2012 Chevrolet Volt: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt: 2 recalls, 245 owner complaints and up to 37 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes, Stability control Vehicle recall #13V271000 · 2013 · 4 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #15V145000 · 2015 · 50,236 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (86): the most common themes are electrical failure (39), warning light on (18), stalls / loses power (13).
- Airbags (86): the most common themes are warning light on (25), fails to deploy (9).
- Fuel & propulsion (37): the most common themes are electrical failure (24), stalls / loses power (10), warning light on (9).
- Engine (26): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (7).
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 245 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 9 Volt model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 207). Complaints peaked in 2019 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (49 complaints, 1 recalls), 2013 (308 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 40 | 37 | Premium Gas or Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems?
Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (86), airbags (86), fuel & propulsion (37).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt get?
EPA ratings run up to 37 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Chevrolet Volt repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.