Most common 2020 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Share of the 10 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 →
What 2020 Chevrolet Sonic owners say
Electrical system
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.
Purchased from Carvana. Nine days after purchase came out to a dead battery took it to the authorized dealer and they said the battery was a bad cell battery. Replace the battery. Six days after they replaced the battery it was dead again. This time they had it in the shop for two weeks before they found the issue. It had been aftermarket wired with a GPS tracking system that was draining the battery. They said if I have any further issues with it, I need to take it to a dealer. They gave me a bag full of multiple components that had been added to the vehicle. I do not know how Carvana missed them all.
Transmission & drivetrain
1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also overheats creating hazardous leaks of anti freeze at boiling temperatures ability to burn anyone who comes in contact. This remains an ongoing issue with vehicle, vehicle now back in possesion of bank Santander Consumer USA, this is being reported to protect any innocent parties involved to avoid injuries or even fatality
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.
2020 Chevrolet Sonic engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Sonic rates better than average: 81% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sonic at the same age. It is one of the best Sonic years by this measure. 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 5,000 miles; 100% 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.