2012 Chevrolet Volt Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Ethel on February 6, 2024

My 2012 Volt was purchased brand new on Groundhogs Day, 2012, and is now 14 years old! Knock on wood, I've not had any issues with it except a tire that doesn't hold air as well as the other 3 tires. And once all of the dashboard lights came on to “Check engine”. Turns out that the computer system in the car needed to be updated, and that was that. I mainly run it on electricity around town and to nearby areas, so the mileage is in the mid-50's. However, it has been driven numerous times from Ohio to Raleigh, NC, to the Outer Banks several times, to Maryland many times, and to the Adirondacks, and often to the Cleveland Airport. So it has been driven decent miles using gasoline as well. My mpg on gasoline is typically 42, but that can vary if driving over mountains vs flat land or city driving vs country roads. It has been a very comfortable car for me. The only downside has been that heated steering wheels were not offered back then. That is the only feature that I wish it had. I've put the backseats down and over the years have transported a kayak, a bicycle, and several other large items. So useful! Heated seats make me so warm that I rarely turn on the actual car heater, which of course, helps save the battery in winter. In the winter, my mileage has been 32 miles on complete battery. But this year, it's gone down to 29 as the battery is aging. However, in the Summer, I easily get 45-50 miles. Your mpg also depends on how you drive the car. I'm not heavy-footed and tend to coast toward a red light rather than gun it then slam on my brakes. What a waste of energy! The battery regenerates while coasting, so I often will coast down hills, too. The Volt has plenty of power if in a situation where you really need a quick blast to get out of a dangerous situation — especially if running on battery. It can be up to 60 in no time! BTW, the Volt's body has held up beautifully! It looks like a new car. It has never been garaged and has sat outside in the elements for the past 14 years. My plan is to run it for many more years until issues begin to arise. But at 55,000, she's still a young pup with lots more vim and vinegar. Fingers crossed! I only wish Chevy had not converted the Volt assembly line to trucks. I think they did the general public a disservice by discontinuing them. I would buy another one if they came back.

Kaleb on July 17, 2023

When I first bought my used 2012 back in December of 2020 I was ecstatic. I was super impressed with the comfort, build quality, ride quality, and overall performance of the Volt. I was able to get over 35 miles of EV range regularly, and my gas-only MPG was consistently between 40 and 43 MPG. Not long after I purchased my Volt I started running into bigger maintenance issues. ABS sensor failed twice, coolant sensor failure, HPCM-2 modules needing to be reprogrammed, continuous issues with front struts, thermostat failure + coolant leak, head gasket leak, and most recently DC-DC converter failure which I will expand on. It's arguable that a lot of the issues I have had can be chalked up to the car's age, however I draw the line at the DC-DC converter failure I experienced and I honestly no longer feel safe driving the car because of it. Thankfully I was driving slowly through a (busy) parking lot and the car died while I was moving and completely locked the steering wheel up as I had the wheel turned. I was able to stop the car thankfully, but of course it was now stuck in the parking lot unable to be moved since the wheel was locked. When I was able to get the car boosted, it still refused to drive but it unlocked the steering wheel (however there was no power steering) and we were able to push it into a parking space and waited to get the car towed to the dealership. It cost me just about $2,500 for this repair alone. I bought my car for around $10,200 and after this DC-DC converter failure I have now officially spent more money fixing the car than I paid for it. I went from loving this car to absolutely loathing it, I am sure it was a fantastic car when new but my god please assess the risk(s) you have to take to own one of these. It's a Chevrolet with luxury car repair costs. There is no other car that compares to driving a Volt which is unfortunate, but I will be dumping this car as soon as I can and if that means I have to get a regular gas car or non plug-in hybrid, so be it.

Scott on June 17, 2022

A 2012 is one of our three Volts with the other two being a 2011 and 2016. They have been excellent cars for errands, commuting, and highway travel. Charge them on 120v garage outlets. Mainly drive them on electric but great to have a gas engine as a backup and for longer travel.

Nat howard on November 15, 2020

I wish I never bought this car. I have so many problems with it. When I start driving my engine completely becomes unavailable WHILE I AM AROUND CARS! My battery will not use up at all. It has so many issues. Propulsion power is low. If I were to drive it on the highway it is scary. When it's cold outside, the check engine light comes on and a bunch of messages pop up. I've had this car for 2 months from Planet Auto Sale in Utah. Wouldn't reccomend trusting them to be honest.

rt on September 4, 2020

love the volt , wish it was a suv , yes , wish it was as fast as a tessy , yes , aside from that it rocks , can fit a full size wash or dryer or stove inside with hatch closed !!! ive done all 3 ( separate trips ) love the car !

Cadillac bishop on May 27, 2020

Ya boy Cadillac bishop here , now this is a reliable motor vehicle! Looks good, runs good, feels good baby! You are a sucker if you don’t have this whip in your yard. Chevy Is where it’s at, a hater will say otherwise

Dentman70 on October 22, 2019

Good leg room. Smooth ride. Maintenance has been minimum. Currently experiencing problems with control panel lighting going on and off. Otherwise has been an excellent car.

CC on June 14, 2019

It is fun to drive. I only spend $40 per month on gas. The sound system is great I love to drive this car. My passengers never complain about riding in the car either

lake on May 24, 2019

Practically no maintenance other than new tires, oil change (only 1) in over 60K miles of owning. Smooth ride, very quiet in electric mode, and good amount of cargo space.

MJPR on May 3, 2019

I have only had the car a short time but I can say I love it! I love the way it drives especially in sport mode. The gas mileage when using the engine is great!