2012 Chevrolet Volt Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 35%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 35% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Airbag problem warning light. Dealer said there is likely a problem with the passenger sensor in the seat and I would have to pay $1200 but that might not fix the problem. We declined the service. I have since read about many more VOLT owners with this problem. Ours started around 80,000 miles. We are currently around $120000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11416379, filed 2021-05, 80,000 miles“An air bag error message appears on the dash. We discovered if a person sits in the front passenger seat the error clears. We just bought the car, and the dealer states that this safety feature would fall on us to repair. When we test drove the car there as someone in the front passenger seat so we were not aware of the issue till after it was purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #11301651, filed 2020-01, 83,608 miles“My passenger seat frequently generates a service airbag warning. The last time I talked to a dealer rep about this, I was told it was caused by a faulty passenger presence module. As I am out of my bumper to bumper warranty, the cost to fix is over $800. I've also seen numerous complains on VOLT forums about this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11351559, filed 2020-08, 94,344 miles“My service airbag soon light has come on for the passenger side and requires a replacement of the passenger presence sensor and module. I have been quoted by the chevy dealer at $897 before tax. This has been reported by many other people before. Due to the sensor malfunctioning and not knowing if there is or isn't a passenger in the seat the airbag may or may not be active. This is extremely dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11386798, filed 2021-01, 120,000 miles“I was traveling on a straight city street when I was struck by a vehicle coming off a side street that had lost control of their car. I was hit on the drivers side door. I was going about 25 MPH. I hit my head on the door frame above the drivers side window. The side air bag did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital where I had a ct scan of my head and neck performed. I had a slight concussion (memory loss). Had head and neck pain after the accident. My car was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10870046, filed 2016-05, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11024955Oct 31, 2025This 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…
Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
86 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology