Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Purchased my car in October of 2018. In July of 2019, my check engine light came on, followed shortly afterward by the temperature overheat gauge. Took my car in and was told that my thermostat needed replaced and that this is common with my make/model. Replaced the thermostat. In January 2020, check engine light came on again, with a po599 code. Took it to local auto shop to have it diagnosed; they said that the check engine light came on when starting the car, so likely wasn't an overheating issue. They thought it was the sensors/circuits. After running diagnostic check, again suggested replacing the thermostat. This is now the second time the thermostat has needed replaced in the year and three months that I have owned the vehicle. When at jiffy lube, I was told that they had seen at least four other sonics come in with the same check engine code.
The manual transmission's clutch master cylinder failed on two occasions. It snapped into two pieces. On the first occasion, on March 24, 2022 I stepped on the clutch pedal, and it remained on the floor. The car was essentially inoperable. I was able to coast to a stop by the curb, but the car had to be towed. The part was repaired at a Chevrolet dealer with GM parts and returned to me on March 31, 2022. On June 9, 2022, the part failed again, in the identical manner. The part snapped into two pieces. The Chevrolet dealer is, over my objection, replacing the part. I have objected to the replacement of the part, because I am concerned that it is defective and certain to fail once again in the same way as it did on the two other occasions. I was fortunate on both occassions to be on suburban streets with very light traffic. I was able to coast to a stop at curbside on both occasions. …
Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced. Replaced necessary gaskets and reinstalled necessary components. Set transmission fluid level to specifications per procedure. Dealer advised they stock 3 TCM at all times due to many failures and demands of TCM.
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). …
The button on the sifter handle has broken and gets stuck in allowing the shift handle to move freely. This has caused my vehicle to shift into neutral while driving. It has also allowed my vehicle to shift into reverse on its own while sitting in the parked position. This issue has been going on in a lot of the Sonic and needs to be recalled. My vehicle has also shifted into reverse and hit another vehicle parked behind me.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (154), 2013 (38), 2014 (20) and 2015 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 44% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Sonic transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-315 (automatic transmission, Jun 12, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Sonic transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › lever and linkage › column shift (1).
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.