Model year guide

2012 Chevrolet Volt

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Chevrolet Volt is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 348 on record.

2012 Chevrolet Volt at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints244
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined37 mpg
Typical price$12,180

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #15V145000 · 13/03/2015

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.

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 i…

Electronic Stability Control (esc) NHTSA Campaign #13V271000 · 27/06/2013

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 …

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Chevrolet Volt common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 244 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2012 Chevrolet Volt safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Later Release). Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Chevrolet Volt MPG & running costs

Combined37 mpg
City35 mpg
Highway40 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,050

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Chevrolet Volt worth?

Low
$8,400
Typical price
$12,180
High
$16,000

From 346 comparable 2012 Chevrolet Volt listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Chevrolet Volt costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,250
Fuel only$10,250
Per mile$0.14

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Chevrolet Volt trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Premium · Standard
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl

2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles on record

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Other Chevrolet Volt model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2006

2012 Chevrolet Volt — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 244 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

What is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Chevrolet Volt an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Volt get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Volt at about 37 mpg combined (35 city / 40 highway).

How much is a 2012 Chevrolet Volt worth?

Comparable 2012 Chevrolet Volt listings run roughly $8,400–$16,000, typically around $12,180 (from 346 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.