NHTSA Data Explorer

Chevrolet Sonic

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Chevrolet Sonic.

Complaints

950

Active records

Recalls

16

Active records

TSBs

2,225

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

2

Injuries

76

Crashes

91

Fires

17

Top reported issues — Chevrolet Sonic

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

505

Condition issue

311

Reporting mechanism

228

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

214

Engine behavior

192

Safety restraint issue

155

Performance issue

120

Fluid issue

94

Noise

82

Thermal issue

70

Safety restraint behavior

67

Infotainment behavior

64

Powering on/off behavior

63

Vibration/harshness

54

Electrical issue

50

Starting behavior

46

Access/entry issue

36

Driver assistance issue

36

HVAC behavior

34

Braking behavior

33

Smell

33

Steering behavior

33

Ride/handling behavior

23

Lighting behavior

20

Recent change

20

Wiper/washer behavior

8

Communication/network issue

7

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2015 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed May 23, 2026


Passenger seat airbag shows that it is still off even when there is someone in the Passenger seat

2014 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Apr 30, 2026


Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.

2017 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Apr 21, 2026


Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak

2014 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Mar 2, 2026


Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Feb 25, 2026


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 additional assistance. The…

2014 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Feb 21, 2026


It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil

2016 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Feb 18, 2026


This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines that came out after 2014. There cars don't have temperature gauges and when they overheat they…

2017 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Feb 6, 2026


The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger…

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Feb 2, 2026


Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear. Transmission does not engage into gear.

2016 CHEVROLET SONIC

Filed Jan 26, 2026


Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.