2012 Chevrolet Volt

245 federal complaints (359 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 1567 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 9 model years of the Chevrolet Volt →
Engine
1.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium Gas Or Electricity
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
35 city / 40 hwy
Federal complaints
245
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
87
Air bags
87
Fuel system
37
Engine & cooling
27
Brakes
23
Power train
22
Other
17
Seats
14
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 9 complaints01 years old: 9 complaints2 years old: 14 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 22 complaints5 years old: 25 complaints56 years old: 34 complaints7 years old: 39 complaints8 years old: 31 complaints9 years old: 15 complaints10 years old: 10 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 245 of 245 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 21 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 20 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 18 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 29 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 36 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 23 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 16 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 12 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 4 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 181 of 245 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

87 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"DRIVERS DISPLAY DASHBOARD IS BLACK WHEN STARTED. HASN'T RETURNED AFTER MANY RESTARTS, CHARGES, LOCKS AND BATTERY DISCONNECTS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Air bags

87 complaint records3 crash reports
"AIRBAG SENSOR WARNING. 117K MILES. JUST CAME ON, DEALER WANTS $1100 TO FIX IT. AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE GM SHOULD FIX IT FREE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Fuel system

37 complaint records
"Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
PE19013
opened Sep 2019
closed Jul 2021Air BagsPassenger Sensing System
In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-013 to assess the potential safety related effects of a malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in 2012-2013 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Volt vehicles.
PE11037
opened Nov 2011
closed Jan 2012Electrical SystemPost-Crash EV Fire Hazard
The subject vehicles, which employ emerging technology, are range-extended electric vehicles that utilize a high voltage (HV) battery to provide energy for propulsion.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
15V145000Engine And Engine CoolingGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013.Normally free
13V271000Service BrakesGeneral Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2015104
2015-03-12
Engine2,194On certain vehicles, if a driver exits the vehicle and were to inadvertently leave the vehicle "ON", after a period of time the vehicle's battery would drain and the vehicle's gasoline engine would begin to run.
2013460
2013-12-20
Accessories76On certain vehicles, material used in the construction of the windshield sunshade, sold as an optional accessory, may not meet the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) 302 - Flammability of Interior Materials.
2011412
2011-11-23
Lights And Instruments39Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices, as well as CMVSS 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
PIE0877
Oct 2025
Air BagsThis engineering informational bulletin provides process for a GM engineering study on curtain Takata Airbag Steering Wheel Modules and needs the used Takata airbags to be returned to GM.
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
18-NA-180
Sep 2025
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
18-NA-180
May 2025
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
18-NA-180
Jan 2025
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
18-NA-180
Dec 2024
Electrical SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
18-NA-180
Nov 2024
Electrical SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
21-NA-043
Nov 2024
EngineThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC6026A
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the replacement Accessory Power Module does not have an orange wire harness like the original. Technician will need to order a jumper harness General Motors part number 24268507.
PIP6015
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
10-00-89-009F
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
20-NA-132
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037T
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
23-NA-219
Sep 2024
StructureThis service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
08-07-30-026I
Sep 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
18-NA-146
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIC5650L
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935.
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
24-NA-174
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThe bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
05-03-08-002J
Aug 2024
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
18-NA-180
Aug 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
01-00-89-010S
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
18-NA-306
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
PI0754G
Jul 2024
Visibility/WiperThis PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
16-NA-158
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
24-NA-141
Jul 2024
Power TrainGM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping.
00-03-10-002M
Jul 2024
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
99-04-20-002O
Jul 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
04-06-04-051I
Jun 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-125
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
24-NA-098
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
20-NA-016
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on customer vehicles concern results in a manufacturer repurchase from the customer, GM depends on the dealership to host and administer the repurchase closing and intake of the returning vehicle.
18-NA-125
May 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
08-07-30-035H
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
16-NA-119
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
09-00-89-008G
May 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
18-NA-236
May 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on the Lithium-Ion battery section and small pack exchange procedure.
06-00-89-029V
May 2024
SeatsThis service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.

Showing 60 of 1567 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Volt →