Used car guide

2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the hybrid Chevrolet Volt first registered in 2013 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 111 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 111 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

111MOTs of 2013 hybrid cars, done in 2023–2025
74%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%)
8,600typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for brake discs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Brake discs2.2× usual
    Chevrolet Volt
    29.7% All 2013 cars
    13.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    38% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    36% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    15% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Lights and electrics
    14% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    14% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Chevrolet Volt?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Chevrolet Volt compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012138Tyres 28%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Chevrolet Volt cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score