Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | −81% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2019 | 8 | −89% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2018 | 15 | −87% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2017 | 37 | −72% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2016 | 48 | −66% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2015 | 114 | −23% | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2014 | 150 | 1.3× | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2013 | 217 | 1.9× | 6 | Engine | Caution |
| 2012 | 354 | 3.0× | 7 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Sonic year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Sonic problems
Latest Chevrolet Sonic recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General 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 manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023.
Seats
General 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-back frame.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Electrical system › Software
General 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 radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Electrical system › Software
General 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 radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
General 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 manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Sonic should you avoid?
2012 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Sonic years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sonic years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2020. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Sonic problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (254), transmission & drivetrain (231) and electrical system (227). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Sonic had?
16 recalls across 2012–2020. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Chevrolet Sonic recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.