2012 Chevrolet Sonic: sudden loss of power

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 Mar 5, 2024 · Transmission · PA

While driving on the highway late at night, at approximately 60 mph my 2012 Sonic began to lose power and slowed to a dangerously low speed when there was nowhere for me to pull over! I literally had to coast to a spot that I could barely squeeze off the road! Then would not shift into any workable gear but 1st and after that just revved up loudly. Long story short…had to be towed 35 miles home. Then towed to a reputable garage where they concluded the transmission was shot at about 90,000 miles. Would be around $3800. to rebuild. Come to find out these cars are known for this problem! And yet somehow I’m being told by GM that it’s not included in the Turbine Shaft Fracture Recall for that car’s year/make/model!! WHY?! Needless to say….the car will be junked!

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 Nov 10, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 47,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The driver depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to decelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle started to lose power and the driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Brakes, Engine · 75,000 miles · UT

In 2015, my 2012 chevrolet sonic had to have the fuel purge valve replaced. The car worked for a while after this. However, a few months ago, it started having a rough idle, with the rpms dipping up and down. The problem got worse recently, when the car actually completely died while making a left hand turn, almost causing me to get hit. Now, it is even worse. Now, in addition to the rough idle, traction control randomly engages even when I am not slipping, causing me to lose all power for brief periods of time, while in motion. The traction control is glitching so bad that it even randomly engages when I am completely stopped. This is a huge safety issue, and the dealership that sold me the car wants $113 just to tell me what is causing it, and how much it will cost to actually fix. There are no active recalls on this vehicle, but further research on the model I own, shows other owners having similar issues. Chevrolet has been no help

Filed Jan 19, 2015 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 39,000 miles · VA

I have had multiple problems with this car, but the latest is the engine light, reduced power light, and the gas cap. While driving the engine light, and reduced power light came on. The car immediately slowed down which almost caused an accident because I was going 45 MPH. Took the car to [xxx], and they couldn't find the problem. They decided to replace the computer system on the car because it was still covered by warranty. The light came back on five days later, but this time I was on the interstate in the tunnel. I barely made it out without causing an accident. Lastly, I went to the gas station and couldn't get the gas cap off. I had to use a wrench to get the gas cap off. Bought another gas cap and it did the same thing. I only have 40,000 miles on this car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 19, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 47,740 miles · TX

Beginning from the first month of ownership. Approx. 28,000 mi. At cold start there is a rattle noise like metal on metal. Then will disappear right after. Has been getting worse/ louder. Hard shifts, loss of power. Now as of last night the check engine light is on and the car runs rough. High idle, stalls, knocking noises from engine. Fault code. P0011?

Filed Aug 8, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 1,200 miles · FL

Current mileage is 26,985 1. Car seems to lose power when accelerating and hesitates (almost shutting down), it happens randomly while driving as well and is now happening more and more often. It' very dangerous when crossing intersections or making a right on red and especially dangerous when accelerating to enter a highway. 2. Rear suspension makes strange noises upon backing up/stopping; 3. Very bad odor coming from A/C vents....disgusting, almost smells like plastic burning or burning rotten eggs; 4. I hear strange noises in the back brakes, not constant but random and getting louder when it does happen; 5. Wiper fluid not working, I've been told this is a recall issue; 6. The automatic dashboard lights are constantly changing, most especially when turning the wipers on/off. It doesn't seem to matter if you're in complete darkness or daylight. 7. Sometimes the car will not lock until you put the key back in the ignition, restart the car, take it out of park and put it back in park. Sometimes I have to do this 2 or 3 times, each time getting back out of the car to try to lock it. 8. Steering this car on the highway at highway speeds is difficult...the car swerves and if it's a windy day it's beyond difficult to keep this car in the lane. Very dangerous. 9. The radio turns itself on and off as it pleases. It took me years to be able to finally purchase a new car and now there are not only 6 recalls on the car but I also have all the additional problems listed above. There's a 45 day wait to have the recalls repaired and event with that I am now going to have to take a day off of work without pay to get this crap all fixed! I feel like I have wasted my money. So much for expecting reliability and quality.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · AZ

Vehicle has no power on acceleration so I lose power in intersections and on the highway.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Engine · 14,978 miles · CA

Every cold start the is a grinding and rattle noise that comes from the timing side. I took it to chevy and they said that cant do anything unless they hear it which I thought was reasonable and the next morning they called and stated my car has no noise even tho this happens every cold start. I also have a loud knocking noise coming from the engine when it is warm or has been driven for more than 20minutes the dealer says its normal but at 21454 the noise is 3 times louder than ever before. I had a check engine light code p0011 intake camshaft position timing -over-advanced (bank-1) which I took in and they fixed it 4days later and it is back same code I called the dealer and they said to bring it in I explained I don't have a ride to work they said I have to figure it out because I have to pay the deposit for a rental I shouldn't even need. The engine also seems to sputter and lose power randomly also the rpms will go up to 2500 sometimes while stopping I have always drive. Manual transmissions I believe I would know when I am pushing the gas! Chevy seems like they don't want to touch my car until my warranty is out I am so disappointed by their actions and this car sad I got 4 of my friends to buy them too in 2013 I just want chevy to buy back my car or fix all of it! This is my first american 100% brand new car and I feel like it is the biggest mistake I have ever made. The whole we cant just cant look at it unless we see or hear it is kind of bs!

Filed Nov 9, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · MO

Issues began with an intermittent rattle at cold start after car had been sitting about 30mins to an hr, from being driven. No codes showing so went un-repaired, once pinpointed, it was replicated, still no codes, no fix, starting about aug 2012 after my 1st service car began to shake at idle while stopped in d, started getting worse progressively. Vehicle stalled in middle of intersection while trying to shift itself (auto trans) into 3rd, violent jerk to a stop and immediately picked itself up and jerked forward and moved, with my children in the car. Next stall occurred about 3-4 weeks later, idled so rough and low while in d at a stop light, car bogged down and stalled, started itself right back up. Engine power surging began at this point. While braking or on brake while stopped, engine would power surge thrusting car forward, came very close to hitting several cars while pulling into parking spot from these surges. Had taken vehicle in multiple times between 1st occurrence and this point in sept. It was duplicated with multiple symptoms at once, including as given from dealer: hard shaking, misfire, and rattle/knock at cold start. Only code to show was for the misfire, repair: valve cleaning, not fixed. Rattle became a knocking. Idle meanwhile getting rougher. Took back for knocking, surging, rough idle, stalling. No codes, repair: gm tech assist had camshaft actuators replaced , fixed knocking/rattle at cold start only! Idle worse, now loss of engine power intermittently causing vehicle to hardly move, had vehicle back less than 24hrs. Almost had a "t-bone" accident and head on into a pole in same incident due to said loss of power. Asked for replacement (after 7 service repair attempts), request presently in limbo, no offer of replacement thus far! I am severely concerned for my family's safety at this point, clearly defective in itself with no codes showing.