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2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems

59 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,120. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
59
of this car's complaints
17%
typical mileage
40,120
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    1
  • Ignition
    1
  • Horn
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems in other years

201220132014201520162017201820192020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Chevrolet Sonic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Electrical · IN

Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting code after replacing 3 accelerator peddles. Possible manufacture issue with wiring that water gets into connectors shorting out that system

Filed Jan 14, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · VA

We have had to deal with severe overheating issues and failing parts our entire ownership of this vehicle, both of which then cause other parts to fail, as the parts are so poorly made and heat sensitive. We have replaced the turbocharger (twice), intake manifold + valve cover (twice), catalytic converter, the radiator (THREE TIMES), the cooling fan (twice), the MAF sensor (twice), and much more. All of this has been done over the course of 18months. This has easily been the most expensive car we have ever owned due to the constant repairs, all of which has been because of Failing Parts and overheating.

Filed Aug 15, 2023 · Electrical · MA

Purchased 2012 Chevy Sonic for my son so that he can drive around as he is a student driver. Purchased on July 27th and pickup on the 29th on 30th Morning driving the car on the highway the car stopped while in drive mode and luckily no accident. reached out to the dealer i towed the car to dealership. First they told me is ready nothing wrong and said there is a problem with the key they didn't program it i picked up the car on august 2nd and while driving 5 miles it was doing stalled on the Highway near Natick Mall the Natick police came and tried to move the car to safe spot. since 12 day the car is with them on 10 August they told me that they are taking to Chevy dealership on the 11th and received a call from Dealership on 14th that they will do diagnosis today and i just got of the phone with the service manager she they the body control module need to be replaced and they spoke with USA motor sport salesman [XXX] He denied to fix and said he will bring old Body Control module from used car and will do reprogram i called the owner who is the ruddiest person in the World he started abusing and using false Language i am going to reach out to Attorney General Office and complain. he is saying i cannot call him when the car is ready he will call i need to report this to higher Authorities THE CAR IS STALLED WHIILE DRIVING INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 26, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TX

After original P0011 engine code dealer bought from replaced VVT actuators, oil control solenoid, VCG, timing belt, water pump, antifreeze, idler and tensioner on 10/27 -11/21. Vehicle ran for one week and all thru Dec 2021 intermittently kept running rough and stalling and throwing P0011 code Camsgaft Position Sensor intake and P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. Smelled burning oil too. Replaced all separate throughout month -Camshaft position sensor intake, changed oil, spark plugs and now the ignition coil. Each time ran one day and code P0011 kept coming back. Running rough, poor gas mileage and stalls. Have extended warranty going back to dealer bought from.

Filed Jan 26, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Vehicle keeps throwing P0011 codes with engine running rough and stalling when moving from stopped or slowing down

Filed Nov 24, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact purchased a new battery however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the starter was replaced. Despite the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 540,000 miles · MA

First problem started when radio remained on after key removed from ignition. Radio would turn on and off when car was off and drained newly replaced battery. Advised to remove fuse as temporary fix. Car was also losing power when highway driving (up to 70 MPH). I don't speed, but car struggled to go above 70 MPH. Thought I smelled something burning, had radiator checked, oil changed, fluids added at beginning of october. Three weeks later on city street, slowing for traffic when car lost power. When traffic started moving, car continued to slow to complete stop in the street despite stepping on gas. Waited 25 minutes for tow, but when tow driver came, car was able to start and move. Less than an hour later, the problem happened again and car was towed. At mechanic, computer codes indicated low/no transmission fluid (even though fluid was added at oil change only three weeks prior). No evidence of leaks. Mechanic added fluid and went for ride on suburban back road, car lost power after 10 minutes. He had to wait approx 20 minutes for car to move again. He drained transmission fluid and found metallic bits, and says transmission would likely need replacing. Car has fairly low mileage '54k miles' and has been properly maintained. Also car was previously serviced because key was stuck in ignition.

Filed Jul 24, 2020 · Electrical · LA

Radio is not working. Therefore, I am unable to hear any alarms (door, blinker). I am also unable to use hand free calling or on star. Also, the car will randomly attempt to start if the key is left in the ignition.

Filed Jan 16, 2020 · Electrical · 30,750 miles · MA

Vehicle was parked on christmas eve 2018 and drained battery. Radio would turn off but turn back on it's self. Causes battery replacement. To to gm they took fuse 15 out now have no speakers onstar radio incoming calls crash response

Filed Dec 30, 2019 · Electrical · 124,000 miles · MD

Checked car while stationed, when running always needs more cooling maybe electrical burnout of a part that connects to the radiator fan. When put the diagnose code, none is given, and temperature goes up to 225, its a hazard if a person does not know that fan is not working, putting refrigerant all the time. Read that there is a new re-design cooling fan assembly.

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the electrical of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,120 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Sonic have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Sonic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2012 (59 complaints), 2013 (56 complaints) and 2014 (49 complaints).

Other 2012 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Transmission 154Engine 87Airbags 34Suspension 19Fuel system 18Brakes 17Acceleration 16Visibility 16Steering 14Body 12Driver assistance 11Lights 6Seat belts 4Wheels 3Locks 1Seats 1Tires 1

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