MYRModel Year Report

2012 Chevrolet Volt

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Chevrolet Volt
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
245
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

2011: 49 complaints 2012: 245 complaints 2012 245 2013: 308 complaints 2014: 93 complaints 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 169 complaints 2017: 698 complaints 2017 2018: 225 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019
2011: 49 complaints 2011 2012: 245 complaints 2012 245 2013: 308 complaints 2013 2014: 93 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 169 complaints 2016 2017: 698 complaints 2017 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 34 complaints 2019
2011: 49 complaints 2011 2012: 245 complaints 2012 245 2013: 308 complaints 2013 2014: 93 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 169 complaints 2016 2017: 698 complaints 2017 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 34 complaints 2019

2012: 245 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
201149
2012245
2013308
201493
201544
2016169
2017698
2018225
201934

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

36% · 87 reports

Most commonly citing front passenger and srs malfunction warning lamp/light.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2019-06-17

Also filed under Electrical system

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, 2023-10-16

Electrical system

36% · 87 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and propulsion system.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2023-12-19

Also filed under Service brakes

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, 2013-10-29

Driver had returned home, stopped car, depressed gear shifter button to put gear in park, and was electrocuted from the point of gear shifter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-03

Also filed under Power train

Fuel/propulsion system

15% · 37 reports

Engine

11% · 26 reports

Service brakes

9% · 23 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2011-11-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-01-20 Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
  2. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 245 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2015-04-15Electrical system, engine and engine cooling15V145000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2019-09-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-07-02 Passenger Sensing System
  5. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
  6. R
    Date not on fileElectronic stability control (esc), service brakes13V271000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Volt — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 87 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 87 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V271000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes
  • Recall 15V145000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.