2011 Chevrolet Sonic problems

General information about Chevrolet-Sonic
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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.

Social links

Common 2011 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Sonic 2011, some common problems reported include:

Engine Problems: Complaints have been made about engine-related issues like oil leaks, faulty spark plugs, and jerking/hesitation while driving. These problems can lead to poor engine performance and reliability.

Cooling System Leaks: Radiator leaks have been reported, often caused by issues with the water pump, thermostat, hoses, or coolant system. These leaks can result in engine overheating and potential long-term damage if not addressed promptly.

Transmission Concerns: The 2011 Chevrolet Sonic has faced transmission problems, particularly with hesitant shifting in automatic transmissions. This issue can lead to the vehicle working harder than usual when accelerating or decelerating, affecting the overall driving experience.

Electrical System Malfunctions: Owners have encountered problems with the electrical system, including issues with the key fob battery, which can prevent the push-to-start system from activating. Electrical malfunctions can lead to various operational challenges and inconvenience for the driver.

Suspension Issues: Common complaints include suspension problems like bad sway bar links and struts. These issues can affect the car's stability, handling, and overall driving comfort, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of the suspension system.

These common problems with the Chevrolet Sonic 2011 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

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.

Are Chevy Sonics reliable cars?

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.

How long do Chevy Sonic engines last?

Typically, you will find that Chevy Sonics last around 150,000-200,000 miles. Maintenance and repairs are critical to provide your vehicle with the best shot at living a long life.

Why did Chevy discontinue the Sonic?

The new car is a larger version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which the plant currently produces alongside the Sonic. GM decided to axe the Sonic “due to declining demand,” according to Soule. Since selling nearly 100,000 Sonics in 2014, sales have declined every year by between 15% to more than %.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Sonic?

Radiator Leaking

Chevy Sonic radiator leaks can result from a bad water pump, thermostat, hoses, or coolant. If the radiator is leaking, your engine will run hot or overheat. Overheating can result in severe long-term damage, including a cracked head or bad head gasket.

Is a Chevrolet Sonic a reliable car?

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.

How long do Chevy Sonic engines last?

Typically, you will find that Chevy Sonics last around 150,000-200,000 miles. Maintenance and repairs are critical to provide your vehicle with the best shot at living a long life.

2011 Chevrolet Sonic car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Sonic problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Chevrolet Sonic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Chevrolet Sonic complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Chevrolet Sonic.

2017-11-01

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-11-01
VIN: 1G1JC5SH1C4
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB STICKS IN ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO BE SHIFTED IN OR OUT OF GEAR WHILE MOVING. THIS PROBLEM ALSO ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION TO NOT BE PROPERLY PLACED IN PARK THEREBY ALLOWING IT TO ROLL AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO SOMEONE.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Chevrolet Sonic problems:

Delving Into the Most Common Chevy Sonic Problems - Bad Vehicle

https://badvehicle.com/blog/delving-into-the-most-common-chevy-sonic-problems/

Engine Stalling or Not Starting · Alternator broken · Battery corrosion · Dead battery · Fuel filter broken · Fuel filter clogged · Key fob battery weak · Spark plug ...

Advice on 2013 Chevy Sonic : r/ChevySonic

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChevySonic/comments/nmc8rp/advice_on_2013_chevy_sonic/

May 27, 2021 ... Unfortunately, I think the 2011-2014 model years are known for having issues. I do like this car and want to keep it, especially since I paid it ...

Did GM include some sort of automatic self destruct? | Sonic Owners ...

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/threads/did-gm-include-some-sort-of-automatic-self-destruct.23464/

Jun 8, 2018 ... I think that is a big problem honestly. When do we stop considering common problems as acceptable problems? These issues started in 2011 on ...

Chevy Sonic reliability? : r/Chevy

https://www.reddit.com/r/Chevy/comments/bfk4ny/chevy_sonic_reliability/

Apr 21, 2019 ... It's painfully slow and the radio/Bluetooth are not the greatest. The car has had issues since we bought it a year and a half ago. There is an ...