Chevrolet Sonic Complaints

954 consumer complaints on file.

#11681189August 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675305July 22, 2025
ENGINE
Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no additional actionable codes. Vehicle also displayed a change oil warning, likely triggered by overheating. This vehicle has a known history of turbocharger and coolant system defects, which have been acknowledged in GM technical service bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Programs. I have reason to believe this situation qualifies for one of those programs. Despite paying $730 for a prior repair, the vehicle is now exhibiting the same safety-related malfunction, putting my son at risk of engine damage and breakdown. We have also taken the car to Mike Anderson Chevrolet twice for inspection and they reported finding nothing. I am respectfully requesting the following: A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire cooling system and turbocharger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672416July 10, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, WHEELS
my recall is already completed, why on the your website still showing incompleted?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671614July 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting code after replacing 3 accelerator peddles. Possible manufacture issue with wiring that water gets into connectors shorting out that system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666137June 10, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665346June 6, 2025
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that there was hot air blowing from the vents at all time. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, with an abnormal fuel burning odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V417000 (EQUIPMENT). The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661264May 15, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658643May 3, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656528April 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the brakes, ABS, traction control, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took longer than normal to slow down. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle taken to a dealer where it was it diagnosed and determined that the brake booster pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655253April 17, 2025
AIR BAGS
On 7-27-2023 General Motors issued a recall on 2013 models of Sonic, my VIN was not included in this recall. However on 4-16-2025 my sonic was involved in a impact incident in which the air bags should have deployed, and did not. It is my opinion that Chevy, knowing of the issues with the model of car, should have issued a recall for my vehicle as well, but did not. As a result I suffered additional strain and injury during my impact as no airbags deployed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11654601April 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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 Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle had lost throttle and power. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651135March 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the ignition key remained stuck in the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact noticed that the gear shift indicator was indicating that the transmission was in park(P) and in drive(D) simultaneously. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter in and out of park(P) several times, and shifting back to park(P), the contact was able to release the key. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gear shifter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,419.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646466March 5, 2025
ENGINE
I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640293February 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640190February 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN. Our car caught fire but I'm not sure what actually caused it, it was in perfect working condition before. I saw articles online saying there was a voluntary recall due to faulty welding in the fuel tank so it could be that. I believe it's a dangerous defect and should be an official recall. My family and I almost lost our lives because of it
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632221December 23, 2024
AIR BAGS
The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11627237November 25, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Factory Radio. It will turn on and there is sound, but the screen is frozen. You can see everything on the screen, but if you press something on there it doesn’t do anything. Also, you can’t control it from the steering wheel either. I already removed the battery cables for 30 minutes and that didn’t correct the issue. It’s my opinion that the radio needs a software update. I have seen where other Chevy Sonic models and different years have had this exact issue with the radio, because you recalled and fixed them. This issue needs to be corrected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626964November 23, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unable to shift to park from drive due to internal mechanism broke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625449November 15, 2024
SEATS
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position. The malfunction is likely related to either the motor, seat track, or the electrical system controlling the adjustment. The seat is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The stuck seat presents a safety hazard because it is positioned too far back, which can prevent proper seating posture or seatbelt positioning for a passenger. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash, as the passenger may not be secured properly or may be too far from the airbag deployment zone. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and two other individuals knowledgeable about cars. The problem has been physically inspected, and the seat remains stuck in the rear position despite attempts to adjust it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives yet. However, it has been looked at by independent service providers, who have confirmed the issue with the passenger seat. My car is no longer secure by the bumper-to-bumper warranty despite only having 52K millage. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue with the seat adjustment occurred suddenly, with no prior indication that there was a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625053November 13, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The thermostat housing and water pump keeps failing and leaking.The seat heaters dont work. The car started leaking antifreeze real bad which cause it to overheat and lock up. Yes it has been confirm by a dealer that alot of the chevys been coming for new thermostat housing and water pumps. No vehicle was only inspected by a dealer. The overheating like came on and then 10 seconds later the car locked up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Chevrolet Sonic