Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid (and the best years)
944 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls across 8 model years, 2012 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 944complaints
- 16recalls
- 91reported crashes
- 18reported fires
- 76reported injuries
- 2reported deaths
Which Chevrolet Sonic years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid are 2012 and 2013. The typical Chevrolet Sonic year has 81 complaints on file.
- 2012: 354 complaints, 4.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (44% of complaints) and the engine (25% of complaints).
- 2013: 217 complaints, 2.7 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (28% of complaints) and the electrical system (26% of complaints).
What are the best Chevrolet Sonic years?
The Chevrolet Sonic years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (10), 2018 (14) and 2017 (37). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | 0.1× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 14 | 0.2× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 37 | 0.5× | 0 | 6 | 4 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2016 | 48 | 0.6× | 2 | 8 | 6 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 114 | 1.4× | 3 | 15 | 19 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 150 | 1.9× | 4 | 11 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2013 | 217 | 2.7× | 6 | 24 | 20 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2012 | 354 | 4.4× | 7 | 27 | 18 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 15 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Other systems6 (40%)
- Engine & powertrain4 (27%)
- Electrical & infotainment4 (27%)
- Airbags & seat belts1 (7%)
Recalls (16)
Airbags · 23V516000 · Jul 2023 · model year 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 18V342000 · May 2018 · model year 2018
In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 16V422000 · Jun 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Safety · 16V257000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Safety · 15V416000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2015
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Airbags · 14V543000 · Sep 2014 · model year 2014
If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Safety · 14V417000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Transmission · 14V315000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2012
If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 14V300000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2012
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Fuel system · 13V464000 · Sep 2013 · model years 2013, 2014
If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Electrical system · 13V220000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 13V023000 · Jan 2013 · model year 2012
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Airbags · 12V522000 · Oct 2012 · model year 2012
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Electrical system · 12V454000 · Sep 2012 · model year 2013
If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 12V408000 · Aug 2012 · model year 2012
A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 11V599000 · Dec 2011 · model year 2012
A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.