NHTSA Data Explorer
Chevrolet Sonic
Data refreshed October 26, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Chevrolet Sonic.
Complaints
953
Active records
Recalls
16
Active records
TSBs
2,215
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
18
Top reported issues — Chevrolet Sonic
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Engine behavior
Safety restraint issue
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Noise
Thermal issue
Infotainment behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Vibration/harshness
Electrical issue
Starting behavior
Access/entry issue
Braking behavior
Driver assistance issue
HVAC behavior
Smell
Steering behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Lighting behavior
Recent change
Communication/network issue
Wiper/washer behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
Filed Oct 14, 2026
My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove the infotainment fuse to prevent battery drain. On October 10, 2026, after a three-day trip, the vehicle was completely dead. My 2,000-amp portable jump starter could not start it. Another running…
2014 CHEVROLET SONIC
Filed Sep 10, 2026
A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct polarity, both terminals tight and free of corrosion, hold-down secured. The car ran normally for about eight weeks, with no warning lights or electrical symptoms. On 09/10/2026 at about 12:00 p.m., the car caught fire while parked. It had not been driven or started since about 5:00 p.m. the day…
2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
Filed Aug 20, 2026
I purchased a 2012 Chevy Sonic with 65k miles on it from Carvibe LLC earlier this month. When I took it into Firestone for a full inspection, they found that the car has severe rusting to the mechanical parts along with the body of the vehicle - the entire structure of the vehicle is compromised. Someone spray painted the rust black but Firestone was still able to see the covered up rust. Firestone has deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive.
2020 CHEVROLET SONIC
Filed Jun 22, 2026
Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic composite, cracked completely open without warning, causing an immediate, rapid loss of engine coolant. This constitutes a severe safety hazard. A sudden, catastrophic loss of engine coolant under normal driving conditions puts the vehicle at immediate risk of severe engine…
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