Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Sonic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
On 4/1/2023 my engine light went on. I had my nephews look at it. see pictures below for engine read and how oil mixed with antifreeze. Also note service paperwork. Gaskets were not up to quality to keep the oil sealed in its compartment. Manager called and tried to take care of issue because he only uses genuine parts but was told there was an issue with this part and until there were more fatalities or more people complained noting could be done. He was NOT happy. They did the best they could resorting to youtube videos and imagination. When I got it back, it was like brand new. Two days later, my engine light came on again. You will find the new engine reading which again had the oil mix with the antifreeze and no oil left. The engine would blow/seize or worse if I kept driving it. I am on disability and live alone. …
A few months after this car was purchased, we received the notice regarding recall 14234 for our 2012 Chevy Sonic. However, when we brought it to the dealership, they stated that our vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I told them we were experiencing shaking while shifting and it seemed like the exact same issue. Now about 1 year later with less than 100,000 miles, the car will not shift properly into 3rd gear. The auto repair shop informed us that we need to get a new transmission among many other related repairs. We seem to have the exact same issue as reported in the recall; however, we continue to be informed that our vehicle does not fall under the umbrella of the recall. After doing a number of searches it seems that this is a common story. All these 2012 Chevy Sonics have the same issue yet do not fall under the recall.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine oil change services, there was an abnormal oil odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was coming from underneath the hood and after opening the hood, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.
After original P0011 engine code dealer bought from replaced VVT actuators, oil control solenoid, VCG, timing belt, water pump, antifreeze, idler and tensioner on 10/27 -11/21. Vehicle ran for one week and all thru Dec 2021 intermittently kept running rough and stalling and throwing P0011 code Camsgaft Position Sensor intake and P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. Smelled burning oil too. Replaced all separate throughout month -Camshaft position sensor intake, changed oil, spark plugs and now the ignition coil. Each time ran one day and code P0011 kept coming back. Running rough, poor gas mileage and stalls. Have extended warranty going back to dealer bought from.
I purchased this car 2 years ago and it has caused me absolutely nothing but trouble. We have replaced the fan 4 times (twice due to the resistor thats part of the fan failed), headgasket job, intercooler punctures (once inward, once outward), failed valve cover, intake maniford, turbo seals twice, failing check values, new relays for the fan (twice), another drive belt, and now I go outside and theres a puddle of coolant under my car. I have sunk over $8,000 into this car and it has been the worst financial decision ever. Why do the parts keep failing? Why isnt there a heat gage in the dang car so I know its too hot before the light comes on?
We have had to deal with severe overheating issues and failing parts our entire ownership of this vehicle, both of which then cause other parts to fail, as the parts are so poorly made and heat sensitive. We have replaced the turbocharger (twice), intake manifold + valve cover (twice), catalytic converter, the radiator (THREE TIMES), the cooling fan (twice), the MAF sensor (twice), and much more. All of this has been done over the course of 18months. This has easily been the most expensive car we have ever owned due to the constant repairs, all of which has been because of Failing Parts and overheating.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving approximately 5 MPH, smoke emerged from the engine compartment and a beeping noise started. Also, the temperature control warning indicator illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road and left it there for two days. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that four hoses attached to the radiator failed and the thermostat housing was damaged. In April, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because it was experiencing a failure with the heater system. It was diagnosed that antifreeze was leaking from the radiator to the engine. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,856.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. After driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact parked the vehicle and noticed smoke emerging from the engine compartment. The contact drove the vehicle back home (a mile away) and noticed a lot of smoke emerging from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil cooler component and lines failed and needed replacement. The dealer was not contacted. An independent mechanic could not find the part to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
Engine complaints in other Sonic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
NHTSA has 87 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 25% of the model year's 354 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.