I am thinking about replacing the original 12V battery in my 2012 Volt. My dealer quote a price of $262.77 plus tax from the parts department and an undetermined cost from installation by the service department. This means the cost will be well above $300. This seems to me to a very high price. What is puzzling is that I am apparently the first customer that has even asked about 12V battery replacement. This dealer, who sold me my Volt back in October 2011, who has sold a bunch of Volts has never replaced a 12V battery in a Volt.
Gen 1 Volt 12V battery is $300+ item but my dealer never sold one.
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You can buy a Volt battery at any autoparts store, replacing is pretty basic, but does require some competency with tools (not as easy as many cars). The GM battery has a markup of about 50% over where you can buy it elsewhere. I think they are around $160-$190 though.
I find it suspect that they haven't replaced one. How many Volts do they sell? Those batteries seem to last 4 years or so, I imagine they have had people with that issue. Maybe they just haven't recognized it, or maybe the dealer just buys the battery locally if they need to change one.
The battery is expensive since it is an AGM type battery, these are more expensive than your normal lead acid. Many European cars use these too, and I think they are pretty much required since the battery is in the interior. It prevents spills.
I find it suspect that they haven't replaced one. How many Volts do they sell? Those batteries seem to last 4 years or so, I imagine they have had people with that issue. Maybe they just haven't recognized it, or maybe the dealer just buys the battery locally if they need to change one.
The battery is expensive since it is an AGM type battery, these are more expensive than your normal lead acid. Many European cars use these too, and I think they are pretty much required since the battery is in the interior. It prevents spills.
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6+ years on my 2011 OE 12v battery. No significant issues to date. I'm am intent on finding the "end of usable life" on the 12v battery here in Arizona and not too worried about being stranded - retired and living dangerously. I have seen that under certain conditions the 12v is not very well maintained by the charging system. For example, short, infrequent trips on battery power doesn't bring the 12v back to full capacity during charging. While, longer trips of 120+ miles, including ICE use, does bring it back to apparently full charge.
VIN # B0985
VIN # B0985
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611 Posts
2011 here as well, with original battery. Garage is not heated but is attached and insulated. Never falls below high 30's, even when sub-zero outside. However, it is parked outside (at work) all day. I would love to be able to sell the car in early 2018 without having to replace the original battery. 
$183 from AutoZone. It's a simple swap. Just make sure the rear hatch doesn't close while you're replacing it.
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...ery/duralast-platinum-battery/338292_537162_0
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...ery/duralast-platinum-battery/338292_537162_0
Actually the dealers are becoming competitive on tires. I bought TPC SPEC tires for my Equinox a few months ago and the Chevy dealer matched the Sears price and prior to the Michelin $70 rebate. It was a good surprise for once.
I think we are good to go a few more years. My 2004 Volvo went 11 years on OEM battery.2011 here as well, with original battery. Garage is not heated but is attached and insulated. Never falls below high 30's, even when sub-zero outside. However, it is parked outside (at work) all day. I would love to be able to sell the car in early 2018 without having to replace the original battery.
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My Mazda MX-5 still has the original battery and it's a 2008.
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2,423 Posts
In CT my 2012 battery replacement was $275 total with a small coupon.
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FWIW, I just had to replace the 12V battery on my Fusion Energi; it was covered under warranty though so I let the dealer do it. I was glad of that too because it looks like you have to remove a fair bit of paneling in the trunk to do it. I've only had the car for about 31 months and 32k miles but I'm pretty sure it sat baking on the dealer's lot for many months before I took delivery of it.
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