Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 16 recalls and 935 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Sonic (model years 2011–2020). The most reported problem area is engine (235 complaints), followed by power train (227 complaints). The 2012 model year has the most recalls (7).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 0 | 37 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 2 | 48 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 114 | 15 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 150 | 11 | 4 | |
| 2013 | 6 | 217 | 24 | 4 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 354 | 27 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2012 (354), 2013 (217) and 2014 (150). Among model years at least two years old, the 2011 has the fewest complaints on file (1).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Chevrolet Sonic model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 235 | 7 of 10 | |
| Power train | 227 | 5 of 10 | |
| Electrical system | 220 | 7 of 10 | |
| Air bags | 125 | 7 of 10 | |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 66 | 7 of 10 |
Latest 8 of 16 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V516000 | Jul 27, 2023 | Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module | 2013 | 767 |
| 18V342000 | May 27, 2018 | Seats | 2018 | 71 |
| 16V422000 | Jun 10, 2016 | Electrical system: software | 2015–2016 | 18,780 |
| 16V257000 | Apr 28, 2016 | Electrical system: software | 2013–2016 | 317,572 |
| 15V416000 | Jun 30, 2015 | Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc. | 2015 | 45,785 |
| 14V543000 | Sep 9, 2014 | Air bags | 2014 | 304 |
| 14V417000 | Jul 2, 2014 | Equipment: electrical | 2012–2014 | 2,990 |
| 14V315000 | Jun 12, 2014 | Power train: automatic transmission | 2012 | 21,567 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 91 complaints and a fire in 18 complaints; 76 people injured and 2 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.