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: 2020
Hello! Have you considered the 2017 Sonic Hatchback? It has more passenger and cargo room than the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Plus, the Sonic LT/RS comes with power drivers seat, heated seats, and pushbutton start, which are not available in the Corolla's XSE hatchback model. The Sonic also has a sunroof, which is not an option in the Toyota. The Sonic's turbo charged cast iron engine with a 6 speed automatic is a great feature, while the Corolla does not offer a turbo and has a cvt transmission. The Sonic's 7 inch screen is built in, unlike the Corolla's which looks slapped on. The Sonic's electric steering is better than the Toyota's, and the ride is surprisingly better than the Corolla's. Visibility is also better in the Chevy Sonic. Additionally, the Sonic costs less than the Toyota and is built in America. It also has a larger back window and can hold more upright luggage. Lastly, the Sonic is quieter inside than a Mercedes S class. The only issue I have is that the Sonic lacks a temp gauge. Why not give it a try?
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Vehicle year: 2017
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: 2012
I'm amazed at how some people treat their cars! We have two 2012 Sonic LT Autos, both with the 1.8L engine. One is a Sedan and the other is a Hatch. Personally, I prefer the sedan because it's longer, which means more cargo space in most cases. Additionally, due to its aerodynamic design, the sedan gets better MPG, especially on the highway, where we consistently get 37 MPG. However, I also like the hatch because of its bigger wheels and fog lights. If only it got the same MPG... There have been a few recall issues, but not many. I do my own oil/filter changes and I highly recommend using full synthetic. The only issue we've had with the sedan was the air intake hose between the air box and manifold cracking, which tripped the engine light. It was an easy fix, just a $35 part that I replaced in the garage. UPDATE: GM extended the warranty on this part and reimbursed my repair cost. UPDATE: Both cars have had the air intake break and both were fixed by GM. We're starting to get some thermostat codes popping up on the one with 75k miles on it. It's either a dirty connector or a failed sensor (less than $50), as they all seem to do this. On the hatch, I took a pot-holed exit ramp too fast and broke a ball joint, which cost $150 with labor and alignment. Other than that, we have about 100K miles combined and only ONE unexpected repair. By the way, tie rods and ball joints on smaller cars are almost routine maintenance when driving on Michigan roads. Overall, I think these are great cars for the money. The insurance is reasonable (we are over 50) and they ride pretty well for being so small, especially compared to imports. We live in Michigan and have full sets of snow tires for these cars since the factory tires are useless in the snow. But, with the right tires, they are great in winter. I routinely drive through 6-8 inches of snow and isolated patches up to a foot and have never been stranded.The sedan was rear-ended early on, and the dealership did a great job fixing it. We take good care of our cars and they have been particularly trouble-free. However, some younger people who buy these cars may not take care of them as well. Additionally, many used Sonics are now available from rental fleets, so they may not have been well-maintained either. The flood of rental returns is also lowering the resale value right now. All things considered, I would buy another one tomorrow, probably a turbo LT sedan. By the way, I recently bought a slightly used 2013 LT Turbo Sedan, so now I have THREE Sonics. They are pretty good cars, and my only recent issue has been a few rattles that developed, but they were cheap and easy to fix. The dealer replaced the plastic stabilizer bar links on the 2013 with only 5k miles, and there was a TSB for a bad seal between the engine and transmission on the car with the turbo engine, which was fixed at no cost to me. I sold the 2012 hatch and traded off the 2012 sedan with the 1.8L engine, so we are down to only the 2013 turbo sedan now. They are still good cars, but the cooling systems on them do tend to get leaks and cracks in the plastic parts. None of these parts are expensive or difficult to replace for a DIY person, but bleeding the air out of the system after repairs is nearly impossible. I had to take them to a local shop to have them do it for me because we had air in the heater core and it was 20 below zero outside. They pressure tested it and everything was good, but then a month or so later, the water pump started weeping coolant, and it was due for a timing belt. A few months after that, I traded it off. The 2013 now has 20k miles on it, and the rear shocks are starting to go bad, which is another common but inexpensive issue. I did this on at least one of the others, and it was easier than I thought, but I'm waiting until spring to do this car.I still recommend these cars! However, it's important to get the right deal on them, just like I did on two of the three I bought. While they may have some issues, they are inexpensive to repair if done yourself. Plus, none of them ever left us stranded anywhere, and I never even had to replace any of the batteries.
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Vehicle year: 2020
I purchased a used 2017 Sonic Premium Turbo Sedan with 46,000 miles on it and have since put 66,000 miles on it. It's a fun car to drive, with a peppy motor that provides great acceleration (thanks to the turbo). The seats are surprisingly comfortable for a small car, which was a nice change for me as I've previously owned Pontiacs. Despite downsizing from an Acadia, I didn't lose any convenience with the Sonic's premium features, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and plush seating. However, as a car for two grown adults, it can feel cramped, making grocery shopping a bit of a challenge despite the ample trunk space. The low profile tires are cheap and I had one factory tire bubble on me. I also had to replace the water pump after mysteriously losing heat and the engine overheating (there's no temp gauge, so I was worried about cracking an aluminum head). This seems to be a common issue with Sonics, as I discovered through my research. The ride can be a bit rough due to the smaller diameter tires and rims, but I'm considering switching them out. Parking is great, but it can be difficult to see other larger vehicles on the road, and there's a lot of road noise in the back seat area. While I don't expect luxury from a car that cost me $10k, I'm currently looking for a vehicle that better suits my needs. However, I would definitely recommend the Sonic to a single person who commutes! Before purchasing one, make sure to drive over a bumpy surface and keep the water pump issue in mind. It cost me about $300, including labor, to replace. As a car enthusiast who has owned and driven many cars, I was impressed by this little car, and I highly recommend getting one with the Turbo. I test drove one without it and was not impressed. Thank you for reading, and I hope this review helps you!
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Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT (Auto) RS Hatchback and added the Convenience & Drivers Confidence Packages to match the goodies of the Premier Trim. The Hatchback only comes in 2 trims, the LT & Premier, and there is a slight difference between the two. The LT has an amazingly quiet cabin, which is equal to the highest trim of a $70k+ luxury vehicle. The Premier has a more lowered suspension, which makes the cabin not as quiet. The automatic can also be driven in manual mode without the annoying clutch pedal! The Performance is amazingly sporty for both engines as they both easily pounce from a stop. When applying the brakes, it also comes to a smooth stop and when applied quickly, it's very fast too! If you want a car that caters to the highest safety standards, quality and convenience of a luxury car and at the same time not only looks sporty but actually is sporty with the attitude to show inside and out, this is a car worth test driving with the optional packages I have chosen. I call it my mini Lambo because it sits and pampers you like one yet it's silent but deadly. It takes Unleaded gas and I get 30-35 MPG with mixed driving, now If you drive it sporty and have fun you will get about 24- 28 mpg which is still amazing. There is a reason this car has muscled its way into the sports car scene and has been officially recognized. It is the only car so far to get a 5-star rating, the highest across all ratings for the Institute of Highway Safety Standards for such a small car. Everything in the car from the smallest button to the engine, inside and out is amazingly built and solid. You can tell that Chevrolet takes pride in every part of the car even to the smallest stitch. Take a test drive with the optional packages I have chosen and you will see that Chevrolet has built this amazingly rare gem to prove you don't have to spend a fortune to be pampered.I really hope this model will continue for years to come. I know there are many mixed reviews about this car, with some people nit-picking at it. But I would suggest going for a test drive and seeing for yourself!
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Sonic?
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.
Maynard Wyman 2025-10-21
Vehicle year: 2013
I purchased this car new in 2014 as a commuter. While I have enjoyed driving it, I have experienced some issues over the last 3 years. The ABS system and Traction control have been problematic, which I have learned is a known issue with newer GM models due to speed sensor placement. Additionally, I had to replace the o2 sensor at roughly 30k miles and the plastic on the passenger door lock fell off at roughly 25k miles. Unfortunately, the gas mileage has not met the sticker expectations, unless I keep the RPMs below 2k. The car currently has 49k miles and I am unsure if it will last to 100k or beyond. While I have had some challenges, I appreciate the leather bucket heated seats in the RS model. However, I have learned that the value of the car has decreased significantly, from the original sticker price of 22k to roughly 5-6k on a trade-in after 3 years. In the future, I will consider purchasing a used Infiniti Q series, which offers more power and better lasting quality than this car. Overall, my experience with this Chevy has been mixed, but I remain hopeful for the future.
Victor McDermott 2025-10-10
Vehicle year: 2013
I spent several months looking for my next gas saver. It's important to keep in mind that I was looking for a car that would save me money on gas. However, this car won me over with its great features. In the end, I decided to go for a brand new RS, which I was able to negotiate down to $18,900 out the door.
Baron Langworth 2025-09-24
Vehicle year: 2013
I was looking for an affordable and reliable new car, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a big mistake. In just one year, I had to replace the thermostat four times, and I kept getting low oil and antifreeze light warnings. On top of that, the paint started bubbling. All the parts on the car were cheaply made, and I had nothing but problems. To avoid issues like this, I decided to purchase a brand new car, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a mistake. The car was cheaply made and not worth the trouble or the money.
Sheldon Huel 2025-09-19
Vehicle year: 2014
This car has been great for me. It's sporty, roomy, and has the power you would expect. However, I have noticed that there is a lot of hard plastic even in the highest trim behind the RS, which can be a bit annoying as everything rattles. I have only had this car for about 2 months, but I am already considering getting a different car. I hope Chevy can improve the interior of their cars so that they can regain their reputation for quality American-made vehicles!