Problem Lookup › Chevrolet › Sonic › 2014
Car problem report
2014 Chevrolet Sonic problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 150owner complaints
- 11crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 35%fail the UK MOT
150 complaints, against an average of 100 for the other 8 Chevrolet Sonic model years.
Every Chevrolet Sonic model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
The components named most often in the 150 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Chevrolet Sonic owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 150 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?17 owners · 11.3%
- Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?15 owners · 10%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?7 owners · 4.7% · Recall 14V543000
- Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic overheat?6 owners · 4%
Has the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment: Electrical: Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. 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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
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 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.
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.
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.
How often does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2014, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2014 Chevrolet Sonic owners report?
12 of the 150 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 no warning lights or electrical symptoms. On 09/10/2026 at about 12:00 p.m., the car caught fire while parked. It had not been driven or started since about 5:00 p.m. the day before (about 19 hours), so the engine and charging system were off. The fire appears to have started at…
Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.
Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition
It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil
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 on the vehicle, and now this loud engine noise issue and leaking oil. I was driving home from a relative's home Saturday night Dec 27th late evening on the expressway when I noticed my car driving very sluggish and jerking and make extremely loud engine noises and continued burning…
Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been with the dealer now for a third time for same issue. They’ve had it for 3 weeks and 2 days total. Still an issue.
"off" remains illuminated on my passenger airbag light whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat. It's actually somewhat rare to see "on" illuminated. There was a recall on this model for airbag issues but my vehicle specifically was not recalled. My vehicle was recalled for catalytic converter but I'm still getting codes. Most of the problems the Sonic has been recalled for, my vehicle has symptoms of but I get cannot afford to pay repair cost up front and I cannot find a mechanic who would be willing to take the steps to report my vehicle should've been apart of the recall.
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…
Passenger airbag not active even though an average sized (160 pound) adult is sitting there.This is very very dangerous.Apparently a pressure sensitive monitor in the passenger seat is not working correctly.I have read many many complaints about this on the Chevrolet Sonic on this website.This started out as a sporadic problem,but now is constant.
Traction contorl light and check engine light comes on and its throwing my car into limp mode. we have changed out the throttle body and the pedal sensor and still having the same problem.
THISNVEHICLE WAS PURCHASE ON THE YEAR 2016 OF APRIL. SO HAPPY AT FIRST BUT IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS HAVE PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS AND ONE OF TTHE COVER OF THE FRONT MIRRORS ARE MISSING . CALLED AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER (TOYOTA OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD ) AND SAID BRING IT TO THE CHEVY BRANCH WHERE THEY CANNCHECK AND FIX IT . IT WAS STRESSING AND DEPRESSING CAUSE EVRYWEEK PASSED YOU'LL EXPERIENCED ANOTHER PROBLEM SUCH AS AIRDCONDITION AND HEATER NOT WORKING . I'VE BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO CHEVY IN VAN NUYS , CALIFORNIA BUT THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE'S NO WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE . I TRIED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE…
THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON IS 55 MPH ON BEAR IN. AS I BEGAN TO BREAK NOTHING HAPPENED. A 90 CORNER WAS IN FRONT OF ME. 55TH AVE. I PUSHED AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BREAKS. IT WAS SMOOTH.. TRACTION CONTROL WAS ON. NO BREAKING UNIT WENT INTO AFFECT. IT WAS SMOOTH ALL THE WAY INTO A TREE HEAD ON. ZERO SKID MARKS! I WAS CONSCIOUS THE ENTIRE TIME CLOSED ON EYES RIGHT BEFORE IMPACT. AIR BAGS DID WORK. THE ENGINE STARTED ON FIRE 3X. THEY HAD TO USE THE JAWS OF LIFE TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE TREE. I PUSHED SO HARD ON THE BREAK THAT IT BROKE MY ANKLE, SPLIT MY KNEE OPEN AND SPRAINED MY KNEE. I WAS…
2014 Chevrolet Sonic: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic; the most common categories were electrical system (49, 32.7%), engine (38, 25.3%), air bags (24, 16%). There are 4 safety recalls. 11 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
Across 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (32.7% of complaints), engine (25.3% of complaints), air bags (16% of complaints), power train (13.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic; the most recent (campaign 16V257000, 2016-04-28) concerns Equipment: Electrical: Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
17 of the 150 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic (11.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of…" (NHTSA complaint 11619905, October 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
15 of the 150 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic (10%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street." (NHTSA complaint 11734965, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
7 of the 150 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic (4.7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. A related recall exists: campaign 14V543000 (air bags). 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. One owner wrote: ""off" remains illuminated on my passenger airbag light whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat. It's actually somewhat rare to see "on" illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11596073, June 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic overheat?
6 of the 150 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic (4%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "The vehicle has previously had the coolant reservoir and water outlet changed not very long ago. not i am having the same issue with both of the parts again." (NHTSA complaint 11374762, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sonic
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2014 only.