How common are transmission problems in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Volt, making up 9% of all 245 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt transmission?

No. The data shows no related recalls listed for this component on the 2012 Volt.

At what mileage do these transmission issues typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 57,500 miles.

Did the 2012 Volt transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 2 injuries linked to these complaints, with no crashes and no fires reported.

How does the 2012 Volt compare to other model years for this problem?

The 2012 Volt's 9% share is lower than later years like 2017 (31%) and 2019 (47%), and similar to 2013 (8%), based on NHTSA complaint data.

2012 Chevrolet Volt Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 9% of its 245 total complaints that year. No related recall exists for this component. Median mileage at failure is 57,500, with 2 injuries and no crashes or fires reported.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 22; 9% of 245
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 57,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report unexpected stalling while driving, sometimes requiring the car to be shifted to low gear and back to drive to restore power.
Some describe the vehicle briefly moving in reverse after being shifted into drive, even while stationary, correcting only after multiple restarts.
A subset report the car lunging forward unexpectedly at stops, forcing the driver to shift into neutral, along with the regenerative braking mode failing to engage.
Several complaints describe a loud whining noise during braking or deceleration traced to a regenerative brake bearing issue.
One owner reported the transmission mounting brackets fracturing while driving, detaching the transmission from the vehicle.
Another reported the drive motor rotor bearing failing, making the car unusually loud and prompting a dealer warning about further damage.

When 2012 Chevrolet Volt transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 4, 2011, latest Jun 4, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2011 to Jun 2026; peak Jan 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Volt model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20113 (6%)
201222 (9%)
201324 (8%)
20144 (4%)
20156 (14%)
201651 (30%)
2017219 (31%)
201884 (38%)
201916 (47%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?: NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Volt, making up 9% of all 245 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt transmission?: No. The data shows no related recalls listed for this component on the 2012 Volt.
At what mileage do these transmission issues typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 57,500 miles.
Did the 2012 Volt transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 2 injuries linked to these complaints, with no crashes and no fires reported.
How does the 2012 Volt compare to other model years for this problem?: The 2012 Volt's 9% share is lower than later years like 2017 (31%) and 2019 (47%), and similar to 2013 (8%), based on NHTSA complaint data.