I brought my car in because there was something wrong with the steering. I asked that an oil change be done and when I picked it up the car had white smoke coming out of the engine and had a strong burning smell. There was a lot of smoke I was only gone 10 minutes from the dealer before I had to bring it back. Brought it back dealer said they smelled burning and sprayed a deodorizer in vents to mask it, but they did not address the smoking that is still happening. Filed compliant with gm requesting a buy back of vehicle. I bought the vehicle the first year it was out,and have also had multiple issues with the front end, air conditioner not to mention that the dealer dropped car off rack and caused damaged.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic suspension complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 19 of 19, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The rumbling/rubbing noise began on the passenger side of the front end of the car. With only 3,000+ miles on the car it was still under warranty and was taken to the service department. They found a leaking rf strut and noisy mount and replaced both parts. The replaced part seemed to remedy the rumbling problem but the front end still seemed unforgiving when it was driven on rough pavement. We began hearing a groaning/ rubbing/ grinding noise when the car was turning corners or while turning on an incline especially to the right and at 8,000 miles we returned the car and the service department said it was operating okay. The noise continued and at 13,000+ miles we returned the car and the service department found the mount to be binding on turns and replaced the rf strut mount. Again, the problem remained and finally a service technician rode with us and heard the noise and agreed that it was not supposed to be there. So at 15,000 miles the car was in the service department for two and a half weeks. They replaced the rf strut and mount because the strut was not setting flush in the mount. During the time the car was in the shop the technician called and said they were able to fix the issue but there was still another noise they heard and they needed more time to work on it. We requested a ride along with the service technician and the noise was absent on turning right at a slow speed but very apparent now in the front end of the car when turning in to park at the service department. At that time we requested to speak with the service manager and are in the process of negotiating a deal for a different car as this seems to be an on-going issue. We loved the great gas mileage and sporty look but the suspension seems to be troubled.
Having heard rattling in the front of her sonic my daughter took the car to the dealership where purchased. The main complaint was rattling from the front of her vehicle only. After much run around(from a supposed 5 star service department) they told her that it was intermittent and that they would not be able to find or duplicate the problem. So they sent her on her way. Last week she was driving home and heard a loud bang. She thought she hit something or something hit her. No damage was displayed on the vehicle or in the roadway. A mystery bang for sure. I drove the car and heard nothing. Not saying that there is nothing wrong but my daughters, as is everyone's, safety is at risk here. I am taking my daughters car back to the dealership and with recalls in hand will request inspections of every part on the recalls.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, she noticed a loud rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer five times for diagnosis. The technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact stated the last time the failure occurred, the front passenger's side tire blew. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30.
First time the strut mount was replace with strut. I never heard the rubber tension/binding noise. The strut started making a popping noise before I took it to dealer at 13386 miles. It was finally duplicated at 19885 miles to have mount and strut replaced. 65886 mile replacing strut and mount again. 75922 stabilizer bar end links (per recall) 84869 only strut mount was replaced again 87000 strut mount has begun to make rubber tension/binding noise again. Gm has been notified and I am working with local dealership and district specialist.
My vehicle is unsafe I purchased the car in september have control issues at highway speeds my car sways all over the road dealer will not help me .I am not the only one complaints online everywhere please investigate this car before someone gets killed for driving and unsafe car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that he could hear a grinding noise whenever making a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure might have been cause by a defective suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who offered to send a lubrication kit to remedy the problem. The failure mileage was 12,000. ...updated 10/19/12 *bf updated 10/25/2012
We bought the chevy sonic brand new, off the dealers lot. When driving at 55 MPH or above we found that the car drifts excessively and is very hard to keep in the lane. On a few occasions driving at posted highway speeds we were forced to slow down because of radical swerving. Our first complaints to the service department were answered with "it's the new electronic steering, you'll get used to it" after driving a few more weeks with no improvement, we took it back in to the service department to have it looked at. A notice concerning the belly pan causing steering problems on cars built before january 2012 was recognized and it was removed from our vehicle which helped only a small amount. Upon two more visits to the service department, nothing else was found. Both my wife and I have driven a variety of new vehicles including small cars with a combined driving experience of 70 years and this is the first time we've had an issue with a new vehicle. The steering on this car is dangerous and needs to be resolved before someone gets hurt.
We purchased a new 2012 chevrolet sonic sedan. The first time that we drove it at highway and interstate speeds we noticed that the vehicle was very difficult to keep in the driving lane. We returned to the dealer and after a new set of tires, then later a new set of larger wheels and tires there has been some improvement in handling. I am 55 years old and have driven many different cars and trucks and this is the worst driving vehicle ever. This car is dangerous to drive and something needs to be done about it. It is the worst on concrete roads that have been ground but handling is always bad. I hope you will take a serious look at this car before someone gets killed.
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