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2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 114owner complaints
- 15crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 19injuries reported
114 complaints, against an average of 104 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?
The components named most often in the 114 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Chevrolet Sonic owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 114 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?13 owners · 11.4%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?8 owners · 7%
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?7 owners · 6.1%
- Does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have emissions system or DPF problems?7 owners · 6.1%
- Why won't my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic start?5 owners · 4.4%
Has the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Software 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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
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.
Equipment: Electrical: Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
What do 2015 Chevrolet Sonic owners report?
12 of the 114 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.
Passenger seat airbag shows that it is still off even when there is someone in the Passenger seat
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact purchased the vehicle from a dealer in March 2024. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer at 60,000, and the advertisement stated 60,000. The contact recently acquired the Carfax report, which indicated that in April 2015, the odometer reading was 15,073 miles. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer reading was reported in April 2024 at 60,700 miles. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy but provided no assistance.
I have had this vehicle for three years now and no matter of the repairs I had done to it by machanics the check engind light continue to turn on and the vehicle has shut down on the road and I can't find out what the solution is. I am afraid to drive it.Also the mylink radio which has all the vehicle settings in it has malfunctioned. I cannot get to reset veichle settings. Vehicle will not turn over on the first key turn. The engine turns over on the third or forth turn and when it dose there is a loud ratteling noise.
Right Hand Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative, Outside Ambient Temperature Reading on Radio Display Inoperative, inoperative rear vision camera gridlines, and Onstar Menu Screen is Not Showing When Pressing Onstar Button. Inoperable radio steering wheel control buttons increase driver distraction risk in reaching for the radio display. Absence of rear camera gridlines reduce driver guidance in reverse. Onstar menu not starting in case of need. Reported in existing GM Technical Service Bulletin 16-NA-347. [XXX] ) Related to completed Key Chime recall completed prior to October 10, 2016…
Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced. Replaced necessary gaskets and reinstalled necessary components. Set transmission fluid level to specifications per procedure. Dealer advised they stock 3 TCM at all times due to many failures and demands of TCM.
Stalls when reduced speed. CEL constant. Codes indicate Emission promlem. Cleared by replacing intake valve. CEL came back on.
The air bags deployed while the vehicle was in motion. No Collision or impact occurred.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for…
My cars coolant is leaking and the source is unknown. My car has overheated twice and my mechanic has been unable to find what needs to be repaired. The coolant has need to to be filled twice within a 6 month period. Now my car is having other issues with the catalyst system that lead me to believe the coolant leak might be affecting these other parts. My catalytic converter was already replaced and the same code has popped up 4 months later.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CONSISTENCE OF WHITE SNOW UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DYER CHEVROLET (1000 US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32960, (772) 617-4793) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS…
MY CAR STARTING KILLING ON ME I HAD TO LEAVE IT AND GET A RIDE HOME A COUPLE OFF TIMES THE LAST TIME I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE THEY FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A LOCK OUT DEVICE ON IT THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 1-29 I GOT FIRED BECAUSE OF NO TRANSPORTION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. AN INSPECTOR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CRUCIAL ABS FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,603. *TT
2015 Chevrolet Sonic: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic; the most common categories were electrical system (34, 29.8%), air bags (27, 23.7%), engine (23, 20.2%). There are 3 safety recalls. 15 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 19 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?
Across 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (29.8% of complaints), air bags (23.7% of complaints), engine (20.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10.5% of complaints), power train (10.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic; the most recent (campaign 16V422000, 2016-06-10) concerns Electrical System: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?
13 of the 114 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic (11.4%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Air bag light on. There are 4 codes in the SDM, due to an internal fault in the sensing diagnostic module. The dealership states that it has to be replaced and will cost close to $1100 to have repaired and to clear all of the codes." (NHTSA complaint 11528703, June 2023). 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 check engine light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?
8 of the 114 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic (7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I took my car in for the recall for the manifold. within 30 days, the check engine light was on. took it in for service for that, all or the o2 sensors had gone bad, a crack in the housing at the thermostat and a few other things." (NHTSA complaint 11279439, November 2019). 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 114 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic (6.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Stalls when reduced speed. CEL constant. Codes indicate Emission promlem. Cleared by replacing intake valve. CEL came back on." (NHTSA complaint 11609919, August 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.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have emissions system or DPF problems?
7 of the 114 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic (6.1%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "My cars coolant is leaking and the source is unknown. My car has overheated twice and my mechanic has been unable to find what needs to be repaired. The coolant has need to to be filled twice within a 6 month period." (NHTSA complaint 11525327, June 2023). 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 won't my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic start?
5 of the 114 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic (4.4%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "I have had this vehicle for three years now and no matter of the repairs I had done to it by machanics the check engind light continue to turn on and the vehicle has shut down on the road and I can't find out what the solution is." (NHTSA complaint 11622159, 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.
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), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only.