2012 Chevrolet Volt airbags problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 25, 2025ORAirbagsOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

   passenger presence detection system is malfunctioning, and causing a "service airbag" warning. This is a huge safety issue that could be detrimental or deathly in the event of an accident. This is a common issue among generation 1 volt owners, and should be considered for a recall or warranty coverage. The passenger presence detection system parts are discontinued, and even if I found the part the dealership cannot confirm for the pricey repair, that the airbag / sensor will…

   NHTSA complaint #11644947 · source
2. Filed Apr 17, 2024ILAirbags

   In September 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened [XXX] to assess the malfunction of the Passenger Sensing System (PSS) in the 2012-2013 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. Due to that malfunction, the air bag system malfunction indicator light is activated. This could cause the passenger airbag to be suppressed in a crash. In July 2021, the ODI closed [XXX] after GM instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles. In…

   NHTSA complaint #11583704 · source
3. Filed Apr 5, 2024CAAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   This issue has been reported extensively: NHTSA PE19013. The passenger seat sensor has failed leading to the airbag turning on and off rapidly while driving. This is available for inspection upon request. I worry about the safety of occupants in the car. If the airbag is turned off despite a passenger sitting in the seat that is a problem. The price of repair at a dealer is very high considering that this is a very clear quality control issue by GM that has been acknowledged…

   NHTSA complaint #11581443 · source
4. Filed Dec 28, 2023100,000 miMDAirbags

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side air bag Passenger Sensor System was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle had been discontinued and no repair was available. The manufacturer…

   NHTSA complaint #11562249 · source
5. Filed Oct 16, 2023127,000 miMIAirbags

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the "Service Air Bag" warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact notified a dealer about the failure and was provided a diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: PE19013 which was linked to the failure. The NHTSA investigation was later…

   NHTSA complaint #11550205 · source
6. Filed Aug 10, 2023OHAirbags

   Airbag sensor harness underneath the passenger seat comes disconnected from moving the seat back and forth causing a warning on the dash. GM has a TSB about this and should rewire the harness for free. The passenger presence module is undetected when the seat moves forward but is detected when moved to its full rearward position.

   NHTSA complaint #11537769 · source
7. Filed Mar 21, 2023VAAirbags

   Defective front passenger seat occupancy sensor. The defective sensor makes the passenger airbag unusable, sacrificing passenger safety.

   NHTSA complaint #11513127 · source
8. Filed Mar 1, 2023MOAirbags

   The 2012 Chevy Volt Passenger Airbag Sensor was an issue that the NHTSA investigated. It will cause the passenger side airbags not to deploy in a crash. I can reproduce the airbag warning light by pressing on the passenger seat. It has also been confirmed by an independent service center. There is supposed to be a reduced cost replacement program (according to the NHTSA) but both dealers and the Chevrolet Support Center do not seem to know about it)

   NHTSA complaint #11509722 · source
9. Filed Oct 26, 2022SCAirbags

   Seat sensor for passenger air bag is not working. It picks up a passenger and turns on air bag then turns it off. Then back on then off. Getting service airbag light. I see this was investigated by NHTSA and chevy was supposed to build a replacement program for 12-13 volts but when I call chevy they see no such program even though it is reported as a known consumer concern and was part of agreement when closing NHTSA investigation as per articles on this from journalist.

   NHTSA complaint #11491038 · source
10. Filed Oct 17, 2022ORAirbags

    Airbag light is on due to faulty passenger seat sensor that is a known defect by manufacturer. Your investigation was closed with the note that "GM created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles". I am trying to get them to fix the issue, but they say there is no program for this repair. And the repair consists of replacing full passenger seat for over $1000. It looks like GM is misleading NHTSA that they have a…

    NHTSA complaint #11489625 · source
11. Filed May 31, 2022FLAirbags

    In mid 2020 I began to get an intermittent warning of a problem with the passenger side, front seat occupant sensor. The problem has become much more frequent. The GM service department was familiar with the problem in 2020, but said there was no recall. If the passenger moves around the sensor will activate or deactivate. I assume that the airbag would not dependably deploy in an accident. Today I discovered a discussion of this problem in the GM-Volt Forum. The forum…

    NHTSA complaint #11466811 · source
12. Filed Apr 1, 2022VAAirbags

    Airbag Service Light comes on for unknown reason. This appears to be a very common problem amongst Chevy Volt owners (2012-2013). Why no recall for this serious safety issue?

    NHTSA complaint #11459220 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology