VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Volt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt sits mid-pack among Volt years: 359 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 285, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 93 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

359

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Volt years?

Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,192 complaints2011: 64 complaints2012: 359 complaints2013: 448 complaints2014: 128 complaints2015: 70 complaints2016: 285 complaints2017: 1,192 complaints2018: 347 complaints2019: 48 complaints
Volt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System9326%
Airbags8724%
Fuel System3710%
Engine278%
Brakes247%
Transmission226%
Other175%
Seats144%
Speed Control113%
Steering62%
Body & Structure62%
Tires & Wheels62%
Lighting51%
Seat Belts31%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V145000Electrical SystemMarch 13, 2015 · 50,236 units

Defect

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.

13V271000BrakesJune 27, 2013 · 4 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG / SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINANTS EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY PASSENGER WAS ALMOST KILLED AS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURES REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THESE SEAT SENSORS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2019 · crash

“PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG / SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINANTS EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY PASSENGER WAS ALMOST KILLED AS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURES REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THESE SEAT SENSORS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 1, 2019 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 2, 2021

“THE CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. IT WAS DETERMINED BY THE DEALER THAT AN UNDERHOOD FUSE SHORTED OUT AND BURNED INTO THE VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. A MAJOR SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 19, 2016

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 11, 2023 · crash

2012 Chevrolet Volt — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt reliable?

It is close to typical for the Volt: 359 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Volt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (93 complaints), airbags (87 complaints), fuel system (37 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Volt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Volt years to avoid are 2017, 2013. The cleanest record among Volt years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.