Model year
2012 Chevrolet Volt
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 245 complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (84), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (78), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (37). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA rated 3 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 37 mpg combined and 36 kWh/100 mi (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2011 49 complaints
- 2012 245 complaints
- 2013 308 complaints
- 2014 93 complaints
- 2015 44 complaints
- 2016 170 complaints
- 2017 703 complaints
- 2018 225 complaints
- 2019 34 complaints
Recalls
15V145000 · Mar 13, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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…
13V271000 · Jun 27, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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…
Complaints
245 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 6, fire flag on 2, injury field 11, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11037 | Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | Nov 25, 2011 | Jan 20, 2012 |
| PE19013 | Passenger Sensing System · AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER | Sep 17, 2019 | Jul 2, 2021 |
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD(Early Release- field upgrade) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.093 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR FWD(Early Release-no field upgrade) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.093 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR FWD(Later Release) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.093 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volt · 1.4L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · Plug-in Hybrid | 35 | 40 | 37 | 36.0 | 380 | $2,200 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Chevrolet Volt at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.