Recall 13V271 affects 4 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles for a brake pressure modulator valve defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 4 2012 Volt vehicles because a brake pressure modulator valve problem can keep the front brakes locked after an ABS, stability control, or traction control event. Locked front brakes can reduce steering control or lengthen stopping distance, and the Chevrolet dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake pressure modulator valve on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is part of the brake control system. When the anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control, or traction control steps in, the valve meters hydraulic pressure at the brakes. Its job is to reduce pressure when the computer needs a wheel to roll again instead of staying clamped.
On the recalled Volts, that valve does not relieve brake pressure from the front brakes during one of those control events. The front brakes can stay applied after the system has tried to manage wheel slip. If one or both front brakes lock and do not release, the car no longer responds the way the brake and stability systems are designed to respond.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem appears during an anti-lock brake, stability control, or traction control event, so a driver would notice it only when the front brakes lock and stay applied.
Who's affected?
The same 2012 Volt group is tied to both the brake system and electronic stability control because the recall involves those systems together.
| 2012 Chevrolet Volt | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Volt | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| Units affected | 4 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the brakes lock up, steering control can be lost and stopping distance can increase, raising crash risk. Drive cautiously until the recall repair is completed. If the brakes lock up or stopping takes longer than expected, pull over safely and call a Chevrolet dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Chevrolet Volt is included in this recall.
- Watch for Chevrolet recall instructions before scheduling the dealer repair.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask whether the free brake-pressure-modulator-valve replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V271 when you call, and ask the dealer to confirm that the repair fixes front brakes that lock and fail to release during ABS, ESC, or traction-control events.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician installs a new brake pressure modulator valve so the front brake pressure can release correctly during ABS, stability control, or traction control operation. The dealer repair will be free once available. If the service desk says the repair is not open when you call, ask them to note your VIN and contact you when the recall work can be completed.
Timeline
| June 27, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V271?
Recall 13V271 covers 4 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles with a brake pressure modulator valve problem. During ABS, electronic stability control, or traction control events, one or both front brakes can lock and fail to release. Chevrolet dealers install a new brake pressure modulator valve for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Chevrolet Volt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Volt is included in recall 13V271. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the brake pressure modulator valve replacement. Reference recall number 13V271 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform safety recall repairs at no cost. For recall 13V271, a franchised Chevrolet dealer installs a new brake pressure modulator valve free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control or a longer stopping distance if the front brakes lock and do not release. That increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free Chevrolet dealer repair if your Volt is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V271000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-866-694-6546 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V271 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V271000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →