Chevrolet Sonic problems
The Chevrolet Aveo (/əˈveɪ.oʊ/ ə-VAY-oh) is a five-passenger, front-drive subcompact car (B-segment) marketed by General Motors (GM) since 2002 over two generations. Originally developed by South Korean manufacturer Daewoo Motors and marketed as the Daewoo Kalos, the takeover of Daewoo by GM to form GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT) resulted in the car's marketing in 120 countries under seven brands (Chevrolet, Daewoo, ZAZ, Holden, Pontiac, Ravon and Suzuki) — prominently as the Aveo.
The second-generation Aveo, developed by GM Korea (formerly GMDAT), was introduced in 2011 and was also marketed as the Chevrolet Sonic in markets including the Americas, Japan, Middle East, South Africa and several Southeast Asian markets. Production of the second-generation model ended in October 2020.
Since 2017, GM marketed the Chinese market Chevrolet Sail sedan in Mexico and other Central American countries as the Aveo. Developed by GM PATAC in China and produced by joint venture SAIC-GM, it was positioned below the more advanced Sonic. In 2023, GM imported a new version to Mexico in a sedan and hatchback form, developed and manufactured by another Chinese joint venture, SAIC-GM-Wuling.
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Chevrolet Sonic model years
Common Chevrolet Sonic problems
The Chevrolet Sonic, a sporty subcompact available as a sedan or hatchback, has been known to have several common problems related to the engine and electrical systems. Here are the most common issues found in different model years based on complaints from owners:
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
- Most common problem: Hesitation when shifting
- Bad Transmission: Average cost to fix $3,600; average mileage 73,000 mi
- Check Engine Light On: Average cost to fix $1,400; average mileage 57,000 mi
- Engine Won't Turn Over, Won't Start: Average cost to fix $1,300; average mileage 48,000 mi
- Cooling system problems and leaks
- Oil leaks
- Check Engine light issues
2013 Chevrolet Sonic
- Engine Won't Turn Over, Won't Start: Average cost to fix $1,300; average mileage 48,000 mi
- Coolant leaks
- Radiator fan failure
- Catalytic converter troubles
- Thermostat failure
- Odometer problems
- Air conditioning issues
2014 Chevrolet Sonic
- Passenger seat light coming on and off on its own
- Vehicle starting on its own with no manual input
- Car sporadically not responding to the fob
- Inability to get the key fob out of the ignition
- Suspension problems, including bad sway bar links and struts
2015 Chevrolet Sonic
- Electrical issues, such as lights turning on and off, doors locking and unlocking, dash lights turning on and off, and loss of power steering
- Engine stalling connected to antifreeze leaks
These issues can be costly to fix and may lead to inconvenient situations for owners. Keeping the engine oil and coolant levels topped up can help avoid some of the problems. It is recommended that potential buyers be aware of these common problems and consider them when purchasing a used Chevrolet Sonic.
Is a Chevy Sonic a reliable car?
According to repairpal.com, the Chevrolet Sonic has an average reliability rating of four out of five. Compared to 21 subcompact cars, it is ranked 14th overall. It's about the middle of the pack in terms of overall reliability. According to withclutch.com, the Chevrolet Sonic has a reliability rating of about 45.3.
Do Chevy Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission Problems. The Chevy Sonic problems include issues with the transmission. Transmission problems are most prevalent in the 2012-2015 vehicles. Minor repairs will cost you about $100 to fix, but others may require a new transmission.
How long do Chevy Sonics usually last?
Typical mileage for the Chevy Sonic is 150,000-200,000 miles. Thus, high mileage is around 130,000-140,000 miles. This is the point where the Sonic might start to encounter some more damaging issues and it's probably already experienced many minor ones that start to drive car owner's crazy in time.
Are Chevy Sonics expensive to repair?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Sonic is $536, compared to an average of $456 for subcompact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Sonic years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Sonic cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Sonic model years:
- Chevrolet Sonic 2012
- Chevrolet Sonic 2013
- Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Chevrolet Sonic 2016
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Sonic model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Sonic years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Sonic car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Sonic , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Sonic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sonic model years
A total of 88 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sonic model years
There were a total of 15 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sonic model years
There were a total of 72 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sonic model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 913 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Sonic . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Sonic vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1G1JC5SG7F4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 1G1JC5SH8F4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. Current vehicle codes were reviewed by Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint, and no existing error codes related to the issue were presented. No warning lamps on, messages on radio display, or other symptoms. Errors all presented simultaneously with no warning. Appeared first June 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1G1JE5SB4E4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 1G1JC6SH9F4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 1G1JE6SB6F4
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Stalls when reduced speed. CEL constant. Codes indicate Emission promlem. Cleared by replacing intake valve. CEL came back on.
Chevrolet Sonic 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 1G1JC5SH4C4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a friend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and struck the curb. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side suspension had failed. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced, along with the front axle and ball joints. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Chevrolet Sonic 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: 1G1JD5SBXK4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while pulling into the garage, the high engine temp warning light illuminated, and the engine was overheating. The contact immediately turned off the vehicle. The contact stated there was coolant underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact had learned that the water pump failure was common for the vehicle and believed that the water pump had failed. The contact was able to identify an extended warranty for the failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure when it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,400.
Chevrolet Sonic 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
- VIN: 1G1JB5SB3L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving.
Chevrolet Sonic 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 1G1JE5SB9D4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the CEL came back with P2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.
Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-18
- VIN: 1G1JC5SB6E4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The pretensioner cable that secures the end of the seatbelt to the seat frame had severed. I am told the pretensioner has a small explosive inside its barrel that I assume releases some sort of spring internally upon impact of a collision. The release of this spring is supposed to pull the pretensioner cable downwards and by extension pull the seatbelt end tighter. This in conjunction with the seatbelt retractor would then keep the driver or passenger tight to the seat in the event of an accident. I notice the cable for the driver side pretensioner over the last few months had strands of steel breaking until it had finally completely severed. I have kept both halves of the severed cable if inspection is requested. This is an extremely unsafe situation to occur. Had I gotten into an accident with the cable partially or completely broken it would have rendered the seatbelt essentially useless. There were no warning lights or associated codes ever displayed from the vehicle’s computer. There were no inspections done by insurance, police, manufacturer, dealership or any others. I ended up ordering the part online to fix myself. I used all manufacturers torque specs and procedures to replace. I fixed it myself because it was my daily driver vehicle and I needed to have it working safely as soon as possible. When I noticed the cable had completely broken I drove my vehicle home and did not drive it again until I had the new part and it was replaced which was about two weeks later. I had asked the dealer and searched for recalls for my vehicle and neither the dealer nor the nhtsa recall search showed anything regarding issues with the pretensioner cable. I did end up seeing GM had issued a recall for a similar pretensioner cable (about 2500 vehicles) for a few of their full sized trucks and SUVs. The claim was based on where the cable was in the vehicle it had abnormal amounts of metal fatigue from drivers exiting and entering. I believe the same issue happened to me.
Chevrolet Sonic 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-18
- VIN: 1G1JD5SB5H4
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-03
- VIN: 1G1JC5SH1F4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The air bags deployed while the vehicle was in motion. No Collision or impact occurred.
Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-24
- VIN: 1G1JC6SG0E4
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: "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.
Chevrolet Sonic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-20
- VIN: 1G1JH6SB4G4
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-15
- VIN: 1G1JC6SH9E4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it usually will start again after shutting down
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Sonic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 23 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Sonic.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Sonic 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
- Model: Chevrolet Sonic 2018
- Report Received Date: 2018-05-27
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
- Consequence: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
- Model: Chevrolet Sonic 2015
- Report Received Date: 2016-06-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Sonic 2016
- Report Received Date: 2016-06-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Sonic 2014
- Report Received Date: 2016-04-28
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
- Remedy: 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.
Latest negative Chevrolet Sonic car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Sonic car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2014
I recently had to take my Chevy Spark in for service and was given a Sonic as a rental car. I was so impressed with the Sonic that I went to the dealership the next day to look into buying one. I ended up getting the LT model in Dragon Green and it has been the best car I have ever owned. I receive compliments on it daily and it is incredibly fun to drive. Recently, I was rear-ended by a 2015 Nissan Sentra and although it was nearly a total loss, my Sonic proved to have excellent safety ratings. The damages to my Sonic were under 3k and easily repairable. Additionally, the gas mileage in this car is amazing, just as good as what I got in the Spark. If you are looking for a sporty, fun, and economical car that still has plenty of room to haul kids and stuff, the Sonic is definitely the car for you!
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Vehicle year: 2018
After driving my 2016 Sonic for 8,500 miles, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on this surprisingly well-built car. As someone who commutes over 100 miles round trip a day in upstate NY, the Sonic and I have spent a lot of quality time together over the past few months. I previously owned a 2013 Honda Fit, but the Sonic has exceeded my expectations and blown it out of the water. The Sonic is priced exceptionally competitively for what you get. I paid just over $11,000 for my LS Hatch, brand new. Although it didn't come with a lot of bells and whistles, it's an American-built car that is a top safety pick, has Bluetooth and Onstar, and looks stylish to boot. I considered getting a new Fit, but I couldn't justify spending 5k-7k more for a car with the same features built in Mexico. Driving-wise, the Sonic outperforms the Fit as well. For a subcompact car, the Sonic is fun to drive (while getting an average of 35 mpg) and you sit fairly high up in comparison to other subcompacts. My wife has a Subaru Impreza, and when riding in her vehicle, one sits noticeably closer to the road. The Sonic's interior design is functional and well thought out, although the materials could be of higher quality. However, if I cared about being surrounded by
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Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased this car back in October 2015 as a replacement for my 2005 Ford Escape, which was in dire need of repairs. My main criteria was to find the most affordable Chevrolet that was manufactured in the United States. I ended up with the base LS Sedan 5 speed, with the only factory option being a cargo net. I must say, I had no idea how much I would enjoy driving this car! It has quickly become my favorite car to drive, even more so than our family's 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and my daughter's 2011 Chevy Cruise. The Sonic Sedan sits high, providing great sight lines, and is very easy to get in and out of, even for passengers over 6 feet tall. The trunk is incredibly spacious, and with both back seats folded down, you can fit an impressive amount of stuff in this car. The seats are comfortable, and there is more than enough room for four average-sized passengers. The real joy of this little car is how smoothly it drives. Equipped with the base 1.8-liter engine and a 5-speed transmission, the gear spacing is perfect, and the car can easily reach 75-80 mph without the driver feeling uncomfortable. The suspension is also noteworthy, providing a comfortable ride over any road surface while still maintaining control around curves. It's amazing to think that this car has a beam rear axle, but I read that Chevrolet had the suspension team for the Corvette set the spring rates and shock damping for the rear suspension. Lastly, I must mention that my combined mpg is 34.5 mpg, and if I reset the mpg display before a highway trip, I can get up to 40 mpg. That's the truth, and it may be due to the manual transmission. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend the Sonic Sedan to anyone in the market for a reliable and enjoyable car.What I don't like about the car is the quirky LED instrument panel. The only analog gauge is the tachometer; everything else is digital. My biggest complaint is that there is no temperature display, which can be inconvenient in the winter. However, I must say that I have had absolutely ZERO problems with this car, from a maintenance or build quality perspective. It is very tight, and very quiet - surprisingly so. In summary, I really like this car a lot! I bought it as basic transportation, but it has turned out to be way more than that. Finally, on a recent business trip, I had the chance to rent a 2014 Sonic LT sedan with 42,000 miles. That car had all the features I like about my car, but with power windows, an automatic transmission, and a decent factory sound system, and with 42K on the click it was still tight and quiet. These are great little cars that live a lot bigger than they actually are.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I've owned a string of Japanese cars for the past 20 years, including 2 Camrys, a Corolla, a Sequioa, a Maxima, an Infiniti, a Sentra, a Frontier, plus a few domestics like a Cavalier, a Corsica, a Dakota RT, a Durango, a Contour V6, a Corvette, and a Taurus. I grew up on Pintos, Dusters, and other rust buckets. Additionally, I've rented hundreds of cars of various makes and models. I must say, this car is by far the biggest bang for the buck I've ever owned or driven. Even though I purchased the base model at a steep discount, the car still far exceeds my expectations. The 1.8 engine combined with the manual 5-speed is a hoot to drive. It feels quick, handles great, and is reasonably comfortable and quiet.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your LTZ with the 1.4 Turbo engine! It's great to know that you're getting above 30 MPG in mostly city driving. The car feels very solid and is a pleasure to drive, with a composed ride and great visibility. The media system works well, including the phone operation, media applications, and radio itself. The large screen provides a lot of information in a clear and friendly manner. With Remote Link and OnStar, you can even start the engine from far away via satellite. I'm also happy to hear that the turn by turn directions via OnStar worked well for you, and that you can download your route via smartphone. Overall, it sounds like you're very satisfied with your car!
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Sonic?
Tyree Jerde 2025-11-08
Vehicle year: 2017
I bought this car as the second car I have ever owned. To be honest, I loved it at first. However, living in Utah, I found that this car is not the best for winter. It is too light to have decent traction in the snow and rain, and it takes forever to defog.
Raleigh Reilly 2025-11-07
Vehicle year: 2018
I purchased my 2016 Chevy Sonic LTZ Turbo Hatchback brand new to avoid the issues that come with owning a used car. I paid $17,000 for it, after considering a used Honda Fit. I was drawn to the Sonic's appearance and design. It ran smoothly for the first 30,000 miles, but then developed a cracked cylinder. The first time it happened, it was still under warranty, so all the cylinders were replaced. However, when it happened again just outside of the warranty at around 63,000 miles, I had to pay for the repair. I was disappointed with how GM handled the situation. After the repair, the turbo had no power, and I experienced other mechanical issues that I won't go into. Despite its great design, the Sonic is not a reliable GM product. I would only consider buying another GM product if it was given to me or at a very low price. I recommend doing thorough research before making a purchase.
Chauncey Keeling 2025-11-07
Vehicle year: 2016
I purchased my 2016 Chevy Sonic LTZ Turbo Hatchback brand new to avoid the issues that come with owning a used car. I paid $17,000 for it, after considering a used Honda Fit. I was drawn to the Sonic's appearance and design. It ran smoothly for the first 30,000 miles, but then developed a cracked cylinder. The first time it happened, it was still under warranty, so all the cylinders were replaced. However, when it happened again just outside of the warranty at around 63,000 miles, I had to pay for the repair. I was disappointed with how GM handled the situation. After the repair, the turbo had no power, and I experienced other mechanical issues that I won't go into. Despite its great design, the Sonic is not a reliable GM product. I would only consider buying another GM product if it was given to me or at a very low price. I recommend doing thorough research before making a purchase.
Bartholome Nicolas 2025-11-01
Vehicle year: 2013
Consider purchasing a foreign-made vehicle instead. The car in question has had several issues, including needing a new alternator, belt, two thermostats and sensors, as well as a new coil pack and spark plugs, all within a year and 15,000 miles. This is in contrast to my previous Honda, which was highly reliable and required minimal repairs. Additionally, the car has poor acceleration and shifts very hard. Thank you for considering this information.
Ethan Smitham 2025-10-25
Vehicle year: 2018
I've owned my Sonic for about three years now and overall, it's been a decent car. The seats are comfortable and the dash has a modern look. The infotainment center is equipped with speakers that are lacking in depth, but they get the job done. The ride is smooth and the struts and shocks are well-built. The brakes are more than adequate, even when driving more aggressively. I appreciate the safety features, especially the full surround airbags that provide a sense of security for me and my passengers. However, there have been some issues. The rear brake drums locked up while driving in icy conditions and the driver side weather strip pulled away while on the freeway, causing minor body damage. The pump to my windshield wiper nozzles completely failed and the fuses controlling my radiator fan failed, causing my vehicle to overheat. As a smaller displacement engine, it runs hotter than larger counterparts, so the fan not engaging caused the engine to overheat, which could have led to engine failure. I've also had several coil packs replaced, as they stopped working in rapid succession. All of this has happened within 40,000 miles of owning the car. While I can't say for sure, it's possible that I purchased a lemon. Despite its issues, when it runs well, it drives like a dream. However, I would recommend considering other vehicle options.