2014 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems

4 recalls and 150 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic.

4
recalls
150
owner complaints
11
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 Chevrolet Sonic recalls

Electrical system: software · Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.

NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · reported April 28, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 317,572 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
The risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
The fix
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. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 14V543000 · reported September 9, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 304 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
The risk
If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · reported July 2, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 2,990 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
The risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly, mounting

NHTSA campaign 13V464000 · reported September 26, 2013 · General Motors LLC · 1,558 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
The risk
If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical system · fire reported

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…

Apr 30, 2026 · Steering

Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.

Mar 2, 2026 · Electrical system

Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition

Feb 21, 2026 · Engine

It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil

Dec 31, 2025 · Engine

Around April of 2025, I noticed loud engine noises and cold start loud noises coming from the engine. My car has been in the shop multiple times since then and I opened a case with GM about multiple repair issues with my 2014 Chevy Sonic LT even though I take excellent care of the vehicle and perform all maintenance…

Sonic model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2011 0100
2012 7354275
2013 6217244
2014 4150114
2015 3114153
2016 24881
2017 03761

Across all years, the 2012 Sonic has the most complaints (354). All Chevrolet Sonic years →

Questions

Does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, the most recent reported on April 28, 2016 (Electrical system: software, Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (49 complaints), followed by engine (38).
How many 2014 Chevrolet Sonic complaints mention a crash or fire?
11 of 150 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 10, 2026.