2012 Chevrolet Volt Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 35%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,200miles
- 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 electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 35% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,200 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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 instrument cluster has gone completely blank in the car. It went in and off for two days and then died completely.this is a major hazard as I dont know how fast I am going or the gas amount I have in the car. This was a major problem as I was driving the car when this happen not knowing if the entire car was going to black out very scary moment.”
NHTSA complaint #11102479, filed 2018-06, 86,000 miles“The instrumentation panel has went blank. Started blinking when driving, went fully blank by the time I reached home. No way to see the seep or remaining fuel. Contacted dealership the wants to replace the panel but the part to fix this is unavailable. I have been waiting for it for 4 months now,”
NHTSA complaint #11232580, filed 2019-07, 70,000 miles“Went out to start my car to go to work and the touchscreen or main data screen is black. I can't tell if I have any electrical power or if the heat or AC or stereo is on. If this were to happen on a trip out of town it could put me in severe danger.”
NHTSA complaint #11144768, filed 2018-11, 70,000 miles“Temperature sensors responsible for monitoring the battery pack fail unexpectedly. Sometimes displaying a battery too cold plug into warm message or a check engine light. Personally, this is the second time I've had a sensor fail. The entire module containing the failed sensor must be replaced. The battery is made up of three different sections called modules. When a sensor fails, the car will simply refuse to start despite being within a normal operating temperature range. I've had the message display when in motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396561, filed 2021-02, 75,000 miles“Owned car for 8 months. Using 110v outlet to charge electric battery. Charges fine every night. Unplugged charger today. Charging connector is black, semi melted. Outlet is black and charred. Appear to be days away from a fire. I live in a new home (less than a year old) valued at over 500k. Huge electric car fan, but both wife and I are now concerned about fire in house with young kids.”
NHTSA complaint #10512705, filed 2013-05, 20,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V145000Mar 13, 2015General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Volt 2011–2013
Related service bulletins
- 11024324Sep 4, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11023365May 14, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This 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.
- 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.
- 11013239Jan 14, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11012678Dec 12, 2024This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011896Nov 21, 2024This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11011467Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the replacement Accessory Power Module does not have an orange wire harness like the…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 11 | 32% |
| 2018 | 88 | 39% |
| 2017 | 313 | 45% |
| 2016 | 77 | 45% |
| 2015 | 18 | 41% |
| 2014 | 27 | 29% |
| 2013 | 63 | 20% |
| 2012 | 86 | 35% |
| 2011 | 23 | 47% |
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 27, 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