2012 Chevrolet Volt Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 87 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 36% of all 245 complaints that year. These complaints involve 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 72,400 miles. A related recall (15V145000) addresses battery drain when the electrical system stays on after the driver exits.
- Electrical System complaints
- 87
- 36% of 245
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 72,400 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Charging cords and 110V wall outlets reportedly melted or charred during overnight charging, in some cases smoldering close to causing a house fire.
- Accidentally double-pressing the start/stop button while driving reportedly shut the car off unexpectedly at both low and highway speeds, leaving the driver without power.
- Owners reported check engine and high-voltage system warning lights coming on while driving, later diagnosed by dealers as a failed battery.
- The driver information display (speed, fuel level, turn signals) reportedly went dark, removing key instrument readouts while driving.
- The gas engine reportedly started on its own without warning while the car was parked in a garage, filling the garage with exhaust and triggering a carbon monoxide exposure report.
- Electric power steering reportedly cut out momentarily after hitting a rumble strip, then returned to normal without a diagnosed cause.
When 2012 Chevrolet Volt electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 30, 2012, latest Jun 25, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
- 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.
Electrical System complaints by Volt model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
- NHTSA lists 87 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Volt, which is 36% of the 245 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt's electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 15V145000 covers 2011-2013 Volt vehicles where the battery can drain if the driver exits without turning off the electrical system; GM updated the engine management software to limit the time the system stays on.
- At what mileage do these electrical problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 72,400 miles for Electrical System complaints on the 2012 Volt.
- Did the 2012 Volt's electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries associated with Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Volt.
- How does the 2012 Volt compare to other Volt years for electrical complaints?
- The 2012 Volt's electrical complaints made up 36% of its total complaints, lower than the 2011 Volt's 49% share but higher than the 2013 Volt's 21% and the 2014 Volt's 29%.