2012 Chevrolet Volt Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.

20112013
Complaints
356
Crashes
11
Fires
2
Injuries
15
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2012 Chevrolet Volt Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#184 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:101,337 mi
Crash-related:3
#278 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:79,067 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#336 complaints

Fuel System

Avg mileage:78,232 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.

Airbags
84
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
101,337
Electrical Faults
78
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
79,067
Fuel System
36
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
78,232
Engine Problems
26
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
66,941
Brakes
23
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
62,161
Transmission / Drivetrain
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
56,742
Seat-Related Issues
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
82,111
Unintended Acceleration
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
83,600
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
16,860
Instrument Cluster
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,250
Headlight/Taillight Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
48,183
Body Structure
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
36,215
Electronic Stability Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Propulsion System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Chevrolet Volt

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~50,240 vehicles.

15V145000Electrical System:ignition · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
~50,236 affected

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.

13V271000Brakes · Electronic Stability Control
~4 affected

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."

Other Chevrolet Volt Years

2012 Chevrolet Volt — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 356 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 84 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
Top reported problems: Airbags (84 complaints, avg 101,337 mi); Electrical Faults (78 complaints, avg 79,067 mi); Fuel System (36 complaints, avg 78,232 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 79,064 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt include 11 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 50,240 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Volt reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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