2012 Chevrolet Volt
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 245 |
| 2013 | 308 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 43 |
| 2016 | 169 |
| 2017 | 690 |
| 2018 | 214 |
| 2019 | 34 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: air bags — 84 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190617
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231016
32% of complaints: electrical system — 78 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190617
THE CHARGING CORD MELTED THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET IN MY GARAGE WHILE CHARGING THE CAR WITH THE 110 VOLT CHARGING KIT THAT WAS SOLD WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131029
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 37 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
SAFETY TIMELINE
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013.
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.
Campaign 15V145000 — check if this car was fixed
Passenger Sensing System
Pedestrian alert sounds
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012.
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.
Campaign 13V271000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Volt — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (78 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V271000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V145000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.