2012 Chevrolet Volt Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Chevrolet Volt carries a complaint index of 75, ranking 3rd worst of 9 model years, and is rated Avoid relative to other Volt years. NHTSA lists 245 complaints, 2 recalls, 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 11 injuries, with Electrical System (36%) and Airbags (35%) as the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Volt years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 245
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 40 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2012 Chevy Volt problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System87 (36%)
- Airbags86 (35%)
- Engine37 (15%)
- Fuel System37 (15%)
- Brakes25 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (9%)
- Structure & Body20 (8%)
- Other19 (8%)
- Steering6 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear reverse lighting reported as too dim to judge distance, contributing to a low-speed backing crash.
- 110-volt charging cord melted a home electrical outlet and nearly caused a fire while the car was charging.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or brake failure while parking at low speed, resulting in collisions.
- Side and passenger airbags reportedly failed to deploy in moderate-speed crashes, including one where the head struck the door frame.
- Engine reportedly stalled unexpectedly while merging or slowing and would not restart for extended periods.
- Power steering assist reportedly cut out briefly on two occasions, once nearly causing a lane-change collision.
2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V145000Mar 13, 2015Electrical System50,236 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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.
- NHTSA 13V271000Jun 27, 2013Brakes4 vehicles
Service brakes
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.
2012 Chevrolet Volt fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35 MPG
- Highway
- 40 MPG
- Combined
- 37 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium Gas or Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Volt years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
- Compared with other Volt model years, 2012 ranks 3rd worst of 9 with a complaint index of 75 and is rated Avoid. NHTSA logged 245 complaints, 6 crashes, and 2 fires for this year.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
- Electrical System issues make up 36% of complaints and Airbags make up 35%, followed by Engine and Fuel System problems at 15% each. Median mileage at failure ranges from about 57,500 to 98,000 miles depending on the system.
- Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Volt: one for an electrical system issue where the battery could drain if the driver leaves without shutting off the system, and one for a brake pressure modulator valve defect that prevents brake pressure from releasing properly.
- Which Chevrolet Volt years are better than 2012?
- The 2011, 2015, and 2019 model years are rated Best or Good, with complaint indexes of 13, 0, and 25 respectively, all well below the 2012 Volt's index of 75.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
- The 2012 Volt is EPA-rated at 37 mpg combined (35 city / 40 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150.