Vehicle over-revs in cold weather. Engine runs excessively fast (4250 RPM) at highway speeds and around 3000 RPM when just sitting. Often times if I pull over and restart the car it will correct itself. This results in MPG as low as 22. The internet is full of examples of people with the exact same problem. I have seen no examples of the problem being solved. The engine will operate correctly in …
2012 chevrolet Volt engine problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
DRIVING USING CRUISE CONTROL DURING COMMUTE AT 60MPH. SIMULTANEOUSLY EXPERIENCED DRASTIC POWER LOSS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ONSTAR DIAGNOSTICS REPORTED AN ELECTRICAL PROPULSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. ATTEMPTED TO NAVIGATE TO A SAFE PARKING AREA BUT EVENTUALLY LOST ALL PROPULSION AND ENDED UP IN A TRAFFIC LANE. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO CONTROL ESPECIALLY IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN A COLLI…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 chevrolet Volt?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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