Chevrolet Sonic problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 260 owner complaints and 16 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Sonic (2012–2020). The 2013 Sonic has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
260
Recalls
16
Model years
9
Worst year
2013

Complaints by model year

5320124720133920144820152320162420179201872019102020
NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Sonic model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Sonic years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic — 47 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2015 Chevrolet Sonic — 48 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic — 53 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  4. 2014 Chevrolet Sonic — 39 complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (7 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Sonic model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2020 Sonic100000Electrical System
2019 Sonic70000Engine
2018 Sonic90001Engine
2017 Sonic243120Engine
2016 Sonic233022Engine
2015 Sonic482053Electrical System
2014 Sonic392234Engine
2013 Sonic474246Engine
2012 Sonic533027Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Chevrolet Sonic problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    95 complaints
  • Electrical System
    73 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    48 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    33 complaints
  • Airbags
    24 complaints
  • Steering
    14 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    9 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    8 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    7 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320242026
Complaints about the Chevrolet Sonic received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Sonic recalls

  • Recall 23V516000Jul 27, 2023767 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 18V342000May 27, 201871 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V422000Jun 10, 201618,780 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 16V257000Apr 28, 2016317,572 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

  • Recall 15V416000Jun 30, 201545,785 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

  • Recall 14V543000Sep 9, 2014304 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 14V417000Jul 2, 20142,990 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014

    Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

  • Recall 14V315000Jun 12, 201421,567 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V300000Jun 6, 201431,520 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

  • Recall 13V464000Sep 26, 20131,558 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

  • Recall 13V220000May 24, 201310,210 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V023000Jan 24, 20134,167 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

  • Recall 12V522000Oct 31, 20122,949 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

  • Recall 12V454000Sep 17, 20124,716 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 12V408000Aug 20, 201244,668 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V599000Dec 28, 20114,296 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: A missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Chevrolet models

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. Methodology