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
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Engine behavior
Safety restraint issue
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Noise
Thermal issue
Safety restraint behavior
Infotainment behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Vibration/harshness
Electrical issue
Starting behavior
Access/entry issue
Driver assistance issue
HVAC behavior
Braking behavior
Smell
Steering behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Lighting behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
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.