2012 Chevrolet Sonic transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 14V315000Jun 12, 201421,567 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.

  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.

  Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 25, 202677,000 miILTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that on several occasions, while coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly remained in second gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the vehicle to shift into another gear. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for…

   NHTSA complaint #11720417 · source
2. Filed Apr 14, 202586,000 miAZTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the transmission. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact then went to auto parts store and attempted to change the speed sensor; however, the parts store had given the contact the incorrect part. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was already repaired under NHTSA…

   NHTSA complaint #11654601 · source
3. Filed Mar 5, 2024PATransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the highway late at night, at approximately 60 mph my 2012 Sonic began to lose power and slowed to a dangerously low speed when there was nowhere for me to pull over! I literally had to coast to a spot that I could barely squeeze off the road! Then would not shift into any workable gear but 1st and after that just revved up loudly. Long story short…had to be towed 35 miles home. Then towed to a reputable garage where they concluded the transmission was shot…

   NHTSA complaint #11575685 · source
4. Filed Jan 24, 2023PATransmission & Drivetrain

   01.24.2023 Purchased Chevy Sonic 2012 three weeks ago (12.27.22) w odometer at 33,688 and manuf. date of 03/2012. It has multiple recalls, inc transmission, that GM has reported resolved. I have had to schedule a transmission rebuild for $3,200.00 in February. After pressing on gas pedal, the vehicle hesitates as though it is going to stall, then lurches forward. On open road it will buck. When slowing down to stop or make turns, it bucks and lurches. The problems duplicate…

   NHTSA complaint #11503393 · source
5. Filed Jan 5, 2023CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The automatic transmission failed. It failed while i was driving the vehicle. Yes, it was confirmed by a dealer. It has been inspected by the chevy dealer. No, there were not any warning signs prior to the failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11500364 · source
6. Filed Sep 28, 202287,410 miCATowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while coming off the freeway at approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle began jerking. The engine revved up as if it intended to accelerate however, the vehicle would then jerk. The contact was able to coast to the destination driving approximately 5-10 mph. The check engine warning light illuminated with a trouble code regarding the engine. The contact who is a certified mechanic determined that the failure was…

   NHTSA complaint #11486952 · source
7. Filed Sep 19, 2022ORTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle will not shift out of 1st or 2nd gear. This appears to be part of a recall I just found out about, however my vin # states its not part of the recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11485135 · source
8. Filed Sep 17, 2022FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   A few months after this car was purchased, we received the notice regarding recall 14234 for our 2012 Chevy Sonic. However, when we brought it to the dealership, they stated that our vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I told them we were experiencing shaking while shifting and it seemed like the exact same issue. Now about 1 year later with less than 100,000 miles, the car will not shift properly into 3rd gear. The auto repair shop informed us that we need to get a new…

   NHTSA complaint #11484943 · source
9. Filed Aug 7, 2022OHCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was experiencing issues with the transmission on my vehicle. I lost control and when it stop abruptly in a ditch after hitting a fallen limb of a tree the airbags did not deploy. Since this incident I have extreme pain in neck, dizziness, and weakness in both my arms. My vehicle is not listed as part of the recalls and the violent stop of my vehicle upon hitting the object was severe enough to snap both tierod ends yet airbags did not deploy. I have significant injuries as…

   NHTSA complaint #11478078 · source
10. Filed May 24, 2022CATransmission & Drivetrain

    The gear shift in the car started sticking about 3 years ago but it would still shift so I wasn't too concerned. Since then it's gotten gradually worse until tonight where it took me 5 minutes to put it into park. I couldn't released the key or get it out of reverse and it was terrifying. Mine and others safety was put at risk because my car not going into park means it can roll anywhere and cause an accident. I haven't taken it to a dealer to get checked and it hasn't been…

    NHTSA complaint #11465860 · source
11. Filed Apr 26, 2022ILAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic giving a P2138 error code. I have replaced the Throttle Position Sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Sensor and the problem is not going away. I have spent over $700 on this repair and they cannot fix it. It is a known problem with this vehicle but GM is there is no recall for this issue. I wish something could be done. The acceleration loses power and drops to is unable to go above 45 MPH.

    NHTSA complaint #11462354 · source
12. Filed Dec 2, 202160,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The failure nearly caused a collision. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Della Chevrolet of Plattsburgh (5101 U.S. Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 12901). Both dealers informed the contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11442413 · 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