2012 Chevrolet Volt problems
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid car manufactured by General Motors, also marketed in rebadged variants as the Holden Volt in Australia and New Zealand and the Buick Velite 5 in China, and with a different fascia as the Vauxhall Ampera in the United Kingdom and as the Opel Ampera in the remainder of Europe. Volt production ended in February 2019.
Sales of the 2011 Volt began in the United States in mid-December 2010, followed by various European countries and other international markets in 2011. Global combined Volt/Ampera-family sales totaled about 177,000 units by the end of October 2018. The U.S. is the leading market, with 157,054 Volts delivered through the end of 2019, followed by Canada with 16,653 Volts sold through September 2018. Just over 10,000 Opel/Vauxhall Ampera cars had been sold in Europe as of June 2016. Until December 2018, the Volt/Ampera family of vehicles was the world's all-time bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle. As of December 2019, the Chevrolet Volt is listed as the all-time top-selling plug-in hybrid in the American market.
The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from full charge. From there, its internal combustion engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range as needed. While running on gasoline at high speeds the engine may be mechanically linked (by a clutch) to a generator set, improving efficiency by 10% to 15%. The Volt's regenerative braking also contributes to the on-board electricity generation. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2013–15 model year Volt all-electric range is 38 mi (61 km), with a combined electric mode/gasoline-only rating of 62 mpg‑US (3.8 L/100 km; 74 mpg‑imp) equivalent (MPG equivalent).
The second-generation Volt's improved battery system and drivetrain increased the all-electric range to 53 miles (85 km), its EPA-rated fuel economy in charge-sustaining mode to 42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp), and the combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode to 106 MPG-e, up from 98 MPG-e. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. and Canada began in October 2015 as a 2016 model year.
The Volt has won several awards, including the 2009 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 Green Car of the Year, 2011 North American Car of the Year, 2011 World Green Car, 2012 European Car of the Year, and 2016 Green Car of the Year.
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Common 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Volt 2012, several common problems have been reported:
- ABS Sensor Failure: The ABS sensor has been reported to fail multiple times in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. This failure can impact the vehicle's braking system, compromising safety and requiring costly repairs.
- Coolant Sensor Failure: Another common issue is the failure of the coolant sensor. This failure can lead to overheating problems and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- HPCM-2 Modules Needing Reprogramming: The HPCM-2 modules in the 2012 Volt have required reprogramming, indicating a software or electronic issue that affects the vehicle's performance and functionality.
- Continuous Issues with Front Struts: Owners have reported continuous problems with the front struts of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. This issue can impact the vehicle's handling, ride comfort, and overall driving experience.
- Thermostat Failure and Coolant Leak: The thermostat failure and coolant leak have been highlighted as common problems in the 2012 Volt. These issues can lead to engine overheating, reduced performance, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Head Gasket Leak: Owners have reported head gasket leaks in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. This type of leak can result in engine coolant mixing with oil, leading to engine damage and reduced performance.
- DC-DC Converter Failure: The DC-DC converter has been prone to failure in the 2012 Volt, causing significant issues with the vehicle's electrical system and overall drivability. This failure can be costly to repair and poses a safety risk while driving.
These common problems with the Chevrolet Volt 2012 highlight various mechanical, electrical, and safety issues that owners have faced. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
How long will 2012 Chevy Volt battery last?
How often should you replace your 2012 Chevy Volt battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested ordinarily for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a steady level.
What are the most common problems with Chevy Volt?
According to thedrive.com, here are a few of the most common troubles in the Chevy Volt:
- Electrical issues.
- Loss of power steering.
- Transmission failure.
- Whining transmission.
Is 2012 Chevy Volt hybrid a good car?
Most reviewers said the Volt has plenty of power in most situations and feels much faster than its 149-horsepower rating would suggest. The 2012 Chevy Volt can travel 35 miles on a single charge and gets an EPA-estimated 94 mpg-equivalent in electric mode.
How many miles will a Chevy Volt last?
200,000 to 300,000 miles
“With proper use and maintenance, a Chevrolet Volt can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles before you experience any major issues with the hybrid powertrain and other expensive components. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, the car may serve you for about 13 to 20 years.”
How long does a 2012 Chevy Volt battery last?
How often should you replace your 2012 Chevy Volt battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested ordinarily for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a steady level.
What are the most common problems with Chevy Volt?
According to thedrive.com, here are a few of the most common troubles in the Chevy Volt:
- Electrical issues.
- Loss of power steering.
- Transmission failure.
- Whining transmission.
Is 2012 Chevy Volt hybrid a good car?
Most reviewers said the Volt has plenty of power in most situations and feels much faster than its 149-horsepower rating would suggest. The 2012 Chevy Volt can travel 35 miles on a single charge and gets an EPA-estimated 94 mpg-equivalent in electric mode.
How many miles can a 2012 Chevy Volt go?
NHTSA has tested multiple versions of this vehicle. Additional information is available from www.safercar.gov. When fully charged, this vehicle can go about 35 miles on electricity alone, costing you about 5.5¢ per mile.
2012 Chevrolet Volt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Volt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Chevrolet Volt
The NHTSA has received 238 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 1G1RC6E49CU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 70MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR ANY WARNING LAMPS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING 99,835 MILES.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-06
- VIN: 1G1RB6E42CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 7/6/2024 Was driving 45 mph on a busy road (running only on the gas engine of this plug-in hybrid). Propulsion Power Reduced message showed near the speedometer. My speed was immediately decreased. The check engine light also came on. Despite pressing the gas pedal, the speed could not be maintained and I had to pull off quickly before causing an accident. Luckily, no accident occurred but I fear would could have happened if I wasn't in the right place to pull over quickly. After getting the car towed to a Chevy dealership, they diagnosed the problem as being with the hybrid battery - it needs to be replaced. I don't understand why I had a full tank of gas, was running on gas, and that a bad EV battery would cause ALL propulsion to stop so quickly.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- VIN: 1G1RB6E48CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: This is a report on a previous safety recall that has failed to fix the problem. The recall is GM Program # N172130462 for sudden-onset reduced propulsion. The recall repair was performed on this vehicle at 91,064 miles. However, since the recall, a reduced propulsion condition has recurred multiple times. Subsequent to the most recent episode, the vehicle has been in the dealer's repair shop for 5.5 months. The dealer technician affirms it is a software problem, but is unable to figure out how to repair it, even with assistance of a General Motors field engineer. The dealer technician told me that the GM field engineer knows of other cars with the same problem.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- VIN: 1G1RD6E48CU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Coolant leaking and damage to Drive Motor Battery Coolant Radiator due to the design of the vehicle that allows for rocks and debris large enough to damage radiator through. There is a service bulletin (13-06-02-001A) for this issue. When the radiator is damaged, the driver will suddenly receive a check engine light, reduce propulsion notice, and engine not available message. The car will suddenly stall and this cause a major safety concern especially on highways at high speed. However no active recalls, even though this is a common reoccuring problem amongst first generation Volts.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- VIN: 1G1RD6E48CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle propolusion reduced and engine not available messages were suddenly showing. Check engine light turned on. Suddenly Stalled/stopped in the middle of highway. Safety concerns
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-28
- VIN: 1G1RE6E48CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened [XXX] to assess the malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Due to that malfunction, the air bag system malfunction indicator light is activated. This could cause the passenger airbag to be suppressed in a crash. In July 2021, the ODI closed [XXX] after GM instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. In July 2023, I took my 2012 Volt to a local dealer to correct this problem, only to learn that the necessary replacement part has been DISCONTINUED by GM and is no longer available. That is, frankly, unconscionable. I am requesting that ODI reopen the investigation and take further action to compel GM to make this repair available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 1G1RE6E47CU
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering that this is a very clear quality control issue by GM that has been acknowledged by both GM and NHTSA. This warning light has turned on before and then went away for a long time. Now it has returned and after some research it is clearly an issue that many other 2012-2013 volt owners have experienced.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: 1G1RD6E40CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side air bag Passenger Sensor System was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle had been discontinued and no repair was available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1RA6E43CU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-13
- VIN: 1G1RD6E41CU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the Engine Failure, Mountain Mode Not Available, Battery at Zero Percent, Propulsion Power Reduced, and High Voltage messages were displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle then inadvertently decelerated to 30-40 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to pass the yearly vehicle inspection. The dealer loaded sample data into the computer and then drove the vehicle for 50 miles before the vehicle passed inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23022 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-28
- VIN: 1G1RA6E47CU
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal required an abnormal amount of pressure to slow the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake pressure modulator valve. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V271000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- VIN: 1G1RF6E48CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the "Service Air Bag" warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact notified a dealer about the failure and was provided a diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: PE19013 which was linked to the failure. The NHTSA investigation was later closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
- VIN: 1G1RB6E44CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag sensor harness underneath the passenger seat comes disconnected from moving the seat back and forth causing a warning on the dash. GM has a TSB about this and should rewire the harness for free. The passenger presence module is undetected when the seat moves forward but is detected when moved to its full rearward position.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-10
- VIN: 1G1RA6E49CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: A false code was given indicating the coolant level was low on the batteries. This was a know compute glitch problem which required an update costing me 400 dollars.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: 1G1RA6E47CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Defective front passenger seat occupancy sensor. The defective sensor makes the passenger airbag unusable, sacrificing passenger safety.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- VIN: 1G1RD6E46CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The 2012 Chevy Volt Passenger Airbag Sensor was an issue that the NHTSA investigated. It will cause the passenger side airbags not to deploy in a crash. I can reproduce the airbag warning light by pressing on the passenger seat. It has also been confirmed by an independent service center. There is supposed to be a reduced cost replacement program (according to the NHTSA) but both dealers and the Chevrolet Support Center do not seem to know about it)
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-01
- VIN: 1G1RB6E48CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOSING POWER FOR PROPULSION ON THE HIGHWAY/ROADS AT ALL SPEEDS. SHUTTING OFF. ELECTRIC CHARGE IS SUPPOSED TO SWITCH TO THE GASOLINE MOTOR WHEN IT IS LOW, BUT IT DOES NOT, AND VICE VERSA. IT SHOWS HYBRID BATTERY MANAGEMENT HAS A LOSS OF PROPULSION WITH A MESSAGE OF LOW PROPULSION POWER. THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED WITH A RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM IS SHOWING UP. NOW, CHEVY DOES NOT HAVE THIS VIN BEING RECALLED. BUT WORSE, THE CONDITIONS IN THE SOFTWARE ARE CAUSING A POWERTRAIN FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE HELP. I AM PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- VIN: 1G1RE6E48CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger seat occupancy sensor is malfunctioning and needs replaced.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-11
- VIN: 1G1RA6E46CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Seat sensor for passenger air bag is not working. It picks up a passenger and turns on air bag then turns it off. Then back on then off. Getting service airbag light. I see this was investigated by NHTSA and chevy was supposed to build a replacement program for 12-13 volts but when I call chevy they see no such program even though it is reported as a known consumer concern and was part of agreement when closing NHTSA investigation as per articles on this from journalist.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: 1G1RA6E46CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag light is on due to faulty passenger seat sensor that is a known defect by manufacturer. Your investigation was closed with the note that "GM created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles". I am trying to get them to fix the issue, but they say there is no program for this repair. And the repair consists of replacing full passenger seat for over $1000. It looks like GM is misleading NHTSA that they have a program to correct the problem.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-26
- VIN: 1G1RD6E47CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driver’s display completely dark. I can’t see speed, gas remaining, charge remaining, turn signals, gear, warnings if tire pressure is low, etc. Upon turning the car off and back on, the display lights back for an couple of minutes until it goes dark again. There was no warning before it happened for the first time a couple of days ago. The car is extremely unsafe and not drivable as I have no idea how fast I’m going, if I’m about to run out of gas, etc. Luckily, the screen went dark when my 16-year-old daughter was driving in our neighborhood. This should definitely be a recall issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-28
- VIN: 1G1RB6E45CU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Blank (dark) main screen display for speedometer, fuel, etc. Fuse not blown. the vehicle is unsafe to drive. One can run out of electrical power and or gas and not know, stop on the highway and be in harms way. no turn signals, no speed indication at all, nothing. this is recall worthy! and needs to be addressed by chevy.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: 1G1RF6E45CU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I'm constantly receiving a "Propulsion Power Loss" notification on my car. I have brought the car in to a Chevrolet dealer and they refuse to fix it unless I start paying out of pocket costs because the ticket is "closed". This has been going on for about a year since I purchased the car last November and I'm terrified to drive this car since it literally looses power.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: 1G1RD6E40CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Regular Faulty Warnings referring to air bag component
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-14
- VIN: 1g1rb6e49cu
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: brakes locked up durring a panic stop. abs did not engage. abs code C012E-12 Hydraulic Brake Boost Pressure Loss-Low Input
2012 Chevrolet Volt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy: 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 is 14617.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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 vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems"' and No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence: If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2012 Chevrolet Volt car reviews
Positive 2012 Chevrolet Volt car reviews
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Hi there! I'm from Minnesota and I've had the pleasure of driving my Volt during the winter for 2 months now. Just like other owners, I absolutely love this car! The fit and finish are stunning, and the design is top-notch. I was a bit worried about the heater, but it works just fine. There are two modes to choose from: Eco, which consumes less battery but doesn't heat as effectively, and Regular, which is equivalent to other cars. When it's really cold (less than 28 F), the battery will get you 33 miles, but keep in mind that the gas engine will kick in for about 5 of those miles to keep the battery and cabin warm. The best part? You'll get about 130 mpg for those 33 miles! Above 30 F, you can expect 30 miles per charge with no use of the gas engine. In general, I've gotten 37 mpg on gas. Thanks for reading!
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This car is so much fun to drive! It's great to know that I'm using 100% renewable electricity to 'fuel' it, which is not only environmentally friendly but also supports our country's economy. Plus, the car is incredibly smooth and quiet, with excellent handling and braking.
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I've been driving this car for over 6 months now, and I've used 22 gallons of fuel to cover 6500 miles, even on routes that are 50 miles each way. Sometimes I get too busy with my life and forget to plug it in, so I believe I could have used even less fuel. Compared to the BMW I traded in, this car's driving dynamic is surprisingly good. It feels notably more powerful than the Leaf and Prius, and it also has more torque than the Sonata hybrid. While the interior may not be considered luxurious in a traditional sense, there are lots of little interactions with the systems that will pleasantly surprise you. And those...
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I prefer my tag line to Chevy's 'More Car than Electric' as it conveys the message more concisely. I have always enjoyed the smooth and quiet driving experience of electric cars, and the Volt delivers that exceptionally well. It goes beyond being just an electric car by having range-extending gas for when the battery runs low, making it the best of both worlds. Additionally, the transition from electric to gas is incredibly smooth, surpassing other hybrids I have owned or driven. Overall, the Volt is a well-thought-out package that is truly impressive.
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This car has great potential and I really like it, but if you live in an area with cold weather, you may want to reconsider getting one. I wanted to share my experience with you. When I first got the car in the first week of November, I was getting the 35 miles GM claims. However, as the weather got colder, I now only get 25 miles on a full charge. GM has told me that this is normal. Since I have to run the heat, I'm actually only getting about 17-20 miles, which is a bit disappointing. I have been doing the math and with the amount of electricity it takes to charge for just 17-20 actual miles, it costs more than burning gas. The dealer has told me that there is nothing they can do about the issue, but I hope GM gets this issue fixed soon. Thank you for considering my experience.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Chevrolet Volt problems:
Considering buying a 2012 Volt, what to look for? : r/volt
Jan 6, 2019 ... If there is any sign of battery issues, get it to a dealer pronto. Once out of warranty any battery issue at all will be a $7K+ repair at a GM ...
When is a Chevy Volt problem "Common' or "Widespread"? | GM ...
Oct 14, 2021 ... The most prevalent failure now seems to be the EGR failure ( short circuit causing non walk home fuse to blow). This problem is stranding people ...
2012 Chevrolet Volt Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Chevrolet Volt? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
My 2012 volt is having lots of problems two days ago as it was ...
Jan 26, 2022 ... It has two caps and is two separate tanks there one on the passenger side is for the battery. They're known to have a coolant level sensor that ...
2012 Chevrolet Volt Reliability - Consumer Reports
If the brakes lock up it could cause a loss of steering control and/or a lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other years of Chevrolet Volt
Are you having problems with your 2012 Chevrolet Volt?
Damon Renner 2024-08-15
Twice it has happened to me. When switching from electric to engine, the car jerks and the engine starts to scream, revving high. An error message comes on saying 'Reduce propulsion', the car loses speed, and there is no gas pedal. The car comes to a slow stop and stalls. When I turn the car on, the engine revs high and there is a burning smell in the cab of the car. I drove the car off the freeway at whatever speed it would allow, and then suddenly the revving stopped and the engine resumed normal. The team at MK Smith Chevrolet in Chino CA were very nice, but initially told me it was my fault for driving it in mountain mode. However, when it happened again 3 weeks later, I caught it on video and tested the drive mode. Sure enough, it was in 'Normal' mode. This is a safety issue and lives could be at stake, including mine. I have emailed Chevrolet directly and MK Smith, and I am hoping they will step up to the plate and fix it. When you Google 'Volt loses propulsion', you can see that others have had the same problem. The car is under warranty, so what is Chevy waiting for? Are they waiting for someone to be seriously hurt before they stop scratching their heads? Update from Feb 27, 2017: George's Chevrolet in Bellflower has had my car for a month now and still cannot locate the fix. They have asked me to pick up the car twice, and I have asked if it is safe. They respond by saying that GM is still investigating. I have paid a month for a car I am not driving and $60 in gas per week. My estimated loss out of pocket for the month is $850.
Claude McCullough 2024-07-22
It's unfortunate that my love affair with my Volt has turned into a bit of a headache. As my car has aged, it has required more and more visits to the service department for repairs. However, I must say that Chevy has been very accommodating and has covered all of these repairs under warranty, even though my car is well past the 3yr/36k mile point. I'm sure I'm not the only owner experiencing these issues. When I expressed my concerns to GM CS, they assured me that they have covered all the repairs and there's nothing more to worry about. While I appreciate their help, I don't like that the service department at my local dealership knows me by sight. Despite these issues, I still love the way my Volt handles, its incredible acceleration, and its quiet and awesome gas mileage of well over 500mpg. I do wonder what the long term will bring, but for now, I'm grateful for Chevy's support.
Jed Littel 2024-06-11
In July 2012, my wife and I purchased two Volts and we drove them all over, including Baltimore and Tampa. We were thrilled with the car's impressive average of 130 MPG. However, after 7 months of ownership, I started hearing a loud sound like an electric drill every time I came to a stop or hit the brakes. I took the car to the dealer and it took them a week to fix it. Unfortunately, the same obnoxious sound returned just 10 days and 300 miles later. I went back to the dealer and this time they called in a GM Engineer to take a look. Although they have had the car for a week already, there is still no fix in sight. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the technology of the car. For more information, you can check out the GM-Volt forum.