Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Chevrolet Volt problems

Owners filed 245 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Volt with NHTSA between Sep 2011 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (86).

Complaints
245
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
11
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system86
  2. Air bags86
  3. Fuel/propulsion system37
  4. Engine26
  5. Service brakes23
  6. Power train22
  7. Seats14
  8. Vehicle speed control11
  9. Structure6
  10. Steering6
  11. Exterior lighting5
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  13. Tires4
  14. Seat belts3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20111
20126
20138
201415
201515
201616
201721
201831
201940
202033
202122
202214
20239
20248
20252
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

86 reports2 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2026Electrical systemODI 11746435

Air bags

86 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2025Air bags, Seats, Unknown or otherODI 11644947

Fuel/propulsion system

37 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11742075

Engine

26 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2024EngineODI 11630028

Service brakes

23 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2023Electrical system, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11560993

Power train

22 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11602358
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.