2012 Chevrolet Volt Base
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 2012 Chevrolet Volt, Front Left, 02-03-2021 by SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Chevy Volt DCA 06 2019 6316 by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Side Front View - 2012 Chevrolet Volt (7686097138) by Michael Sheehan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Secretary Kerry Admires a Chevy Volt (14518774522) by U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Chevrolet Volt Dashboard (12494152803) by artistmac, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt Base is an 84-hp 1.4-liter inline-4 with a voltec electric drive unit -- 1-speed direct-drive automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $39,145 MSRP and is rated at 94 mpg combined.
It makes 84 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 95 mpg city and 93 mpg highway (94 mpg combined).
The Volt measures 177.0 inches long on a 105.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,781 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Liftback |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $39,145 ($55,410 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $39,995 ($56,613 *) |
| Destination Charge | $850 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.4L Ecotec "LUU" DOHC I4 gasoline range-extending generator engine (GM Voltec EREV powertrain; does not directly drive the wheels) |
| Displacement | 1.4 L |
| Horsepower | 84 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, dual continuously variable cam phasing (DCVCP) |
| Bore and Stroke | 73.4 x 82.6 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Injection Type | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Voltec electric drive unit -- 1-Speed Direct-Drive Automatic (single-speed fixed-gear transaxle; no discrete gears) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 95 MPG |
| Highway | 93 MPG |
| Combined | 94 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded (91 octane) |
| Tank Capacity | 9.3 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks |
| Rear Suspension | Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17.0" x 7.0" |
| Wheels Rear | 17.0" x 7.0" |
| Tires Front | 215/55R17 |
| Tires Rear | 215/55R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 177 in |
| Width | 70.4 in |
| Height | 56.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.7 in |
| Front Track | 61 in |
| Rear Track | 62.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 10.6 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,781 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.8 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 42 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56.5 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53.9 in |
| Hip Room Front | 53.7 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 51.2 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2012 Chevrolet Volt Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (9.3 % risk) |
Other tested variants (2)
- 2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release- field upgrade): 5 ★ overall
- 2012 Chevrolet Volt 4 DR FWD(Early Release-no field upgrade): 5 ★ overall
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet VOLT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mar 13, 2015 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA campaign 15V145000
Jun 27, 2013 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA campaign 13V271000
245 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet VOLT
Owner Complaints
245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet VOLT (6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 86 |
| Electrical System | 86 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 37 |
| Engine | 26 |
| Service Brakes | 23 |
| Power Train | 22 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.