DEFECTFILE
Vehicles / Chevrolet / Sonic

Chevrolet Sonic

1,423 federal complaints across 10 model years (2011-2020) ยท 16 recall campaigns

Complaints by model year

Federal complaints filed against each model year of the Chevrolet Sonic. Hover a bar for the count.

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Three most-complained-about yearsAll other years

Which years to avoid

Ranked from the same federal record. Click any year for its full file.

Years to look at twice

  1. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic - 522 complaints
  2. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic - 322 complaints
  3. 2014 Chevrolet Sonic - 230 complaints
Highest raw complaint counts. Counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Quieter years

  1. 2017 Chevrolet Sonic - 59 complaints
  2. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic - 69 complaints
  3. 2015 Chevrolet Sonic - 171 complaints
Fewest complaints among years with a meaningful record; the two newest model years are excluded because they have had little time to accumulate filings.

What fails, all years combined

Engine & cooling
257
Power train
231
Electrical system
226
Air bags
126
Fuel system
74
Steering
54

Every model year

Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2020 Chevrolet Sonic160
2019 Chevrolet Sonic100
2018 Chevrolet Sonic231
2017 Chevrolet Sonic590
2016 Chevrolet Sonic692
2015 Chevrolet Sonic1713
2014 Chevrolet Sonic2304
2013 Chevrolet Sonic3226
2012 Chevrolet Sonic5227
2011 Chevrolet Sonic10

Recall campaigns, all years

Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Recall repairs are free at the dealer.

CampaignYearsComponentSummary
23V5160002013Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a
18V3420002018SeatsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-ba
16V4220002015-2016EquipmentGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected ra
16V2570002013-2016EquipmentGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radi
15V4160002015EquipmentGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactu
14V5430002014Air BagsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the s
14V4170002012-2014EquipmentGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufact
14V3150002012Power TrainGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmissi
14V3000002012Air BagsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7
13V4640002013-2014Fuel System, GasolineGeneral Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the fron
13V2200002013Exterior LightingGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Ori
13V0230002012Air BagsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a sho
12V5220002012Air BagsGeneral Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may interm
12V4540002013Exterior LightingGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to oper
12V4080002012VisibilityGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Fe
11V5990002012Service Brakes, HydraulicGENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BR