This page covers 2 recalls, 243 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.
37 mpg combined
6.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Airbag-related complaints dominate what 2012 Volt owners report, with the most common issue being a "service airbag" warning tied to the passenger seat occupant detection sensor malfunctioning. Electrical system problems are the second-most-reported category, covering a range of symptoms: complete failure to start, interior and exterior lights going dark, and the instrument panel cluster going blank while driving, leaving owners without speed readouts or warning indicators. The fuel and propulsion system draws a smaller but notable share of reports, mostly describing the gas engine over-revving in cold weather, with owners noting RPMs running unusually high both at highway speeds and while stationary, sometimes correcting temporarily after a restart.
243
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has two recalls, the more serious involving a brake pressure modulator valve that fails to release pressure from the front brakes during ABS, stability control, or traction control events, which can cause the wheels to lock up, extend stopping distances, and reduce steering control.
The second recall involves the vehicle's electrical system: if a driver exits without manually shutting off the vehicle, the high-voltage battery can drain low enough that the gasoline engine starts on its own to recharge it. If this happens in a garage or other enclosed space, the running engine can allow carbon monoxide to build up to dangerous levels.
At a glance
What can fail
If you leave the vehicle with the electrical system on without turning it off, the battery can drain so low that the gasoline engine starts automatically to recharge it.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine management software to limit how long the vehicle can stay in the ON position when stationary.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A brake pressure modulator valve doesn't release pressure from the front brakes during anti-lock braking, stability control, or traction control events, causing one or both front brakes to lock and stay locked.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new brake pressure modulator valve at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
