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

497

Condition issue

331

Reporting mechanism

231

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

212

Engine behavior

202

Safety restraint issue

158

Performance issue

126

Fluid issue

96

Noise

78

Thermal issue

72

Infotainment behavior

70

Powering on/off behavior

70

Safety restraint behavior

69

Vibration/harshness

55

Electrical issue

47

Starting behavior

47

Access/entry issue

40

Braking behavior

36

Driver assistance issue

35

HVAC behavior

35

Smell

32

Steering behavior

32

Ride/handling behavior

22

Lighting behavior

19

Recent change

19

Communication/network issue

9

Wiper/washer behavior

8

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


Fire

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

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

Updated October 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.