MotorDeets

Chevrolet Sonic problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Sonic from 2011 to 2020: 953 owner complaints and 23 recalls across 10 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (354), 2013 (217), 2014 (150). Best fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (2018).

Chevrolet Sonic
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine239
Transmission & drivetrain231
Electrical226
Other / unknown166
Airbags126
Fuel & propulsion69
Steering54
Brakes39

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
201101–
2012735432
2013621732
2014415032
2015311432
201624832
201703732
201811432
20190831
202001029

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Chevrolet Sonic.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Sonic?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (354), 2013 (217), 2014 (150).

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Sonic had?

Across 2011–2020, NHTSA lists 23 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).