2018 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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Common 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems
The Chevrolet Sonic, produced from 2012 to 2020, has a reputation for lasting up to 200,000 miles, but it is not without its common problems. According to RepairPal, the Chevy Sonic reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, with an annual maintenance and repair cost averaging $536.
One of the most frequent transmission issues is hesitant shifting, which does not affect manual transmissions but is a problem in automatic transmission vehicles. This issue usually begins around 30,000 miles and is caused by the vehicle's computer handling shifting not engaging properly. The turbine shaft, which transfers energy from the engine to the wheels, is another common problem area. If the turbine shaft fractures, the car cannot operate properly. This issue usually appears after 70,000 miles and requires a new transmission.
The shifter button on the stickshift can also become stickier and more difficult to press over time, eventually becoming unusable. This problem can result in the frustrating position of being unable to enter or exit reverse. Although this issue is inexpensive to correct, it can still make the Sonic useless in severe circumstances. The sticky shifter button had the potential to be exceedingly dangerous in some situations since it would catch the stickshift mid-gear, which would allow the lever to be accidentally and quickly flung into reverse while the vehicle was traveling swiftly. This issue typically arises after 54,000 miles of driving and may be fixed for only $40.
The 2012 Sonic exhibits these issues the most frequently. Despite Chevrolet issuing 30 recalls on the Sonic from 2012 to 2018, certain problems persist, particularly with the transmission. Transmission problems are most prevalent in the 2012-2015 vehicles, with minor repairs costing around $100, but more severe issues requiring a new transmission.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Sonic has several common problems, primarily related to the transmission and engine. While the vehicle is known for its durability and potential to last up to 200,000 miles, these issues can result in costly repairs and replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider the vehicle's history before making a purchase.
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 there a recall on 2018 Chevy Sonic?
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. What should you do: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge.
How many miles will a 2018 Chevy Sonic 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. Not every Sonic will make it that far - much of its life depends on what you do to keep it safe.
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.
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 the 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.
Is there a recall on 2018 Chevy Sonic?
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. What should you do: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge.
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.
2018 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seats problems
- Engine problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- VIN: 1G1JD5SH0J4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should report it.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-21
- VIN: 1G1JD6SH5J4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-01
- VIN: 1g1jd5sh8j4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while other are behind you going 70 mph which can cause a wreck
PARKING BRAKE,SEATS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
- VIN: 1G1JB5FH8J4
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,SEATS,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-01
- VIN: 1G1JD5SH6J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
- Summary: MY RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, ON ITS OWN. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY BLUETOOTH TURNED ON FOR MY PHONE, IT GETS STUCK AFTER I HANG UP THE PHONE AFTER A CALL. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE ROAD. MY RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT LAST YEAR.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
- VIN: 1G1JD6SH6J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT CLIP OR WILL COME UNDONE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I MADE THE DEALERSHIP AWARE OF THE CONCERN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 39,000 MILES. THEY STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IT DID NOT QUALIFY FOR PRODUCTION DEFECT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT COULD ENDANGER THE LIFE OF A PERSON IF WEST BELT FAILS DURING A CRASH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-14
- VIN: 1G1JG6SH6J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: TODAY I'M WRITING IN BEHALF OF CARITE OF OAKLAND PARK I HAD A EMAIL CHAT WITH BRIAN MCCOY THE BRANCH OWNER OF THE COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THE CAR WAS PUT IN AS REPO STATUS, DUE TO ME GIVING THE CAR BACK. I FEEL MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER NUMEROUS OF TIMES AND DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY I WAS NOT GIVEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE NOR WAS I TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER... GOOD DAY, I'VE MADE ALL ATTEMPTS REGARDING THIS SITUATION WITH CARITE I'M THE TIME ALLOWED.. I'M REQUESTING A FULL REFUND OF MY MONEY I'VE MADE IT CLEAR AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING ELSE FROM THESE PEOPLE AT THIS COMPANY. I'VE TOLD THE OWNER NOT TO HAVE THE CAR DELIVERED ON TODAY 2/8/20 HE STILL INSIST THE DRIVER GREG TO DO SO, I'VE REJECTED TO RECEIVE THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF HONORING MY REQUEST I'M GETTING PHONE CALLS FROM OTHER PARTIES AT CARITE I GUESS TO RECONSIDER! NO, I WANT MY MONEY MY LIFE WILL NOT BE IN DANGER DUE TO THEY'RE NEGLIGENCE.. THANK YOU,THE ITEMS SUBMITTED ARE RECEIPTS OF PAYMENTS ALSO, THE DAY OF 1/20/20 I DROVE TO FORT LAUDERDALE ON THE ACCEPT ION OF GETTING THE AC REPAIRED AND THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING TOOK PLACE FOR BEING THERE FOR 6 HOURS ONLY TO HEAD BACK HOME EXHAUSTED�� AND TO FINALLY GET 50 MILES HOME THE CAR STARTED TO BLOW WHITE EXHAUST FROM THE VENTS, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CARITE AND SPOKE WITH KIM, WHO'S IN RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. I TOLD HER WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THAT I'VE HAD ENOUGH. I GET HOME, WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY TO GO TO A DR APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR THE CAR TO NOT STAR! I LIFT THE HOOD SO MY NEIGHBOR COULD GIVE ME A JUMP AND THIS IS WHAT I FIND UNDER THE HOOD.. ( THE PLIERS NEXT TO THE BATTERY THAT WAS LEFT THERE AND I DROVE HOME WITH IT ON THE CAR THAT'S ALONE IT'S ENOUGH PUTS MY LIFE IN DANGER...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
- VIN: 1G1JD5SH5J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE RADIO ITSELF, ITS WENT BLACK A FEW TIMES ON ME AS I WAS DRIVING. AND ALSO WHEN I WAS PARKED. NO RESPONSE ON IT AT ALL. IM AFRAID IF SOMETHING HAPPENS LIKE WHEN IM IN A WRECK AND WHEN I TRY TO CALL ONSTAR WHILE ITS NOT WORKING IM AFRAID OF IT NOT CONNECTING, AND ALSO IVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE WINDOW SWITCHES NOT ROLLING UP OR DOWN THE WINDOWS NO CLICKING NOISES WHEN I PUSH ON THE SWITCH ALL FOUR HAVE DONE IT, ACTING LIKE ITS NOT GETTING A ELECTRIC SIGNAL TO THE SWITCHES, WHAT I USUALLY DO WHEN THAT HAPPENS IS PULL THE CAR OVER TURN OFF THE IGINITION AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR 30 SECONDS THEN START THE CAR AND IT USUALLY WORKS. IVE ALSO CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY SWITCH AINT ON AND IT ISNT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-10
- VIN: 1G1JD5SG6J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC RADIO SCREEN WENT BLACK WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I LOST ALL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE RADIO SCREEN. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME IN ROUTE TO WORK WITHIN A FEW DAYS. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE RADIO MAY GO BLACK DURING AN EMERGENCY WHEN I NEED TO USE ON STAR.
STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-31
- VIN: 1G1JD5SH9J4
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE 2018 SONIC IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. IT HAS NO TRACTION TO START FROM A STOPPED POSITION, NO TRACTION TO STOP AND NO ABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING OR TURNING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-16
- VIN: 1G1JC5SB4J4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DURING NIGHT OPERATION, THE BACKLIGHT OF THE CENTER SCREEN IS SO BRIGHT IT CAUSES DIFFICULTY SEEING THE ROAD. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS AT AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL (AS ADJUSTED BY THE SWITCH TO THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL), BUT THE CENTER SCREEN IS STILL TOO BRIGHT. A SIMPLE FLOATING SOFTWARE BUTTON ALLOWING A DISPLAY OFF FUNCTION WOULD ADDRESS ISSUE. AS IT IS, THE DISPLAY OFF FUNCTION IS HIDDEN IN A SUBMENU REQUIRING INATTENTION TO THE ROAD TO ACTIVATE. *TR
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-11
- VIN: 1G1JD6SG4J4
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: MY DRIVER SEAT DROPS A LEVEL WHILE I DRIVE . VERY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Chevrolet Sonic car reviews
Positive 2018 Chevrolet Sonic car reviews
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Hey there! Have you checked out prices from different dealers? They can vary quite a bit!
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In 2016, I managed to stack a bunch of discounts and bought this car brand new for only 14.5K. I was torn between a 2017 Cruze RS and a Sonic, but ultimately chose the Sonic as it was 7K cheaper. The quirky gen 1 styling is definitely a plus for me, and I've had good reliability with it so far (despite the 1.4T being considered less reliable than the 1.8). The 1.4T is a blast to drive and has great acceleration without any turbo lag. The seats are comfortable, the sunroof doesn't leak, and there's a decent amount of space for a compact car. Plus, the road noise is probably the best in its class (it's even quieter than a same year Corolla). Unlike other small cars, it doesn't start rattling at high speeds. There's also enough room under the hood that with a bit of know-how and YouTube, you can easily fix and/or do preventative maintenance at home. The 6-speed automatic is solid, quiet, and doesn't get lost. The only real problem I've had is with the cooling system, but I was able to fix it with a bottle of stop leak. The LT is higher to the ground and puts a lot of strain on the front suspension, but it's still fine and can probably last another 75K. The tradeoff for comfort, styling, and quietness is that you pay more at the pump, as the car averages about 29mpg combined, which is very poor for its class. Overall, I think it's a fun car to drive and you can't beat the price. If you're buying a used Gen 1 Sonic, I advise using synthetic oil, especially on the 1.4, and changing the Turbo oil feed line ($40 OEM part, which you can do at home or have a mechanic do it for 1hr labor). There's no option for a 1.4T hatch LT, so put it as an RS model.
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Another success at Chevy! The Sonic and Spark keep going and going...
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That's a fantastic car for the price!
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The gas mileage was a bit lower than expected, but the vehicle has a nice sized trunk and is a great option for a college student or a couple. However, if there are large adults in the front, there may not be much room in the back.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems:
Any known issues with the 2018 Sonic RS? : r/ChevySonic
Sep 25, 2023 ... All sonics have been known for eventual cooling hiccups, thermostats going out here n there (I'm on my second one so not too bad) as well as the ...
Roll Up - The Sonic and Common Issues | Sonic Owners Forum
Feb 6, 2018 ... -Timing Belt: The 1.8l has a TIMING BELT. It must be regularly replaced at the specified interval or risk complete engine failure. -Intake ...
2018 Chevrolet Sonic Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Delving Into the Most Common Chevy Sonic Problems - Bad Vehicle
Radiator Leaking · Coolant under the vehicle near the bumper · Overheating · Squealing belt · White smoke under the hood.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 2018 Chevrolet Sonic repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Chevrolet mechanics near you.
Other years of Chevrolet Sonic
Are you having problems with your 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
Grayson Hamill 2024-10-17
Although this car may not have met my expectations, it is important to note that it is manufactured by GM Korea, which has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles. While I did experience some issues with the engine cooling system, I was able to address them through repairs. It is worth noting that these repairs were necessary after the warranty had expired. Ultimately, I made the decision to sell the car to Carmax, which allowed me to pay off my loan. While this car may not have been the right fit for me, I encourage others to do their own research and make their own informed decisions.
Barrett Nader 2024-09-24
I strongly advise against purchasing a Sonic. In my experience, I have owned two of these cars and both have caused me significant issues. The first car had numerous problems and did not even last 5 years. The second car, a 2017 model, has also been problematic and has required multiple visits to the dealership for the same issue. This is unacceptable for a brand new vehicle. Despite being under warranty for 20,000 miles, I have already had to bring it back three times since Thanksgiving due to a camshaft issue. Based on my experiences, I cannot recommend purchasing a Chevy vehicle in the future.
Gabriel Schroeder 2024-08-22
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car that I bought brand new in 2016. Unfortunately, within the first 2 years, I had to take it to the shop 5 times due to defective equipment. Recently, my car's motor blew with 67,000 miles on it, and there were no warning lights or indications of any issues. I'm feeling pretty disappointed about this car, especially since I spent more than $20,000 on it. Thanks for listening!
Emil Sanford 2024-08-17
This car had more problems than my Chevrolet Cobalt. Every winter when there is a cold spell, the engine light comes on because there is water buildup somewhere in the motor and freezes. When the temperature gets warmer the light goes off. I had the water pump and coolant lines changed (under warranty) and now I have to have the suspension replaced. We mostly do highway driving, so I'm not sure why it would need replacing?
Marcel Hamill 2024-08-03
I have been the proud owner of a 2018 Sonic Hatch since 2019, and it has taken me to the industrial area several times. I have become a loyal customer to wiremen, body and paint specialists! Although the first year went well, I have experienced some electrical faults that have been a bit frustrating. This car has good economy and power, but I have noticed that it lacks interior and exterior quality. The paint starts chipping and deteriorating, and the bumpers and skirts start to fall off the body because of weak clips. The mud covers (over the tires) also start to fall off, and the wipers break easily and almost fly off at 170 kmh. I have also experienced some issues with the seat shutting, anti-theft mode faulty activation for several times engine, remote not detected causing alarm to start as soon as you open the door, car can't recognize keyless remote, car's alarm start when you unlock the car using the key provided by the company! Additionally, I have experienced overheating causing the A/C to go off and/or stop, coolant leaking, and thermostat housing melting. Overall, I still enjoy driving my Sonic Hatch, but I hope that the company can improve the quality of the car's interior and exterior components.