2012 Chevrolet Sonic: complete transmission failure

Filed Jan 5, 2023 · Transmission · CA

The automatic transmission failed. It failed while I was driving the vehicle. Yes, it was confirmed by a dealer. It has been inspected by the chevy dealer. No, there were not any warning signs prior to the failure.

Filed Sep 17, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · FL

A few months after this car was purchased, we received the notice regarding recall 14234 for our 2012 Chevy Sonic. However, when we brought it to the dealership, they stated that our vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I told them we were experiencing shaking while shifting and it seemed like the exact same issue. Now about 1 year later with less than 100,000 miles, the car will not shift properly into 3rd gear. The auto repair shop informed us that we need to get a new transmission among many other related repairs. We seem to have the exact same issue as reported in the recall; however, we continue to be informed that our vehicle does not fall under the umbrella of the recall. After doing a number of searches it seems that this is a common story. All these 2012 Chevy Sonics have the same issue yet do not fall under the recall.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · MI

Driving 2012 Chevrolet Sonic approximately 50mph, car down shifted on its own to 20mph nearly getting rear ended. Tried driving in auto transmission and manual mode, transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Had to drive 11 miles on busy road at 20mph, speed limit is 50mph. Car is at dealer, has turbine shaft break and wave plate broken. Because car has 1-2012 on sticker, no warranty is available. My option is $4800 to replace transmission or junk it. Car only has 93 thousand miles and was always mainted very well, lucky there was no injuries.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · IL

Car has 52,000 miles, and the transmission blew.

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · PA

Gear/transmission failure while driving in steady traffic... Car suddenly went to 5-6000rpms without pressure on the gas and then down quickly to 1000rpms before I was able to stop and pull over. Afterwards, I couldn't get the car to move above 1000rpms and reverse gear went into failure. The tow truck couldn't move it without placing it into manual mode. It's been in the garage for a week with all diagnostics showing failure within the transmission. At this point, I either need to replace the transmission or buy a new car. I only had approximately 55,000 miles on the car in 7 years.

Filed Jan 8, 2019 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · GA

The transmission failed while driving in suburban setting causing a serious safety issue. The vehicle only has 49,000 miles on it. This model and model year has been recalled for a similar transmission issue, but the manufacturer claims that my particular car is not part of it despite have the same issue as the recall.

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · 86,000 miles · MO

Transmission failure on interior is what service told me. Something blew and not only does transmission not work but the tires won't turn. I saw a recall for 2012 chevy sonic, but was told not on my VIN number. The recall was for the transmission shaft, which they said could be the reason. The vehicle was stopped at a red light, on a street and I turned right, onto a junction when the engine revved up and then died as I accelerated. I coasted to the side and up to a farm drive.

Filed May 14, 2018 · Transmission · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet sonic. While attempting to back out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. Additionally, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gears as intended. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 9, 2017 · Seats, Transmission · 107,000 miles · CA

The heated seats stoped heating at 90k miles transmission went out at 107k mikes

Filed Jan 8, 2013 · Transmission · 3,700 miles · PA

After only owning the 2012 sonic for less than 4 months and having only @ 3,700 miles on it, I have a problem with the transmission. I pulled out of my work driveway, and the engine was racing in drive but going nowhere. It was moving forward very slowly and not shifting. I eventually was able to get almost off the road, but my back end was sticking out into a major thoroughfare because it completely quit going forward . I put the car in park and back into drive to try to get it to move forward again. At that point, whether in drive, neutral, m1, etc, it was in reverse, so essentially the car ended up being even further sticking out in the busy road. I had to wait for a quick break in traffic and drive it in reverse the wrong way into a parking lot to get towed. Dealership replaced solenoid pack but was not the problem. They tore transmission down and found it was a torn belt on the clutch fan, so they think. As of today, still fighting with general motors for a new transmission. They just want to fix it and extend warranty. I think that's unacceptable for a car with 3,700 miles on it .it's a shame gm won't stand up to their product. Starting to feel this car was not a safe choice. Seems to be a lot of complaints on the power train, especially shifting issues.