2012 Chevrolet Volt: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Volt years.
245 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Volt?The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 245 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Volt years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Volt?
Across the 8 Volt model years we track, complaint volume runs from 34 (2019) to 698 (2017). With 245 complaints, the 2012 Volt sits above the model's median of 169.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Volt
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 15V145000General 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.
electronic stability control (esc)
Campaign 13V271000General 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."
What owners say across generations
Mixed to highly positive sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and specific ownership experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Volt. See the full Volt owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Volt listings typically run $9,620–$13,982 across 2012 to 2019 model years.
Other Volt model years
Compare every Volt year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Volt against its rivals
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