Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid
More than twice the Sonic's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Chevrolet Sonic years
Not enough model years on the road yet to compare.
Chevrolet Sonic complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Chevrolet Sonic problems
All model years combined.
- Engine255
- Transmission231
- Electrical227
- Airbags126
- Fuel system74
- Steering54
- Brakes44
- Driver assistance42
- Suspension34
- Visibility32
- Acceleration32
- Body28
Most reported problems on the Chevrolet Sonic
Check engine light 113Stalling 73No deployment 49Jerking 29Won't shift 26Hesitation 22Loss of power 21Transmission failure 13
Chevrolet Sonic problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92 | 11 | Electrical | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | 93 | 8 | Engine | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2018 | 90 | 15 | Electrical | 28,000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 78 | 37 | Engine | 42,800 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2016 | 72 | 48 | Engine | 48,000 | 2 | 8 | |
| 2015 | 39 | 114 | Electrical | 35,000 | 3 | 15 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 32 | 150 | Electrical | 51,000 | 4 | 11 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 16 | 217 | Engine | 50,500 | 6 | 24 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 5 | 354 | Transmission | 46,200 | 7 | 27 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 95 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 16
Chevrolet Sonic warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
Compare the Sonic
Sonic vs Nissan VersaSonic vs Ford FiestaSonic vs Honda FitSonic vs Hyundai AccentSonic vs Kia RioSonic vs Toyota Yaris
Questions about the Chevrolet Sonic
What years of the Chevrolet Sonic should you avoid?
2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Each has more than twice the Chevrolet Sonic's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2012 alone has 354, mostly about transmission and engine.
What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Sonic?
There are not enough model years on the road yet to compare.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Sonic?
Engine, with 255 complaints across all years, followed by transmission (231) and electrical (227).
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?
16 recalls between 2011 and 2020. The 2012 model year has the most, with 7.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used Chevrolet Sonic?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history