DecodedCars2015 Chevrolet Volt
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 35 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,781 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Chevrolet Volt is a compact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,781 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (35 city / 40 highway), 41% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Volt — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Volt →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 177.2 in | 70.5 in | 56.3 in | 105.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,781 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volt Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 40 / 37 | +41% | $2,200 | 81 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Chevrolet Volt (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
Recalls (1)
Steering · Jul 10, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V442000 · 10 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
- Risk
- Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.
Not every 2015 Chevrolet Volt is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Chevrolet Volt buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 11 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Volt. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Volt years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →