Problem Lookup âș Chevrolet âș Sonic âș 2016
Car problem report
2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 48owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 1fire report
- 6injuries reported
48 complaints, against an average of 113 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
The components named most often in the 48 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Chevrolet Sonic owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 48 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?6 owners · 12.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?5 owners · 10.4%
- Why does my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic overheat?4 owners · 8.3%
- Why does my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic idle rough, misfire or hesitate?3 owners · 6.3%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?3 owners · 6.3%
Has the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
2 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.
What do 2016 Chevrolet Sonic owners report?
12 of the 48 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.
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. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines that came out after 2014. There cars don't have temperature gauges and when they overheat they don't tell you until a light comes on the dash and by then it's too late and your engine is blown. ThisâŠ
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 Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.
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.
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. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle wasâŠ
Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasnât my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasnât my fault and itâs the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these expeensives that I cannot pay for.
THE HEAT DOESNT WORK. KEEPS BLOWING OUT COOL AIR. THIS PAST SUMMER THE AC WOULDN'T WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT THEY FIXED IT. I BELIEVE THE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED.
THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING EVERY TIME I HAD TO PUT GAS IN IT THEN IT WOULDN'T CRANK AT ALL AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETREMINE THAT THIS FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE HAS CREATED AN INABILITY TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND EVERY TIME WE GET IT RUNNING IT REPEATEDLY CUTS OFF TILL WE REV IT UP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEN IT TRIES TO CUT OFF EVERY TIME WE STOP AT A LIGHT.
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROX 2 MONTHS.
EMISSIONS (EVAP) CODE. LOSING POWER, FEELS AS IF ENGINE IS SLIPPING/DRAGGING WHEN ACCELERATING. ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS & TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ONLY WHEN REACHING HIGH RPMS. *TR
THESE ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BOTH IN MOTION AND STILL.THE RIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS QUITE EXCESSIVELY. THE MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE REAR INDICATOR TO TURN OFF AND THE PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND YOU CANNOT SEE YOU USING A TURN SIGNAL. ALSO THE SUSPENSION DOES NOT BRACE IMPACT OR ADJUST TO DIFFERENT TERRAIN.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic; the most common categories were engine (13, 27.1%), electrical system (11, 22.9%), air bags (8, 16.7%). There are 2 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
Across 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (27.1% of complaints), electrical system (22.9% of complaints), air bags (16.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10.4% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (6.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 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 does my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 48 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (12.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. the contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11342404, July 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.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
5 of the 48 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (10.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that the valve cover gasket became defective, the check engine warning indicator persistently illuminated, and the turbo engine's fins were bent." (NHTSA complaint 11281438, 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic overheat?
4 of the 48 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (8.3%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11718737, February 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 does my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 48 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (6.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The car started sputtering every time i had to put gas in it then it wouldn't crank at all and we have been able to detremine that this fuel system issue has created an inability to keep the car running and every time we get it running it repeatedly cuts offâŠ" (NHTSA complaint 11365051, October 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.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
3 of the 48 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (6.3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owned a 2016 chevrolet sonic. while driving and making a right turn, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. the side curtain air bag failed to deploy." (NHTSA complaint 11118152, August 2018). 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 2016 only.