The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has opened an investigation into 73,000 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid cars due to reports of abrupt power loss, restart failures, and other issues. These problems are believed to be related to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM).

Learn more about your rights as a Chevy Volt owner here.

 

Chevrolet Volt BECM Failures Are Being Investigated

The NHTSA investigation was prompted by 61 complaints received regarding BECM failures in the 2016-2019 model year Chevrolet Volts. These failures have caused owners to experience a loss of power, stalling, and an inability to restart the vehicle. Some owners have reported that these issues occurred without warning, posting a safety risk on the road.

General Motors has acknowledged the problem and released a technical service bulletin (TSB 18-NA-261). According to the TSB, if a vehicle fails to restart, the BECM may need to be replaced and reprogrammed. However, GM hasn’t issued a recall for the affected vehicles.

 

What Are the Potential Safety Risks?

The sudden loss of power and inability to restart your car can create hazardous situations on the road. A stalled vehicle may be unable to move with the traffic flow, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, if the car can’t be restarted properly, it becomes a stationary target, endangering the occupants and other drivers.

 

What to Do if You Experience BECM Failures

• Document the issues: Keep a record of all incidents related to power loss, stalling, and restart failures. Note the date, time, location, and any accompanying circumstances. This documentation will be valuable if you need to pursue a lemon law claim. 
• Contact the manufacturer: Report the issues to General Motors and document all communications. It’s essential to give the manufacturer an opportunity to address the problem and attempt repairs. 
• Consult with a lemon law attorney: If your vehicle continues to experience BECM failures and the manufacturer can’t resolve the issue, seek legal advice from a lemon law firm like Norman Taylor & Associates. We can guide you through filing a claim and protect your rights.

 

California Lemon Law Qualifications and Rights

If you own a Chevy Volt in California and have experienced BECM failures, you may be entitled to protection under the California lemon law. The lemon law provides remedies to consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.

To qualify for relief under the California lemon law, the following conditions must be met:

1. The vehicle must have a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety. 
2. The defect must have occurred within the manufacturer’s warranty period or 18 months from the vehicle’s original delivery date. 
3. The manufacturer must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. This usually involves at least four repairs to the same defect, at least two repairs to the same serious defect, or more than 30 calendar days out of service for repairs.

 

Is Your Car a Lemon? Contact Norman Taylor & Associates Today!

Chevrolet Volt BECM failures can be frustrating and pose safety risks for owners. If you’re experiencing power issues with your Chevy Volt, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. The ongoing NHTSA investigation may lead to a recall, but California lemon law may offer you protection and compensation in the meantime.

If you need assistance with your claim, contact Norman Taylor & Associates, a reputable lemon law firm with extensive experience handling lemon law cases. We provide FREE consultations!

Schedule my consultation