Chevrolet · Known Issues

2012 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2012 model year · 340+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 340+ owner reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction ($0-$0 repair), Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037) ($0-$0 repair) and 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug ($0-$600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1) with 180 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 340+ owner reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction, Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037), 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has 6 known issues documented across 340+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction and Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037) and 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Volt problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Volt issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction?

The 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt has a known issue with the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) malfunction. The PSS incorrectly classifies the front passenger seat status, which can cause the airbag system malfunction indicator light to illuminate and potentially prevent the passenger ai… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037)?

During a May 2011 NHTSA NCAP side-pole crash test, a lateral member intruded the HV battery enclosure, damaging cells and causing a battery-coolant leak; 21 days later the coolant (conductive when the pack is charged) created an electrical short that sparked a fire consuming the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug?

Early Gen 1 Volts shipped with a 120V portable charge cord (EVSE) that could overheat at the wall plug, becoming too hot to touch, melting the connector, and in at least one case causing a burn. GM initially blamed household outlet wiring but ultimately replaced the units. The or… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)?

First-generation Volts (2011-2015) can experience battery coolant heater failure. The heating coil is located inside the battery pack and can develop isolation faults, causing the vehicle to run on gasoline only when the battery is below 50 degrees F. The poor design placement re… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt Gen 1 'Reduced Propulsion Power' — HV Battery Low-Voltage / Cell-Balancing Fault?

Gen 1 Volts (2011-2015) commonly display a 'Propulsion Power is Reduced' message with reduced acceleration and electric range, often with DTC P0A7F. GM traced this to an HPCM2 (Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2) software update that could disable the cell-balancing function, cau… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead?

A widely documented Volt fault where the 12V auxiliary battery drains while the car sits, leaving an otherwise fully-charged EV completely dead and unable to power up. Root causes include parasitic draw from modules that fail to sleep (OnStar/telematics hang-ups, software bugs) a… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.

2012 Chevrolet Volt Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 6 Known Issues

2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt: Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt: Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt: 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt: High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt: 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt: Gen 1 'Reduced Propulsion Power' — HV Battery Low-Voltage / Cell-Balancing Fault#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Volt problems?

Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Volt problems?

What is the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt Passenger Sensing System Airbag Malfunction?

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt Post-Crash High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak and Delayed Fire Risk (2011 NHTSA PE11-037)?

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt 120V Charging Cord (EVSE) Overheating and Melting at the Plug?

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt High-Voltage Battery Coolant Heater Failure (Gen 1)?

What is the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt Gen 1 'Reduced Propulsion Power' — HV Battery Low-Voltage / Cell-Balancing Fault?

What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Volt 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain / APM (DC-DC Converter) Failure Leaving Car Dead?