Recall 18V397 affects 4,606 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles for low voltage and propulsion loss after an HPCM2 update. Free repair at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 4,606 2013 Volt vehicles because a Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 update can disable battery cell balancing and create a low-voltage condition. If voltage drops, the car can lose propulsion and increase crash risk; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt uses high-voltage battery cells to store energy for electric driving, and the control software keeps those cells balanced. Cell balancing means the system keeps individual cells at similar voltage levels so the battery pack can deliver power evenly. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 and Vehicle Interface Control Module software are part of that control chain.
On affected Volts, a service software update for the Vehicle Interface Control Module disabled the cell balancing function by mistake. Without that function, individual battery cells drift out of balance. That imbalance can create a low-voltage condition, which limits the battery pack's ability to support the hybrid propulsion system.
What you notice is tied to propulsion power. The vehicle can enter reduced propulsion power mode and show an error message telling the driver that propulsion power is reduced.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Chevrolet Volt | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,606 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
A voltage drop can cause the Volt to lose propulsion, increasing crash risk. If the vehicle enters reduced-power mode or shows a propulsion-power error message, move out of traffic, stop in a safe place, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Volt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free HPCM2 software reprogramming for the cell-balancing problem tied to low-voltage propulsion loss.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V397 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra space and pull over safely if propulsion drops.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, the HPCM2 software tied to the disabled cell balancing function. The software update and labor are free under recall 18V397. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered Volt vehicles are under warranty. Ask the Chevrolet service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V397?
Recall 18V397 covers 4,606 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles with an HPCM2 software update that disabled cell balancing and caused a low-voltage condition. If voltage drops, the vehicle can lose propulsion, which raises crash risk. Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the HPCM2 for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Volt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Volt is included in recall 18V397. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and schedule the HPCM2 reprogramming. Reference recall number 18V397 or Chevrolet recall number 18215 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the HPCM2 free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Chevrolet dealer for vehicles included in recall 18V397.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of propulsion if the vehicle voltage drops. That loss of drive power raises crash risk, especially if it happens in traffic. If your VIN is included, schedule the free HPCM2 reprogramming with a Chevrolet dealer.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Volt used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Chevrolet Volt is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 18V397 or Chevrolet recall number 18215.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V397000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V397 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V397000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall 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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →