Owners have filed 359 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Volt with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Volt. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 36
7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
114.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
114.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
269.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3312.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5018.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5620.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6925.6%
150,000+ miles
145.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2011peak 15Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-013 to assess the potential safety related effects of a malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in 2012-2013 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Consumers reported that due to a malfunction of the PSS, the air bag system malfunction indicator light (MIL) was activated. Many of the complaints noted the malfunction occurred after the warranty period expired and mentioned high repair costs as a major deterrent to the repair of the vehicle.The PSS sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and i...
PE11037Opened 25 Nov 2011Closed 20 Jan 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
The subject vehicles, which employ emerging technology, are range-extended electric vehicles that utilize a high voltage (HV) battery to provide energy for propulsion. The HV battery is lithium-ion based technology that has a nominal full charge of 390 VDC, a 16 kWh capacity, and a control system that incorporates liquid (antifreeze) cooling and various electronic devices (control modules, sensors, wiring, etc) to monitor and manage the HV battery. The HV battery, portions of the cooling system, and the control system are contained within a common enclosure.During an NCAP oblique side pole imp...
Recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20151042,194 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, if a driver exits the vehicle and were to inadvertently leave the vehicle "ON", after a period of time the vehicle's battery would drain and the vehicle's gasoline engine would begin to run. If the gasoline engine were to run for long periods of time when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software to limit the time that an idle vehicle can be left in the "ON" position.
Recall 201346076 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, material used in the construction of the windshield sunshade, sold as an optional accessory, may not meet the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) 302 - Flammability of Interior Materials. The sunshade's inner core material could burn faster than allowable by the standard. Note: The exterior material, exposed in normal use, meets the requirements of the standard. Correction: A production change was made to add a flame resistant coating to the interior corrugated plastic layer to remedy this non-compliance condition. No corrective recall action is required as the technical non-compliance condition is deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 201141239 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices, as well as CMVSS 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. These vehicles were inadvertently programmed with incorrect Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) and theft protection calibration files during vehicle assembly. This could allow the driver to switch off the DRL system while the vehicle is underway. It could also allow non-dealership personnel to reprogram a replacement ignition key. A loss of DRL illumination could render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and to pedestrians during daylight hours, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Memphis, INCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.
NHTSA complaint #11560993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.
NHTSA complaint #11560993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesGrass Valley, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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. THE MANUFACTURES REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THESE SEAT SENSORS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON WAY TO LONG. ALSO THE CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING.
NHTSA complaint #11220773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesGrass Valley, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. THE MANUFACTURES REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THESE SEAT SENSORS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON WAY TO LONG. ALSO THE CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING.
NHTSA complaint #11220773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColumbus, OHFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 CHEVROLET VOLT CHARGING STATION HAS BURNED THE OUTLET IN MY GARAGE THREE TIMES. EACH TIME I HIRED AN ELECTRICIAN TO REPLACE BURNED OUTLET AND VERIFY IT IS WIRED PROPERLY. WHATEVER THE MALFUNCTION IS, IT DOES NOT TRIP THE GFCI. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. ATTACHED ARE SOME OF THE PICTURES I SUBMITTED TO GM PAC WHICH DENIED MY CLAIM.
NHTSA complaint #11121732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWalnut Creek, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT CITY STREET WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE COMING OFF A SIDE STREET THAT HAD LOST CONTROL OF THEIR CAR. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DOOR FRAME ABOVE THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE I HAD A CT SCAN OF MY HEAD AND NECK PERFORMED. I HAD A SLIGHT CONCUSSION (MEMORY LOSS). HAD HEAD AND NECK PAIN AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10870046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 132,000 milesLynchburg, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canandaigua, NY
POWER TRAIN
Message on dash "Service High Voltage charging system" . Code cleared by inexperienced mechanic. Stalled on the side of the road with "Engine not available" , "Low propulsion" . My local Chevy dealership confirmed a high volt battery leak its now at risk for catching on fire
NHTSA complaint #11742075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canandaigua, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Message on dash "Service High Voltage charging system" . Code cleared by inexperienced mechanic. Stalled on the side of the road with "Engine not available" , "Low propulsion" . My local Chevy dealership confirmed a high volt battery leak its now at risk for catching on fire
NHTSA complaint #11742075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glastonbury, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car will randomly accelerate when not on gas pedal and/or a delay in brakes working. Has happened on more than one occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11724225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glastonbury, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
Car will randomly accelerate when not on gas pedal and/or a delay in brakes working. Has happened on more than one occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11724225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the lights inside and outside of the vehicle failed to illuminate. The vehicle was jump-started. The failure reoccurred while attempting to restart the vehicle, and the contact was unable to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11712016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grantville, UT
AIR BAGS
Airbag sensor failure in seat.
NHTSA complaint #11686813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
SEATS
passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the dealership cannot confirm for the pricey repair, that the airbag / sensor will not simply malfunction again -- which makes this a persistent safety concern and huge owner inconvenience to say the least.
NHTSA complaint #11644947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
AIR BAGS
passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the dealership cannot confirm for the pricey repair, that the airbag / sensor will not simply malfunction again -- which makes this a persistent safety concern and huge owner inconvenience to say the least.
NHTSA complaint #11644947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the dealership cannot confirm for the pricey repair, that the airbag / sensor will not simply malfunction again -- which makes this a persistent safety concern and huge owner inconvenience to say the least.
NHTSA complaint #11644947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hugo, MN
ENGINE
Vehicle over-revs in cold weather. Engine runs excessively fast (4250 RPM) at highway speeds and around 3000 RPM when just sitting. Often times if I pull over and restart the car it will correct itself. This results in MPG as low as 22. The internet is full of examples of people with the exact same problem. I have seen no examples of the problem being solved. The engine will operate correctly in warmer weather (above 50° F). I believe it is related to an aging propulsion battery and could be solved by improved programing to accommodate the battery state.
NHTSA complaint #11630028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 70MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR ANY WARNING LAMPS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING 99,835 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11607202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
POWER TRAIN
7/6/2024 Was driving 45 mph on a busy road (running only on the gas engine of this plug-in hybrid). Propulsion Power Reduced message showed near the speedometer. My speed was immediately decreased. The check engine light also came on. Despite pressing the gas pedal, the speed could not be maintained and I had to pull off quickly before causing an accident. Luckily, no accident occurred but I fear would could have happened if I wasn't in the right place to pull over quickly. After getting the car towed to a Chevy dealership, they diagnosed the problem as being with the hybrid battery - it needs to be replaced. I don't understand why I had a full tank of gas, was running on gas, and that a bad EV battery would cause ALL propulsion to stop so quickly.
NHTSA complaint #11602358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ENGINE
7/6/2024 Was driving 45 mph on a busy road (running only on the gas engine of this plug-in hybrid). Propulsion Power Reduced message showed near the speedometer. My speed was immediately decreased. The check engine light also came on. Despite pressing the gas pedal, the speed could not be maintained and I had to pull off quickly before causing an accident. Luckily, no accident occurred but I fear would could have happened if I wasn't in the right place to pull over quickly. After getting the car towed to a Chevy dealership, they diagnosed the problem as being with the hybrid battery - it needs to be replaced. I don't understand why I had a full tank of gas, was running on gas, and that a bad EV battery would cause ALL propulsion to stop so quickly.
NHTSA complaint #11602358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7/6/2024 Was driving 45 mph on a busy road (running only on the gas engine of this plug-in hybrid). Propulsion Power Reduced message showed near the speedometer. My speed was immediately decreased. The check engine light also came on. Despite pressing the gas pedal, the speed could not be maintained and I had to pull off quickly before causing an accident. Luckily, no accident occurred but I fear would could have happened if I wasn't in the right place to pull over quickly. After getting the car towed to a Chevy dealership, they diagnosed the problem as being with the hybrid battery - it needs to be replaced. I don't understand why I had a full tank of gas, was running on gas, and that a bad EV battery would cause ALL propulsion to stop so quickly.
NHTSA complaint #11602358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnson City, TN
POWER TRAIN
This is a report on a previous safety recall that has failed to fix the problem. The recall is GM Program # N172130462 for sudden-onset reduced propulsion. The recall repair was performed on this vehicle at 91,064 miles. However, since the recall, a reduced propulsion condition has recurred multiple times. Subsequent to the most recent episode, the vehicle has been in the dealer's repair shop for 5.5 months. The dealer technician affirms it is a software problem, but is unable to figure out how to repair it, even with assistance of a General Motors field engineer. The dealer technician told me that the GM field engineer knows of other cars with the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11590578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Coolant leaking and damage to Drive Motor Battery Coolant Radiator due to the design of the vehicle that allows for rocks and debris large enough to damage radiator through. There is a service bulletin (13-06-02-001A) for this issue. When the radiator is damaged, the driver will suddenly receive a check engine light, reduce propulsion notice, and engine not available message. The car will suddenly stall and this cause a major safety concern especially on highways at high speed. However no active recalls, even though this is a common reoccuring problem amongst first generation Volts.
NHTSA complaint #11588954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns
NHTSA complaint #11588786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
ENGINE
Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns
NHTSA complaint #11588786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns
NHTSA complaint #11588786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Ellyn, IL
AIR BAGS
In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened [XXX] to assess the malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Due to that malfunction, the air bag system malfunction indicator light is activated. This could cause the passenger airbag to be suppressed in a crash. In July 2021, the ODI closed [XXX] after GM instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. In July 2023, I took my 2012 Volt to a local dealer to correct this problem, only to learn that the necessary replacement part has been DISCONTINUED by GM and is no longer available. That is, frankly, unconscionable. I am requesting that ODI reopen the investigation and take further action to compel GM to make this repair available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11583704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
SEATS
This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering that this is a very clear quality control issue by GM that has been acknowledged by both GM and NHTSA. This warning light has turned on before and then went away for a long time. Now it has returned and after some research it is clearly an issue that many other 2012-2013 volt owners have experienced.
NHTSA complaint #11581443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
AIR BAGS
This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering that this is a very clear quality control issue by GM that has been acknowledged by both GM and NHTSA. This warning light has turned on before and then went away for a long time. Now it has returned and after some research it is clearly an issue that many other 2012-2013 volt owners have experienced.
NHTSA complaint #11581443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPotomac, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side air bag Passenger Sensor System was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle had been discontinued and no repair was available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11562249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, INCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.
NHTSA complaint #11560993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.