2012 Chevrolet Volt fuel/propulsion system problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Message on dash "Service High Voltage charging system" . Code cleared by inexperienced mechanic. Stalled on the side of the road with "Engine not available" , "Low propulsion" . My local Chevy dealership confirmed a high volt battery leak its now at risk for catching on fire”
filed Jun 4, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 15, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
18-NA-180 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Volt years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volt | 2 | 6% |
| 2018 Volt | 69 | 32% |
| 2017 Volt | 233 | 34% |
| 2016 Volt | 63 | 37% |
| 2015 Volt | 10 | 23% |
| 2014 Volt | 19 | 20% |
| 2013 Volt | 53 | 17% |
| 2011 Volt | 6 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.