← Back to Search

2013 Chevrolet Volt Base

The 2013 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 $39,145 MSRP and is rated at 98 mpg combined.

It makes 84 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 101 mpg city and 93 mpg highway (98 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$39,145 ($54,601 *)
MSRP with Destination$39,995 ($55,787 *)
Destination Charge$850
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
City101 MPG
Highway93 MPG
Combined98 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
Width70.4 in
Height56.6 in
Wheelbase105.7 in
Front Track61 in
Rear Track62.1 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 Front56.5 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.9 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
Hip Room Rear51.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2013 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 ★★★★★ (9.3 % risk)
Tested variant: 2013 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet VOLT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 27, 2023 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

NHTSA campaign 23V516000

Jun 14, 2018 · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. An update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) may have disabled the cell balancing function causing a low-voltage condition.

Consequence: If the voltage drops, the vehicle may lose propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the HPCM2, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18215.

NHTSA campaign 18V397000

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

308 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet VOLT

Owner Complaints

308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet VOLT (8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags161
Electrical System63
Fuel/Propulsion System53
Engine37
Seats31
Power Train24
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 30, 2026 · Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“Fully charged. Goes from electric to generator/gas propulsion and abruptly slowes about 1/2 speed. Very dangerous.”
Feb 26, 2026 · Electrical System, Air Bags, Seats
“The passenger presence sensor is failing or failed because every time someone sit in there the airbag turns on and off repeatedly every 2-3 mins and gives a service airbag warning and if no one is…”
Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“I received the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Alert engine light while driving in "Normal" mode on the freeway at around 60mph with 8-9 miles of Battery capacity, it showed 0 miles of Battery forcing…”
Dec 16, 2025 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was flashing, and the messages "No Propulsion…”
Oct 25, 2025 · Air Bags
“The passenger occupancy sensor gives a false positive. The only way I can get rid of the beeping is plug in the seatbelt. I have read on Reddit forums that this is a very common problem with 2013…”

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 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search