Most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Share of the 48 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Sonic complaints by model year
Best Sonic years: 2019, 2018, 2020. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls (2)
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.
What 2016 Chevrolet Sonic owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times and the thermostat housing was replaced three times due to its plastic-based material. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.
Electrical system
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
My car was bought in oct of 2015. It did not come with a rear camera back up system, however the center display (radio & controls panel) started displaying an error message about this back up system. At the same time the phone & radio controls located on the steering wheel also stopped working. When blue toothing a phone (have tried with more than one type) it often disconnects & when it does connect, it doesn't fully connect. Both the steering wheel control & blue tooth problems started at the time the rear back up error began showing up. This error has been displaying for many months & I no longer have a warranty that would cover this expensive repair. The date selected is an estimation.
Air bags
Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn't my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn't my fault and it's the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these expeensives that I cannot pay for.
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. While attempting to turn onto a neighborhood street in the rain, the vehicle hydroplaned and began to slide. The contact crashed into the front end of another vehicle that was idling at a stop sign. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The hood and front driver's side of the vehicle were damaged. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop by the contact's insurance company. The other driver sustained small cuts that did not require medical attention. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The cause of the failure was not determined. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 97,131.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 38 / 32 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Sonic rates better than average: 66% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sonic at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
The engine & cooling — 14 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (11) and air bags (8).
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, the most recent from June 10, 2016 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Sonic?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full Chevrolet Sonic years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.