2012 CHEVROLET VOLT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
354
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
195
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
The 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT has received a total of 354 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES. 195 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (84 complaints), Electrical System (78 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (36 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT, potentially affecting up to 100,480 vehicles.
Recall 15V145000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
| 50,236 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V145000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
| 50,236 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V271000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 4 vehicles affected
Defect: General 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...
Consequence: If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new brake pressure modulator valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 12, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's recall number is 13184.
View full details →Recall 13V271000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 4 vehicles affected
Defect: General 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...
Consequence: If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new brake pressure modulator valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 12, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's recall number is 13184.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
354 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 84 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 78 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 22 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 21 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 17 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentelectrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssrs Malfunction Warning Lamplight | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System12v24v48v Battery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignitionswitch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systempropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
The 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
General Motors, LLC has issued 195 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIE0877 — AIR BAGS
This engineering informational bulletin provides process for a GM engineering study on curtain Takata Airbag Steering Wheel Modules and needs the used Takata airbags to be returned to GM.
PIC6089B — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Battery Saver Message or red Battery Indicator displayed in the Driver Information Center. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0AF8 set in history. Technician will need to the 12 volt battery using the GR8 Battery...
010842001N — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
21NA019 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This service bulletin provides Diagnostic Aid information - Surge in EV Mode at a Stop.
19NA242 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
This informational bulletin announces the availability of a High Voltage battery pack refurbish kit when the battery pack assembly needs to be replaced and information on how dealers can obtain the refurbish kit.
PIC5903C — ENGINE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have Service Vehicle Soon Lamp or Check Engine Lamp is on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0534. Technician will use a scan tool to check for all Diagnostic Trouble Codes that are set, but should not delete...
19NA242 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
This informational bulletin announces the availability of a High Voltage battery pack refurbish kit when the battery pack assembly needs to be replaced and information on how dealers can obtain the refurbish kit.
18NA146 — EQUIPMENT
This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
PIC5920J — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that will not charge and Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0AA6 and/ or a P1F0E set on 2011-2013 Volt or a P0DAA on 2014 Volt or Cadillac ELR in the Hybrid...
PIC6366 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
This Preliminary Information communication provides additional information to the technician about how to diagnosis a vehicle that will not shift out of park.
Showing 10 of 195 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT.
Investigation PE19013 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER Closed
Opened:
Passenger Sensing System
Investigation PE11037 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Closed
Opened:
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET VOLT
- 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT — 64 complaints
- 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT (current)
- 2013 CHEVROLET VOLT — 442 complaints
- 2014 CHEVROLET VOLT — 127 complaints
- 2015 CHEVROLET VOLT — 70 complaints
- 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT — 277 complaints
- 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT — 1,173 complaints
Other CHEVROLET Models
- CHEVROLET MALIBU — 28,991 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 — 22,175 total complaints
- CHEVROLET IMPALA — 15,197 total complaints
- CHEVROLET TAHOE — 12,511 total complaints
- CHEVROLET EQUINOX — 12,135 total complaints
- CHEVROLET BLAZER — 11,032 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SILVERADO — 10,928 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SUBURBAN — 10,375 total complaints