2012 Chevrolet Volt Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 10%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 10% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The stability control system frequently accelerates when braking on a manhole cover or a major pothole. The acceleration is hard and could easily cause the driver to rear-end the car in front. I'm aware of the issue and brake fully before such an obstacle if there is a stopped car in front, but I warn every other person who drives my vehicle because of the seriousness of the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11098727, filed 2018-05, 80,000 miles“On 5-21-14 I was driving 25 MPH when I had to do an panic stop to avoid another car. At this point the car lost all power and my brakes went to floor. I missed hitting the other car by inches. Once I restarted the VOLT it came up with a dash warning to service brakes . I drove about 20 MPH for 1 mile to find a safe place to pull over and park. All the while testing my brakes and they were very mushy. Once I pulled over and stopped another warning message came up on dash saying ABS failure . I called aaa and had car taken to dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597865, filed 2014-06, 13,552 miles“Unexpectedly, generally on uneven street/roadway, hilly the brakes do not immediately engage and will create a feeling that you many not be able to stop and/or steer, or keep the vehicle under control. After taking the automobile to a dealer about four times, it was determined july 2014 that brakes needed to be replaced. The car was and still is under warranty. I believe that the braking system is also covered under an extended electric car warranty. Brake problems have continued intermittently; are auto safety issue. The last two times I have not reported to the dealer, or VOLT advisor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668925, filed 2014-12, 31,200 miles“Anytime the vehicle goes over bump, pothole, or particularly rough road surface at the same time that the brake pedal is depressed, the brakes do not engage and the vehicle fails to slow down. You must release the pedal and apply pressure a second time in order to stop. This occurs when the vehicle is in motion at any speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11408087, filed 2021-04, 100,000 miles“When the vehicle would come to a stop, the parking brake would engage by itself. The only way to disengage it was to turn the vehicle off and on again. The second time I did this, the vehicle failed to shift out of park, and the vehicle was disabled in the middle of a roadway. The cause was a faulty charging port sending out a false proximity signal to the car's computer, making it think it was charging...updated 08/27/15”
NHTSA complaint #10730462, filed 2015-06, 22,292 milesRelated recalls
- 13V271000Jun 27, 2013General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, through April 17, 2012. Due to a brake pressure…Covers: Chevrolet Volt 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This 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.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10213036May 16, 2022This informational 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.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
86 complaintsElectrical system
86 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsEngine
26 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 29, 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