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2011 Chevrolet Volt Base

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt Base is an 84-hp 1.4-liter inline-4 with a voltec electric drive unit -- 1-speed direct-drive automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $40,280 MSRP and is rated at 93 mpg combined.

It makes 84 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 95 mpg city and 90 mpg highway (93 mpg combined).

The Volt measures 177.0 inches long on a 105.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,781 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeLiftback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$40,280 ($58,208 *)
MSRP with Destination$41,000 ($59,249 *)
Destination Charge$720
Engine
Engine Type1.4L Ecotec "LUU" DOHC I4 gasoline range-extending generator engine (GM Voltec EREV powertrain; does not directly drive the wheels)
Displacement1.4 L
Horsepower84 hp @ 4,800 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, dual continuously variable cam phasing (DCVCP)
Bore and Stroke73.4 x 82.6
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionVoltec electric drive unit -- 1-Speed Direct-Drive Automatic (single-speed fixed-gear transaxle; no discrete gears)
Fuel Economy
City95 MPG
Highway90 MPG
Combined93 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded (91 octane)
Tank Capacity9.3 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks
Rear SuspensionSemi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17.0" x 7.0"
Wheels Rear17.0" x 7.0"
Tires Front215/55R17
Tires Rear215/55R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length177 in
Width70.3 in
Height56.6 in
Wheelbase105.7 in
Front Track61 in
Rear Track62 in
Cargo Volume10.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,781 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.8 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear34 in
Shoulder Room Front56.2 in
Shoulder Room Rear54 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
Hip Room Rear51.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2011 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet VOLT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 13, 2015 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to recharge the electric battery.

Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

NHTSA campaign 15V145000

49 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet VOLT

Owner Complaints

49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet VOLT (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System23
Air Bags8
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Engine4
Power Train3
Service Brakes3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 20, 2025 · Exterior Lighting
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that water was accumulating inside the driver's side taillight assembly. The contact stated that the water caused a short circuit in the…”
Aug 4, 2025 · Service Brakes Crash
“I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake. When the light turned green, I released the brake and the car suddenly accelerated forward on its own, without me touching the accelerator. As…”
Apr 26, 2024 · Electrical System
“Driver display is blank (no speed, gear position, odometer, gas tank, etc), with the exception of some warning icons like tire pressure and passenger seat belt status. Does no return after turning off…”
Jan 20, 2024 · Steering, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“'11 Chevy Volt hybrid was daily driver of 100+ miles, multiple trips both highway and city for last 2 1/2 months. Breaks and rotors have been replaced all the way around, fresh oil changes as needed…”
Dec 29, 2023 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“The car quit running when my wife was driving the car when the mileage range went down to 4 miles range remaining. The car was towed to the local Chevrolet dealership who charged over $1,000 to reset…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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