The Lemon Index2012 Chevrolet Volt.
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is worse than average by owner complaints: 45 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 177, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 37 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Volt year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 245 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Volt year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 42K to 103K miles on the car (185 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 44K–111K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 81K–120K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 51K–101K miles
Recalls 2
- electrical 2015
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.
- stability control 2013
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1849 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain vehicles may exhibits symptom(s) of check engine lamp illuminated and vehicle fails to…
- See document search buttonfor owner letter
- Due to stone or foreign material impact, the high voltage battery radiator may leak coolant
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedPassenger sensing system2019–2021
- ClosedPost-crash ev fire hazard2011–2012
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Later Release) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release- field upgrade) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release-no field upgrade) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle continuously stalls out at any speed the only way to get power back is by putting the car in low gear and then back into drive.
2012 Chevrolet Volt owner · NHTSA complaint 10809820
More owner reports
The vehicle information center (drivers display) goes out. Speed, warnings, fuel level, turn signal indication are not available and potential safety problem.
NHTSA complaint 10691997
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 177; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Volt year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (36%), engine (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt get?
37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 42,000 and 103,500 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 185 complaints.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Volt year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2013 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works