Five problems related to air bag not deploy have been reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Passenger air bag sensor failure. Airbag will not deploy if passenger is not detected. Known issue for many 2013 Volt owners.
Continuously receive a "service airbag system" warning. Began happening for no apparent reason. Warning stays on all the time (as soon as vehicle is started). Dealership investigated and determined that the passenger side seat sensor for the airbag must be replaced, at a high cost (~$800). Without this repair, it is possible that the passenger side air bag may not deploy in the event of an accident (sensor does not indicate that someone is seated on passenger side, so only driver's side may deploy).
I would like to file a complain regarding a "service air bag" light present in my car. The light turns on suddenly regardless a passenger is present or not. It happens when the car is in motion or parked. I took the car to be inspected and the codes given were: b0081 and b0074 (passenger presence malfunction) the technician explained to me that if the part was not changed the passenger airbag may not deploy in case of an accident. My car has not been involved in an accident; it has not been exposed to any liquids that might have caused damage. The estimate provided and repairs were $980 (part only: $500) plus tax. So far, I was very satisfied with the quality of this car but it is very disappointing that something that is not negligence of the driver is not covered in the manufacturing warranty. Upon stumbling with this issue I realized that it is a common malfunction of this car from other owners as well. I would kindly ask you to take into consideration this issue and investigate it so that the company can issue a recall and customers no longer have to choose between a voluntary repair or not having a passenger airbag in case of an accident in such modern car.
Service air bag warning during or shortly after someone sits in front passenger seat. Also see the passenger air bag light illuminates "off" for extended period. Dealer states it is not able to duplicate the issue. Has been happening for the past year. Believe this is a known defect, and also a safety hazard, as air bag may not deploy in a collision.
Passenger presence module needs replacing at a dealer-quoted cost of $700. Rear seat stitching came apart, requiring several hours of repair. 2 bad 12 Volt batteries in 36,000 miles have somehow affected the main computer and I haven't received a quote yet. Bad oil line connection on the master cylinder. Mechanic said defective crimp. Bought the car in 6/15 at 16,000 miles with a reconstructed title. Air bags did not deploy in accident. I doubt that the accident influenced any of these problems. The car performed flawlessly for 10,000 after I bought it (except for the 12 Volt battery).