Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Chevrolet Sonic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct polarity, both terminals tight and free of corrosion, hold-down secured. The car ran normally for about eight weeks, with no warning lights or electrical symptoms. On 09/10/2026 at about 12:00 p.m., the car caught fire while parked. It had not been driven or started since about 5:00 p.m. the day before (about 19 hours), so the engine and charging system were off. The fire appears to have started at the battery. It stayed in the engine compartment but melted the underhood fuse box and the engine wiring harness. The local volunteer fire department responded, and a police report was filed. …
Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard
Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been with the dealer now for a third time for same issue. They've had it for 3 weeks and 2 days total. Still an issue.
This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again. I have had it to service department and there are no codes generated, this started back in 6/2021 and continues to be a problem
The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it usually will start again after shutting down
My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). …
I had taken the key out of the ignition and it was very hot about the end of July. On Friday August 11, I noticed a pause in the car starting the a sound of a knock leaving work. I arrived home around 6:00 p.m. Parked in my drive way for the day. I was awaken Saturday morning by my neighbor be made my car was on fire. This was determined by lawrence fire department of an engine fire.
Approximately 2 weeks ago, my airbag warning light came on. The manual said to take it to the dealership immediately as the airbag could fail to deploy in an accident or could deploy for no reason causing severe injury. I noticed there had been a recall issued for this vehicle in 2014 for this issue. Actions: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the ip harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners May contact Chevrolet customer service at [phone]. GM's number for this recall is 14537. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning recall #14V543000 . I called the number at Chevy customer service, and they were no help-said my VIN number wasn't listed in the recall. …
A few years ago my power steering went on. It was still under warranty and I took it to the dealership to get replaced right after the warranty expired the power steering went out again. Currently my ac is broken and I've spent a good bit of money trying to fix it; yet it still doesn't work. Now my car won't start. I've relpalced the battery a couple years ago because my car kept dying. I bought this car bran new and it had caused me nothing but financial issues. I tried contacting Chevy about his car a few years ago when the power steering went out. Explaining that these are major components of my car it's not like I'm complaining about changing my tires or new brakes you now normal wear and tear. I shouldn't have to deal with these issues with a new car. …
I bought this car used back in October 2017, I've had overheating problems, the dealership fixed twice under an extended warranty the third time I had to fix myself (they said my extended warranty expired). I noticed my key would get stuck in the ignition after putting the gear in park, I discovered the button on my gear shift is cracked and I have to pull it all the way put to remove the key. The latest adventure is I was driving on the highway in the fast lane at about 75 MPH when my car made a pop noise then slightly jerked then started to slow down. The check engine light came along with the traction light, I was able to safely get over to the shoulder I parked and cut the car off. After a few minutes I was able to start my car back up and get it to an auto store to find out why the check engine light was on. …
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Sonic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, 33% of the model year's 150 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-257 (software, Apr 28, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.