Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, the most recent reported on March 13, 2015 (Electrical system: ignition, Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (86 complaints), followed by electrical system (86).

How many 2012 Chevrolet Volt complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 245 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls and problems

2 recalls and 245 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.

recalls

245

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls

Electrical system: ignition · Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 15V145000 · reported March 13, 2015 · General Motors LLC · 50,236 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14617.

Service brakes · Electronic stability control (ESC)

NHTSA campaign 13V271000 · reported June 27, 2013 · General Motors LLC · 4 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 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, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's recall number is 13184.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags86
Electrical system86
Fuel/propulsion system37
Engine26
Service brakes23
Power train22
Unknown or other17
Seats14
Vehicle speed control11
Steering6

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 25, 2026 · Electrical system · 132,000 miles
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…

Jun 4, 2026 · 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

Mar 13, 2026 · 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.

Jan 20, 2026 · 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…

Sep 12, 2025 · Air bags
Airbag sensor failure in seat.

Volt model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2011	1	49	2	0
2012	2	245	6	2
2013	3	308	8	2
2014	0	93	5	1
2015	1	44	1	1

Across all years, the 2017 Volt has the most complaints (703). All Chevrolet Volt years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, the most recent reported on March 13, 2015 (Electrical system: ignition, Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt?: Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (86 complaints), followed by electrical system (86).
How many 2012 Chevrolet Volt complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 245 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 25, 2026.