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Model-year record

2012 Chevrolet Volt
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Chevrolet Volt

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

245

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

37

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (32% of 245 reports), followed by air bags (31%).

Electrical System32% · 79 reports
Air Bags31% · 77 reports
Power Train8% · 20 reports
Service Brakes5% · 12 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System4% · 11 reports
Unknown Or Other4% · 10 reports
Engine3% · 8 reports
Steering2% · 6 reports

+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 245 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11560993, ODI 11220773, ODI 10550032, ODI 11746435, ODI 11712016.

Individual complaint reports(245)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Electrical SystemJun 2026 · ODI 11746435Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11746435 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11742075Details +

Message on dash "Service High Voltage charging system" . Code cleared by inexperienced mechanic. Stalled on the side of the road with "Engine not available" , "Low propulsion" . My local Chevy dealership confirmed a high volt battery leak its now at risk for catching on fire

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742075 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2026 · ODI 11724225Details +

Car will randomly accelerate when not on gas pedal and/or a delay in brakes working. Has happened on more than one occasion.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11724225 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2026 · ODI 11712016Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the lights inside and outside of the vehicle failed to illuminate. The vehicle was jump-started. The failure reoccurred while attempting to restart the vehicle, and the contact was unable to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11712016 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2025 · ODI 11686813Details +

Airbag sensor failure in seat.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11686813 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2025 · ODI 11644947Details +

passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the dealership cannot confirm for the pricey repair, that the airbag / sensor will not simply malfunction again -- which makes this a persistent safety concern and huge owner inconvenience to say the least.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Feb 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11644947 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2024 · ODI 11630028Details +

Vehicle over-revs in cold weather. Engine runs excessively fast (4250 RPM) at highway speeds and around 3000 RPM when just sitting. Often times if I pull over and restart the car it will correct itself. This results in MPG as low as 22. The internet is full of examples of people with the exact same problem. I have seen no examples of the problem being solved. The engine will operate correctly in warmer weather (above 50° F). I believe it is related to an aging propulsion battery and could be solved by improved programing to accommodate the battery state.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11630028 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2024 · ODI 11607202Details +

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 70MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR ANY WARNING LAMPS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING 99,835 MILES.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11607202 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2024 · ODI 11602358Details +

7/6/2024 Was driving 45 mph on a busy road (running only on the gas engine of this plug-in hybrid). Propulsion Power Reduced message showed near the speedometer. My speed was immediately decreased. The check engine light also came on. Despite pressing the gas pedal, the speed could not be maintained and I had to pull off quickly before causing an accident. Luckily, no accident occurred but I fear would could have happened if I wasn't in the right place to pull over quickly. After getting the car towed to a Chevy dealership, they diagnosed the problem as being with the hybrid battery - it needs to be replaced. I don't understand why I had a full tank of gas, was running on gas, and that a bad EV battery would cause ALL propulsion to stop so quickly.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11602358 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2024 · ODI 11590578Details +

This is a report on a previous safety recall that has failed to fix the problem. The recall is GM Program # N172130462 for sudden-onset reduced propulsion. The recall repair was performed on this vehicle at 91,064 miles. However, since the recall, a reduced propulsion condition has recurred multiple times. Subsequent to the most recent episode, the vehicle has been in the dealer's repair shop for 5.5 months. The dealer technician affirms it is a software problem, but is unable to figure out how to repair it, even with assistance of a General Motors field engineer. The dealer technician told me that the GM field engineer knows of other cars with the same problem.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11590578 at NHTSA →
StructureMay 2024 · ODI 11588954Details +

Coolant leaking and damage to Drive Motor Battery Coolant Radiator due to the design of the vehicle that allows for rocks and debris large enough to damage radiator through. There is a service bulletin (13-06-02-001A) for this issue. When the radiator is damaged, the driver will suddenly receive a check engine light, reduce propulsion notice, and engine not available message. The car will suddenly stall and this cause a major safety concern especially on highways at high speed. However no active recalls, even though this is a common reoccuring problem amongst first generation Volts.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588954 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2024 · ODI 11588786Details +

Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588786 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2024 · ODI 11583704Details +

In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened [XXX] to assess the malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Due to that malfunction, the air bag system malfunction indicator light is activated. This could cause the passenger airbag to be suppressed in a crash. In July 2021, the ODI closed [XXX] after GM instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. In July 2023, I took my 2012 Volt to a local dealer to correct this problem, only to learn that the necessary replacement part has been DISCONTINUED by GM and is no longer available. That is, frankly, unconscionable. I am requesting that ODI reopen the investigation and take further action to compel GM to make this repair available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11583704 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2024 · ODI 11581443Details +

This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering that this is a very clear quality control issue by GM that has been acknowledged by both GM and NHTSA. This warning light has turned on before and then went away for a long time. Now it has returned and after some research it is clearly an issue that many other 2012-2013 volt owners have experienced.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11581443 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2023 · ODI 11562249Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side air bag Passenger Sensor System was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle had been discontinued and no repair was available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11562249 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11560993 · crashDetails +

Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11560993 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11560075Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the Engine Failure, Mountain Mode Not Available, Battery at Zero Percent, Propulsion Power Reduced, and High Voltage messages were displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle then inadvertently decelerated to 30-40 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to pass the yearly vehicle inspection. The dealer loaded sample data into the computer and then drove the vehicle for 50 miles before the vehicle passed inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23022 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11560075 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Nov 2023 · ODI 11557540Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal required an abnormal amount of pressure to slow the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake pressure modulator valve. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V271000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11557540 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2023 · ODI 11550205Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the "Service Air Bag" warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact notified a dealer about the failure and was provided a diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: PE19013 which was linked to the failure. The NHTSA investigation was later closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11550205 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11537769Details +

Airbag sensor harness underneath the passenger seat comes disconnected from moving the seat back and forth causing a warning on the dash. GM has a TSB about this and should rewire the harness for free. The passenger presence module is undetected when the seat moves forward but is detected when moved to its full rearward position.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11537769 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2023 · ODI 11525366Details +

A false code was given indicating the coolant level was low on the batteries. This was a know compute glitch problem which required an update costing me 400 dollars.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11525366 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2023 · ODI 11513127Details +

Defective front passenger seat occupancy sensor. The defective sensor makes the passenger airbag unusable, sacrificing passenger safety.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11513127 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2023 · ODI 11509722Details +

The 2012 Chevy Volt Passenger Airbag Sensor was an issue that the NHTSA investigated. It will cause the passenger side airbags not to deploy in a crash. I can reproduce the airbag warning light by pressing on the passenger seat. It has also been confirmed by an independent service center. There is supposed to be a reduced cost replacement program (according to the NHTSA) but both dealers and the Chevrolet Support Center do not seem to know about it)

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11509722 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2022 · ODI 11498960Details +

2012 CHEVROLET VOLT, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOSING POWER FOR PROPULSION ON THE HIGHWAY/ROADS AT ALL SPEEDS. SHUTTING OFF. ELECTRIC CHARGE IS SUPPOSED TO SWITCH TO THE GASOLINE MOTOR WHEN IT IS LOW, BUT IT DOES NOT, AND VICE VERSA. IT SHOWS HYBRID BATTERY MANAGEMENT HAS A LOSS OF PROPULSION WITH A MESSAGE OF LOW PROPULSION POWER. THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED WITH A RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM IS SHOWING UP. NOW, CHEVY DOES NOT HAVE THIS VIN BEING RECALLED. BUT WORSE, THE CONDITIONS IN THE SOFTWARE ARE CAUSING A POWERTRAIN FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE HELP. I AM PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11498960 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2022 · ODI 11495535Details +

The passenger seat occupancy sensor is malfunctioning and needs replaced.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11495535 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2022 · ODI 11491038Details +

Seat sensor for passenger air bag is not working. It picks up a passenger and turns on air bag then turns it off. Then back on then off. Getting service airbag light. I see this was investigated by NHTSA and chevy was supposed to build a replacement program for 12-13 volts but when I call chevy they see no such program even though it is reported as a known consumer concern and was part of agreement when closing NHTSA investigation as per articles on this from journalist.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11491038 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2022 · ODI 11489625Details +

Airbag light is on due to faulty passenger seat sensor that is a known defect by manufacturer. Your investigation was closed with the note that "GM created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles". I am trying to get them to fix the issue, but they say there is no program for this repair. And the repair consists of replacing full passenger seat for over $1000. It looks like GM is misleading NHTSA that they have a program to correct the problem.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11489625 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2022 · ODI 11486953Details +

Driver’s display completely dark. I can’t see speed, gas remaining, charge remaining, turn signals, gear, warnings if tire pressure is low, etc. Upon turning the car off and back on, the display lights back for an couple of minutes until it goes dark again. There was no warning before it happened for the first time a couple of days ago. The car is extremely unsafe and not drivable as I have no idea how fast I’m going, if I’m about to run out of gas, etc. Luckily, the screen went dark when my 16-year-old daughter was driving in our neighborhood. This should definitely be a recall issue.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11486953 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11485756Details +

Blank (dark) main screen display for speedometer, fuel, etc. Fuse not blown. the vehicle is unsafe to drive. One can run out of electrical power and or gas and not know, stop on the highway and be in harms way. no turn signals, no speed indication at all, nothing. this is recall worthy! and needs to be addressed by chevy.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11485756 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2022 · ODI 11481813Details +

I'm constantly receiving a "Propulsion Power Loss" notification on my car. I have brought the car in to a Chevrolet dealer and they refuse to fix it unless I start paying out of pocket costs because the ticket is "closed". This has been going on for about a year since I purchased the car last November and I'm terrified to drive this car since it literally looses power.

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Nov 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11481813 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2022 · ODI 11477606Details +

Regular Faulty Warnings referring to air bag component

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11477606 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2022 · ODI 11474279Details +

brakes locked up durring a panic stop. abs did not engage. abs code C012E-12 Hydraulic Brake Boost Pressure Loss-Low Input

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11474279 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2022 · ODI 11466811Details +

In mid 2020 I began to get an intermittent warning of a problem with the passenger side, front seat occupant sensor. The problem has become much more frequent. The GM service department was familiar with the problem in 2020, but said there was no recall. If the passenger moves around the sensor will activate or deactivate. I assume that the airbag would not dependably deploy in an accident. Today I discovered a discussion of this problem in the GM-Volt Forum. The forum mentions the same problem with other GM models. This is obviously a safety and manufacturing issue. Repairs are quoted in the $800 to $1,000+ range with no guarantee the problem won't reoccur.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11466811 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2022 · ODI 11459220Details +

Airbag Service Light comes on for unknown reason. This appears to be a very common problem amongst Chevy Volt owners (2012-2013). Why no recall for this serious safety issue?

Reported
Apr 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11459220 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2022 · ODI 11452087Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while his son was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with engine software failure. The contact was informed that the engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11452087 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2022 · ODI 11451197Details +

CAR SUDDENLY ENTERSINTO A NO START AND STALL.THIS IS BEING REPAIRED BY H&H CHEVROLET IN OMAHA AT OWNERS EXPENSE.THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE IN A FAULTY BATTERYCHARGE SENSOR. THE PART IS BEING ORDERED BY H&H SERVICE DEPARTMENT ANDIS NOTYET INSTALLED.AS OF 2/9/2022.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11451197 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2022 · ODI 11448592Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was applied however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle and coast to a parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake module modulator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 13V271000: (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximate 84,682. Vehicle exhibited the issues listed in the recall but your VIN is not included.

Reported
Jan 2022
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11448592 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2021 · ODI 11444858Details +

My 2012 Chevrolet Volt has had a failure with the passenger air bag presence sensor. As a result, the passenger air bag indicator has been going on and off intermittently while someone is riding in the passenger seat. This has been happening since 2017. It has gotten worse over time and is usually off when it should be on. My passengers no longer feel safe. This is a failure that could result in the passenger’s death if the air bag fails to deploy in a crash. The repair cost from the dealer is also unreasonably expensive at over $1,000. The part alone costs $400 and requires proprietary dealer programming equipment for installation. A critical safety failure like this should be immediately recalled and fixed at no cost to the owner. This is not an isolated incident and has been widely reported across the internet.

Reported
Dec 2021
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11444858 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2021 · ODI 11439572Details +

We began receiving the intermittent warning message "Service Airbag" on our 2012 Chevy Volt at around 65,000 miles, and are continuing to receive it at 69,000 miles. Research reveals that other Volt owners have encountered the same problem. Cost of repair: $1,000. It appears to be a manufacturer sensor defect that requires a recall.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11439572 at NHTSA →
SteeringOct 2021 · ODI 11438705Details +

While traveling slowly (about 25mph) on an uphill grade, my Volt suddenly, with no warning messages or other alerts to me, lost propulsion, power brakes and power steering. This car is extremely hard to steer and to brake without the power assists, so I really had to wrestle with the wheel to avoid losing control of the car, and I really had to jam on the brake pedal to get it to a stop, even though I was moving slowly and had a gravity assist from the uphill slope. It seems to me an event such as I experienced could be catastrophic if it occurred at high speed, and / or on a steep downhill slope or a street with a lot of traffic. Incidentally, when this happened I had just turned onto a side road from a highway with lots of traffic moving at 60-80 miles an hour on a slope so steep that in spite of numerous warning signs, accidents, including fatal accidents, occur regularly on this section of the highway due to drivers failing to apply their brakes hard enough or early enough to keep the car on the road. As a result I felt like I had barely escaped with my life, only as a result of a sudden whim that entered my head to leave the highway for the scenic side road. It may also be relevant that the incident occurred directly after I picked up the car from the Chevy dealer following repair for another incident where I lost propulsion, power brakes, and power steering - the difference being that the car was stationary during the previous incident. The photo shows the electrical connections that the dealer ultimately determined were responsible for the second (Oct. 20) incident, and maybe the first as well. These terminals are enclosed, and not visible to the car owner, even with the hood lifted. Checking the terminals is not part of any maintenance recommended in the owner's handbook, nor apparently in the standard service procedures, even when a car comes in with symptoms that could be caused by a loose connection, even after replacing the 12V battery, as they did.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11438705 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2021 · ODI 11436687Details +

LCD Driver panel, fuel,odometer, speedometer, screen is completely black. Started flickering then went out. No warnings given. I have no idea how fast I am going nor how much gas/ battery power I have.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11436687 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11434913Details +

2012 Chevy Volt, has been stalling out on the highway since it was brand new, every 6 months. It has been to the Chevrolet dealer many times and they just reset it and move on. In every case the car works for a short time, 6 to 8 months max and dies out again. They have updated the software many times, but nothing has changed it. It keeps stalling out on the interstate with high speed traffic, a severe hazard. Chevy dealerships have never been able to get to the core of the issue. The last time it died, the dealer said they did not know what else to do and told me to call GM. I have every receipt of this happening. The last time this happened is today, 9/29/2021 and has happened 3 times in the last month now. My wife and kids life was at risk several times with this car. It is an extreme safety hazard.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11434913 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11433206Details +

My instruments cluster that displays speedometer/fuel/battery charge indicator went absolutely blank while vehicle was in motion on busy highway. Only remedy recommend by Chevy dealer was to replace the entire assembly and reprogramming. I feel failure of essential display of basic functions to the driver is definitely a hazard to the vehicle operator and to the general public.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11433206 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11431602Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that after entering and starting the vehicle, she became aware that the center console screen was showing a blank screen. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. After waiting for a few minutes, the contact drove the vehicle to her son’s home to charge the vehicle and the display screen started working. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11431602 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2021 · ODI 11428933Details +

The display screen which shows my gas, battery amount as well as my speed has stopped working. I have changed the fuses, disconnected the battery and it still will not come on. This is dangerous, as I cannot see how fast I am going and can potentially run out of gas and battery power on the highway with no way to get anywhere. This is the only thing that has gone out, everything else in the car is working. It has been reproduced and I cannot drive anywhere safely because of this. I am in fear of what may happen, as well as the legal ramifications of not knowing my speed. No warning, just flickering of the screen and then it went blank and has not come back on.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11428933 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2021 · ODI 11423638Details +

The "service airbag" light starting coming on. I took the car to the dealership and they said that the harness in the driver's seat has a bad sensor or plug and cannot be replaced because GM no longer makes this part. They suggested that I might try to find a replacement seat in a junkyard. This means I have car that is less than 10 years old with a driver's side airbag that may or may not deploy in an accident. The dealership does not have a solution.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11423638 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2021 · ODI 11416379Details +

AIRBAG PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT. DEALER SAID THERE IS LIKELY A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SENSOR IN THE SEAT AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1200 BUT THAT MIGHT NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE DECLINED THE SERVICE. I HAVE SINCE READ ABOUT MANY MORE VOLT OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. OURS STARTED AROUND 80,000 MILES. WE ARE CURRENTLY AROUND $120000 MILES.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11416379 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2021 · ODI 11413514Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE WITH AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BOB BELL CHEVROLET OF BEL AIR (1230 BELAIR RD, BEL AIR, MD 21014) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR WHICH HE DECLINED. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WITH OR WITHOUT AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11413514 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11408084Details +

THE VEHICLE HAS ILLUMINATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH A WARNING THAT THE BATTERY IS TOO COLD. THIS OCCURRED WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS IN SUMMER TEMPERATURES. AN INTERNET SEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT A TEMPERATURE SENSOR MAY BE TO BLAME, AND THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY TRY TO HEAT THE BATTERY TO AN UNSAFE LEVEL.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11408084 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesApr 2021 · ODI 11408087Details +

ANYTIME THE VEHICLE GOES OVER BUMP, POTHOLE, OR PARTICULARLY ROUGH ROAD SURFACE AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE FAILS TO SLOW DOWN. YOU MUST RELEASE THE PEDAL AND APPLY PRESSURE A SECOND TIME IN ORDER TO STOP. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11408087 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · 13V271000Details +

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012. Due to a brake pressure modulator valve problem, the vehicles do not relieve brake pressure from the front brakes during an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), or traction control event. One or both front brakes may lock up and not release. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems"' and No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new brake pressure modulator valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 12, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's recall number is 13184.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 15V145000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Passenger Sensing System

In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-013 to assess the potential safety related effects of a malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in 2012-2013 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Consumers reported that due to a malfunction of the PSS, the air bag system malfunction indicator light (MIL) was activated. Many of the complaints noted the malfunction occurred after the warranty period expired and mentioned high repair costs as a major deterrent to the repair of the vehicle.The PSS sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the frontal passenger air bag. The PSS may develop a malfunction due to bunching of the sensor mat in the seat trench. The bunching of the sensor mat could cause the mat to repeatedly fold in the same location. Over time, the repeated folding can cause an increased resistance in the sensor mat. An increased resistance in the PSS sensor mat is detected as a fault in the air bag system diagnostic. If this fault is detected, a diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the air bag control unit and the air bag MIL will illuminate.Further, if the fault is detected, the passenger frontal and knee air bags will be suppressed in a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment regardless of the nature of size of the occupant of the front passenger seat.The report counts shown above include only those reports that specifically address the issue covered by this investigation, failure of the PSS sensor mat. Reports alleging only that the air bag light is on with no cause stated, or where a different cause was otherwise identified, were excluded as the air bag light could be illuminated for system faults other than a PSS malfunction.The subject vehicles have been in service for approximately ten (10) years. An analysis of General Motors (GM) warranty data for the subject vehicles, including a comparison with other agency and manufacturer data pertaining to similar occupant detection system failure investigations, indicates the subject vehicles experience a comparatively low complaint rate for this issue given the number of years the vehicles have been in service.GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. Based on this cost reduction program as well as:1) a comparatively low warranty rate; 2) no reported injuries, deaths or asymmetric deployments; and 3) the age of the vehicles; ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard

The subject vehicles, which employ emerging technology, are range-extended electric vehicles that utilize a high voltage (HV) battery to provide energy for propulsion. The HV battery is lithium-ion based technology that has a nominal full charge of 390 VDC, a 16 kWh capacity, and a control system that incorporates liquid (antifreeze) cooling and various electronic devices (control modules, sensors, wiring, etc) to monitor and manage the HV battery. The HV battery, portions of the cooling system, and the control system are contained within a common enclosure.During an NCAP oblique side pole impact test conducted by NHTSA in May 2011, the pole struck and deformed the sill plate under the driver's door at a location where there is a structural member. The lateral member displaced inward, pierced the HV battery enclosure and battery, and caused a battery coolant leak. Thereafter, the Agency conducted a rollover test (the rollover test consists of four 90-degree rotate-and-hold movements about the vehicle's longitudinal axis). In that test, the HV battery and electronics were exposed to coolant that leaked as a result of the crash. The vehicle fire that occurred three weeks later and the additional testing NHTSA conducted are discussed in a report titled 2011 Chevrolet Volt Battery Fire Incident Report a copy of which is available in the public file. The report indicates that intrusion induced coolant leakage, and subsequent rollover that saturates electronic components, were the only test conditions which resulted in a subject vehicle HV battery fire.GM announced its intention to conduct a free-of-charge customer satisfaction campaign (CSP) on the subject vehicles on January 5, 2012. The action affects 14,735 vehicles produced prior to December 21, 2011. The CSP addresses three areas related to the issue under investigation. The first involves a modification/strengthening of the structure of the vehicle in the area where battery intrusion occurred in the May 2011 test. The second involves adding a sensor that detects excessive HV battery coolant loss, and control system software that then alerts the driver and prevents recharging of the HV battery. When the battery cannot be recharged, it will be depleted to a lower energy state as the vehicle continues to operate on the internal combustion engine. Lastly, a tamper-proofing device will be added to the system to prevent consumers from adding coolant. GM discusses these revisions in its response to an Information Request (IR) issued by NHTSA, noting that vehicles produced in calendar year 2012 and later will be manufactured to this condition.In December 2011, and at the same test facility, NHTSA repeated the May 2011 side impact test using a model year 2012 Volt modified to the structural condition described in the CSP. The test did not produce intrusion of the HV battery, a coolant leakage, or a fire (see test 7611, available at www.nhtsa.gov/Research/Databases+and+Software). In its IR response, GM describes four (4) additional side impact tests of modified subject vehicles it recently conducted using various build configurations and impact speeds (including higher speeds). GM reports that none produced HV battery intrusion, coolant leakage, or a fire.As noted in the complaint counts above, ODI has not identified a crash occurring in consumer's use of the vehicle that has resulted in a vehicle fire, or produced coolant leakage. ODI notes that side impact crashes with pole-like structures, such as would strike the sill plate, occur fairly infrequently, and such crashes with rollovers are even less frequent. A defect trend has not been identified at this time, and further investi

Crash-test ratings

2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release-no field upgrade) NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release- field upgrade) NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Later Release) NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Volt1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive354037

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

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2012 Chevrolet Volt: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?

Owners filed 245 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (32% of complaints) and air bags (31%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, covering components such as electronic stability control (esc). Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Volt at 37 mpg combined.