2012 Chevrolet Volt Retains Top Safety Rating From Feds Despite Fires

Just the Facts:

• The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has retained its 5-star safety rating from the federal government despite a probe of post-crash battery fires by federal regulators.
• The government Web site Safercar.gov says the 2012 Volt gets a 5-star overall safety rating — the highest possible rating and the same rating as the 2011 Volt.
• Federal safety regulators are investigating an estimated 5,000 2011-'12 Volts because "intrusion in a crash may damage the battery, which may result in a substantial thermal reaction and fire," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

WASHINGTON — The 2012 Chevrolet Volt has retained its 5-star safety rating from the federal government despite a probe of post-crash battery fires by federal regulators.

The government Web site Safercar.gov says the 2012 Volt gets a 5-star overall safety rating — the highest possible rating and the same rating as the 2011 Volt.

Consumers rely on the government safety ratings as they make shopping decisions, and many consider it the gold standard.

Federal safety regulators are investigating an estimated 5,000 2011-'12 Volts because "intrusion in a crash may damage the battery, which may result in a substantial thermal reaction and fire," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2012 Volt received 4 stars in the government's frontal crash test category, 5 stars in the side crash test category and 5 stars in the rollover crash test category.

In comparison, the 2012 Nissan Leaf also received a 5-star overall safety rating. It earned 4 stars in the frontal crash test category, 5 stars in the side crash test category and 4 stars in the rollover crash test category.

The 2012 Mitsubishi i, a highly anticipated electric car from Japan, has not yet been rated by the federal government.

In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Web site continues to list the 2011-'12 Chevrolet Volt as a Top Safety Pick. The safety group told Reuters on Monday that it has found no evidence of damage to the Volt's battery packs in its tests. IIHS also said it would not repeat its Volt tests because its role "is not to investigate potential defects."

Last week, GM said it was considering unspecified design changes to the Volt in the wake of the federal investigation. It is offering Volt owners loaner vehicles, including the Chevrolet Corvette and various Cadillacs, until the investigation into the plug-in hybrid car is resolved.

Also last week, Consumer Reports said the Volt edged the Dodge Challenger and Porsche 911 in the magazine's annual owner satisfaction survey.

Inside Line says: Another curious twist in the ongoing safety saga of the Chevrolet Volt.