2012 Chevrolet Volt Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 2 fires, 11 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (87 reports).

2Recalls
245Owner complaints
6Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Volt?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls

Volt May Start Engine and Build Up Carbon Monoxide

Recall 15V145Mar 13, 201550,236 vehicles affected

Some Chevrolet Volts from the 2011 to 2013 model years can have a problem when the driver gets out without fully shutting off the electrical system.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc); Service Brakes

Recall 13V271Jun 27, 20134 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems

Problem areas named in the 245 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System87
Air Bags87
Fuel/Propulsion System37
Engine26
Service Brakes23
Power Train22
Unknown Or Other17
Seats14
Vehicle Speed Control11
Structure6

What owners report

2026-06-25, Electrical System
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.
2026-06-04, 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
2026-03-13, 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.
2026-01-20, 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.
2025-09-12, Air Bags
Airbag sensor failure in seat.

2012 Chevrolet Volt questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt: Volt May Start Engine and Build Up Carbon Monoxide; Electronic Stability Control (Esc); Service Brakes. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?

Based on 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (87), Air Bags (87), Fuel/Propulsion System (37).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Chevrolet Volt has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chevrolet Volt years

Other 2012 Chevrolet models