it. If that happens in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide can build up and increase the risk of personal injury; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt uses an electrical run state instead of a traditional engine-idling sound as the main cue that the vehicle is still on. In normal use, the high-voltage battery powers the car in electric mode, and the gasoline engine starts when needed to recharge that battery.
On affected Volts, the software does not shut the vehicle off after it has been left on for an extended period. If the driver parks, exits, and leaves the electrical system in the run state, the battery drains. Once the charge falls low enough, the gasoline engine starts by itself to recharge the battery, even though no one is in the vehicle.
The warning sign is the vehicle's audible chime when the driver exits while the Volt is still running. If that warning is missed, the owner will not hear normal engine noise while the car remains in electric mode.
Who's affected?
Each listed model year includes both the ignition electrical system and the gasoline-engine cooling component.
| 2011 Chevrolet Volt | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Volt | Gasoline |
| 2012 Chevrolet Volt | electrical system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Volt | Gasoline |
| 2013 Chevrolet Volt | electrical system |
| 2013 Chevrolet Volt | Gasoline |
| Units affected | 50,236 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
Leaving the Volt running in an enclosed space for an extended period allows carbon monoxide to build up and increases the risk of personal injury. If you hear chimes after parking and exiting, treat them as a warning that the vehicle is still on. Turn it off before leaving it parked. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free engine-management software update that limits how long the parked Volt can stay in ON.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V145 when you call.
- Turn the vehicle off before exiting and avoid leaving it in ON in a garage or other enclosed space until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician updates the engine management software. The update limits how long a parked Volt can be left in the ON position, which helps prevent the battery from draining until the gasoline engine starts to recharge it. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Chevrolet is not offering reimbursement for this campaign because owners would not have known about the condition before the recall and would not have paid to repair it earlier.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| March 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V145?
Recall 15V145 covers 50,236 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. If the driver leaves the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery can drain and the gasoline engine can start itself to recharge it. In an enclosed space, extended engine operation can cause carbon monoxide buildup and injury risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Volt is included in recall 15V145. If it is, schedule the engine management software update at a franchised Chevrolet dealer. Reference recall number 14617 or NHTSA campaign 15V145 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Chevrolet dealers will update the engine management software for free, limiting how long a stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position.
Is it safe to leave my Chevrolet Volt running in a garage?
No. Recall 15V145 warns that if the gasoline engine runs for an extended period in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide can build up and increase injury risk. Turn the vehicle off before exiting, especially in a garage, until the dealer completes the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V145000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V145 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V145000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →