2012 Chevrolet Sonic suspension problems

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Suspension · 111,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a friend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and struck the curb. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side suspension had failed. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced, along with the front axle and ball joints. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2016 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 7,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would begin to shake and make a loud pop noise from underneath the front-end. The vehicle would than stall causing the contact to have the vehicle towed. The traction warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air duct was fractured and needed to be replaced however, the failure occurred again. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and replaced the vehicle's battery, fuel pumps, and the fuel injectors. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · OH

Once again my check engine light is on. I have had this car since 2013 with 16000 miles on it. The first time the check engine light came on the dealership try to tell me it was the gas I was using. Come to find out it was the air intake hose was cracked....that was a little over a year ago and now it is on again!!! The first it was barely covered under warranty, I dont think it will this time. I am pissed.....I paid 17000 for this car and have had in the shop so many times it isnt even funny. I even had it in for the sway bar link that was broke which shouldnt have been at 42000 miles.

Filed Apr 11, 2016 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While reversing the vehicle, the passenger side lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2016 · Suspension · 22,272 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While driving 5 MPH, the front driver side stabilizer shaft link joint was lose at the bar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician replaced the stabilizer shaft link three times. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,272.

Filed Jul 23, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 38,000 miles · FL

1. Car loses power when accelerating/hesitation - sometimes almost feeling like the car will shut down. It's random but happening more often. Car was repaired once already for this, was better for about 3-4 months and now is doing it again. Extremely dangerous when merging onto highways or making right turns on red or switching lanes. 2. Wiper fluid was not working, recall issue, but not on my car. Repaired once and now not working again! 3. Something's wrong with electrical system, stereo changing stations, turning itself on and off, very loud screeching sounds occasionally, repaired with an update but still happening. 4. Very strange sounds coming from suspension, it started when backing up I was told they could not find a problem 2 times, however, now it's happening while driving, in reverse and it's getting worse! 5. Steering is very difficult on a windy day when on the highway. Very hard to keep the car in the lane. 6. Car feels like it's trying to accelerate when stopped at a light or stop sign with foot on the break. 7. Electrical system/interior lights all dimming when wipers are turned on. Service told me the wiper motor is a big drain on a small engine? Now my car is out of warranty and I still have all these issues!! I do not feel that this car is safe or well built. It took me over 10 years to get to a point where I could afford a new hello, went with chevrolet to keep it "american". I feel like I made a huge mistake purchasing this vehicle....updated 10/20/15 *bf updated 12/06/2017

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Driver assistance, Steering · 26,000 miles · FL

My 2012 chevrolet sonic has gotten its second flat tire from alignment issues, and is about to need a third tire replaced. The car has 26000 miles with a clean bill of health, other then major steering issues. The tires completely run bald on the outer edge of the tire, and a shaking is experienced at all speeds while driving the car. I had taken it to the dealership about this issue, but was told it was happening because I am not doing an alignment every 6500 to 7500 miles; which I find to be ridiculous. I have never heard of having to align a car that frequently. So there verdict this far is I have to by all new tires and get an alignment done on my car with only 26,000 miles. I contacted corporate headquarters out of frustration caused from the dealer ship writing me off twice, and saying its nothing to do with the car. Unfortunately corporate was unwilling to rectify this situation because of the same reason, it is considered wear and tear. I don't know how a car with such low miles could already have such a horrible alignment, requiring three tires to be changed. I have drove chevy's my whole life and have never experienced anything comparable to this.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 69,200 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

All ten (10) airbags failed to deploy when my car was struck by a driver attempting to pass me on the left as I was turning left. That driver was speeding, crossed the double-yellow line to pass, did not have insurance nor a driver's license. My driver's door took the initial impact strike and was deeply creased as the other car continued forward into mine, then the front left wheel was struck; the wheel and a rod connected flew off, my fender was obliterated, engine components were smashed, and my car spun around at least 200 degrees. The other driver was going so fast, it continued forward more than 150 feet before the driver could get his vehicle to stop after striking my car. The insurance company deemed my car a total loss. During the accident, my head violently struck the door frame and I was knocked unconscious. It is a miracle from god that I wasn't killed! My husband is livid to think I could have died... And to think that the 10 airbags were a big selling point for us when purchasing the vehicle. We thought we were getting a safe vehicle. We feel lied to and abused as there is nothing that can be done about this--so says an attorney--since I was not seriously injured nor killed. After my insurance company pays, I'll still owe about $4000 on my new-ish chevy sonic, and I am still required to pay the balance to ally (holding the loan for this gm car) for a product that didn't perform as it should have to keep me safe. How is this not a crime? Isn't this robbery? Gm should provide some kind of assistance since it advertised untrue statements about the vehicle. If we would have known the car was unsafe, we would not have bought it. There's too little justice in america these days. Gm, if you will make this right, I will place a full page advertisement in my newspaper telling everyone you took responsibility for your fault.

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 Jul 6, 2014 · Suspension · 1,500 miles · FL

The car has a popping noise when backing over a curb or turning slowly. Ferman dealership in brandon, fl. Could not find anything wrong. 2012 sonics have had many complaints about the popping noise under car. Seems to be a suspension problem. Dealer said they have not heard any complaints. They are not telling the truth.