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Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 9 model years, NHTSA lists 23 recalls and 953 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Sonic. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Chevrolet Sonic by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic | 0 | 10 | |
| 2019 Chevrolet Sonic | 0 | 8 | |
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic | 1 | 15 | |
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic | 0 | 37 | |
| 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | 2 | 48 | |
| 2015 Chevrolet Sonic | 3 | 114 | |
| 2014 Chevrolet Sonic | 4 | 150 | |
| 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | 6 | 217 | |
| 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | 7 | 354 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Chevrolet models.
Chevrolet Sonic: questions owners ask
Which Chevrolet Sonic year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Chevrolet Sonic model years with the most are the 2012 (354), 2013 (217) and 2014 (150). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2019 (8), 2020 (10) and 2018 (15), out of 9 model years from 2012 to 2020. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 6 Chevrolet Sonic model years, 23 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2012 (7), 2013 (6) and 2014 (4). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the most stalling complaints?
84 owner complaints across 7 Chevrolet Sonic model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (35), 2014 (15) and 2013 (14) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the most check engine light complaints?
82 owner complaints across 6 Chevrolet Sonic model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2012 (30), 2013 (17) and 2014 (17) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the most airbag complaints?
36 owner complaints across 4 Chevrolet Sonic model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2012 (13), 2015 (13) and 2014 (7) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
35 owner complaints across 3 Chevrolet Sonic model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2012 (22), 2013 (10) and 2016 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have the most overheating complaints?
26 owner complaints across 5 Chevrolet Sonic model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2013 (8), 2014 (6) and 2016 (4) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Chevrolet Sonic fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Chevrolet Sonic's first-time failure rate ranged from 35.4% for cars first registered in 2014 to 48.4% for 2011, across 4 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were suspension, lights and electrics, visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors). Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.