2012 Chevrolet Sonic: check engine light

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the transmission. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact then went to auto parts store and attempted to change the speed sensor; however, the parts store had given the contact the incorrect part. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was already repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle had lost throttle and power. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · 114,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Engine · CT

On 4/1/2023 my engine light went on. I had my nephews look at it. see pictures below for engine read and how oil mixed with antifreeze. Also note service paperwork. Gaskets were not up to quality to keep the oil sealed in its compartment. Manager called and tried to take care of issue because he only uses genuine parts but was told there was an issue with this part and until there were more fatalities or more people complained noting could be done. He was NOT happy. They did the best they could resorting to youtube videos and imagination. When I got it back, it was like brand new. Two days later, my engine light came on again. You will find the new engine reading which again had the oil mix with the antifreeze and no oil left. The engine would blow/seize or worse if I kept driving it. I am on disability and live alone. I cannot afford the unpredictability of having something happen to me on the road or where I am suppose to the money. I complained before to a manager at a dealership when I had a problem with my motor when my car was still new. He told me it was supposed to be like that. I keep revving in the middle of traffic lights and people were on my backend when I would get out of work at 3:00 am. The car was recalled two months later to replace many individual motor parts. I am too old and anxious to play these games. Please seriously have look into this please. Thank you for your time.

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Transmission · 87,410 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while coming off the freeway at approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle began jerking. The engine revved up as if it intended to accelerate however, the vehicle would then jerk. The contact was able to coast to the destination driving approximately 5-10 mph. The check engine warning light illuminated with a trouble code regarding the engine. The contact who is a certified mechanic determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin the federal safety agency ID: 14V315000 (Power Train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was waiting to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,410.

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at van buick gmc (8585 e. Frank lloyd wright blvd, scottsdale, az 85260) for a serpentine and timing belt replacement. After retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact was driving at 55-60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently. The check engine and drive warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel and automatically shifted from drive to first gear inadvertently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the failure was transmission related. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v315000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Oct 12, 2020 · Transmission · 81,300 miles · WA

I owned my 2012 chevy sonic lt for exactly 8 years, with only 81.3k miles on it. After about 2016, ironically, when it was paid off, it started to 'nickel & dime' me; with everything from electrical issues, to battery replacement several times, it seemed I was constantly taking it to the shop. I was always very timely with regular oil changes and maintenance but regardless, unbeknownst to me, the 2012 models of the sonic have transmission/power train issues that the manufacturer made sure were addressed in the 2013 models but failed to recall or pay for the faulty transmission for the 2012 models. I had no indication my transmission would fail on me so suddenly. On sept. 14th, 2020, I was backing out of my driveway, and when I started down my street, I noticed my car wasn't accelerating properly. I thought it was my imagination at first, but it continued getting worse to the point where a high-pitched whine started and I immediately pulled over - my check engine light came on at that time also - and that was the beginning of the end. I had my car towed to my auto shop and they wrote me a quote for $5200 to have my transmission completely replaced. It was then they told me about the 2012 sonic faulty power train issues. I think it's completely unethical to not address a known issue that could've been taken care of by the company since it was the first year the car was sold, it should be their duty. I had no choice but to sell the car for parts as it wasn't worth the resale value with such a major issue.

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · PA

Engine is running rough with no check engine light. Also air bag light is on with no collisions for it to appear.

Filed Sep 11, 2019 · Engine · 114,320 miles · MO

2012 sonic has the same engine as the chevy cruze, the cruze has a recall on it for the engine valve, yet the sonic does not. My check engine light came on and I took it to get diagnosed and was told the engine valve needs replaced. Called the dealership and there are on outstanding recalls on my vehicle. I don't want to pay to get it fixed when the same engine on the cruze has the same issue.

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact was three miles away from her destination with the accelerator pedal depressed to the floorboard. Each time the vehicle came to a stop, the failure recurred. In addition, the gear was not shifting and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was losing transmission fluid. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called chevrolet of columbus (2825 merchant mile, columbus, in 47201, (812) m308-4380) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Transmission · 134,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the turbine shaft malfunctioned, which caused the vehicle to remain in third gear. The dealer stated that the turbine shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · PA

Attempted to start vehicle with key in ignition and also using the factory installed wireless remote starter while car was stationary however the car would not start initially. After another attempt or two the car did start. Also, on occasion after car does finally start, it immediately turns back off. Had car battery tested which that was not the issue. Took the vehicle to local mechanic and he found nothing wrong however while the car was sitting idle with the key in the ignition and turned off with no human interaction, the car attempted to start itself 3 different occasions. He recommended taking car to the chevy dealership and having them reprogram and inspect the remote starter connection/programming. Now the check engine light is on as a notification and the issue continues after mutiple days of repeat failed attempts to start whether from actual key or wireless remote start attempts. Whether vehicle was left inside garage or outside the issue is still the same, regardless of temperature.

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 47,000 miles · NJ

First issue was electrical issues (bad lights, unfunctioning controls, AC adapter would not give power, outside lightbulbs do not last, headlamp controls fell apart, mirror conrtrols fell off, vent controls fell apart. When electric window control stopps working and hisses and smokes when engine is turned on. I also have been shocked painfully when trying to get the AC adapter to work. Next came repair of the ignition switch.. I could not pass state inspection because my "check engine" light was on. In august 2017, car had engine misfire, which cost me repair on the fuel pump. A few days after that, the battery died and I replaced it. One week later,, it started to smoke under the hood and the car was overheating. Then a few hours later, electric was on and off but power to vechicle stopped.. This ended up being the serp. Main belt. Next came the ignition switch. (novembwr 2017) early 2018.. Ac adapter stopped working again, and it was replaced. A c stopped blowing cold air spring 2018, and within weeks, the window control failing again, I have had heat stroke twice. Window control unit smokes and hisses when I turn on engine. Window also cracked while driving 55mph. Plastic vents cracked outside therm fell off & plastic undercarriage cover ripped b4 aircond, followed by the fan. When I brought car in for airc, I was told I needed new rear brake pads and the radiator fan and compressor.. There is no therm for engine. Fixed only brakes. Car then began to overheat while in traffic. Replaced radiator fan 2 weeks later. . Still need new AC compressor. Window control began to fail again next. First time window conrol failed, battery died same night, and I had to get serp. Belt and new battery. New battery has already had to be jumped 3 times, and seems as though engine misfire is beginning again. Problems going uphill today.. Slow accelleration, unsteady fuel flow.