CarRecallDB

2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems

2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.

2
recalls
48
owner complaints
8
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls

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

NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · reported June 10, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 18,780 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
The risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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 · 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.

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.

Feb 18, 2026 · Engine

This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue…

Jan 26, 2026 · Unknown or other

Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.

Aug 26, 2025 · Steering · 116,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally…

Jun 20, 2024 · Engine · 36,299 miles

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…

Aug 28, 2023 · 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.

Sonic model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 6217244
2014 4150114
2015 3114153
2016 24881
2017 03761
2018 11500
2019 0800

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

Questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, the most recent reported on June 10, 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (13 complaints), followed by electrical system (11).
How many 2016 Chevrolet Sonic complaints mention a crash or fire?
8 of 48 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 18, 2026.