2013 Chevrolet Sonic: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Nov 8, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 6,000 miles · MA

My sonic had the same issue as the federal safety agency recall no. : 19e-064, manufacturer recall no. : n192223230. Except, it happened when I reached to use the wipers rather than hitting the key fob with my leg. I reached to use the wipers and my arm hit the key fob, knocking it into the next position, turning off the engine. It could have just as easily moved over one more and locked the steering. The recall was done on the camaro's, so why wasn't it done on any other vehicle using the same key fob and ignition replacement? Was it because the camaro's price is 4 times the price of a sonic? Are camaro drivers more valuable than sonic drivers? There is a class action lawsuit including the camaro recall, but not the sonic. Https://www.gmignitionswitcheconomicsettlement.com/ I reported this back in 2014, and never heard a word about it.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · 4,000 miles · MA

I own a 2013 chevy sonic. The key fob is huge. In fact, there have been times when I attempt to use my wiper controls and I have accidentally hit that key fob and turned the car off. Luckily, I was not moving at the time, but because of this problem it's extremely possible and likely that the same could happen while driving and possibly be knocked all the way over where it would not only turn the car off, but also lock the steering. I went to a dealer and heard a rumor the same problem exists for the camaro's and gm created keys with the electronics in them to use in place of the key fob's. They are about 2 inches shorter. Why this was not done for any vehicle by gm that uses the same key fob's and ignitions, I don't understand. I personally got the dealer to make me a set of these keys to see if they would work in my sonic. It cost me $80.00, but for the safety value I paid for them. I think this should be a recall/repair or a class action suit because it scared me when it happened, and I worry it will happen to others who haven't had if happen, but are unaware of the possibility.

Filed Aug 19, 2020 · 53,222 miles · PA

Stationary. The key locks in the ignition because the gear shift button on the front of the shift does not release. You have to release the button by pressing your finger or an object to release the button to release the key fob. This is frustrating, annoying and a hazard. . The manufacturer should be accountable for this malfunction. One does not buy a car new or used and expect to deal with this faulty mechanism. According to a gm/chevrolet dealer, the entire gear shift must be replaced. I believe gm was and is fully aware of this malfunction and neglected to resolve the problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2020 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · NC

We bought the car used and ever since then it had a weird double locking mechanism, such as when I put it in park it would unlock but when I went to open the drivers side door it would lock itself as I was in the process of opening it. So it would be slightly opened and I'd have to press the button to unlock it to open the door. It did this often only on the drivers side. Then one day after I had drove it somewhere we closed the door for 2 mins max when we went to use the key fob to open the door while the door was parked in a driveway the car door lock would go up then immediately back down. The only way we could open the passenger side door was to try and open it as the door lock went up before it came back down, which was possible but after getting in there was no way to open the drivers side door at all. It was as if the car door lock stick didn't go up all the way to actually unlock the door. There's also no way to get the door panel off with the car door being closed. We've taken it to different places that have actually no idea what's wrong with it. This is such a huge safety problem with the car door not being able to open at all if there was a car crash or anything.

Filed Feb 27, 2020 · Electrical · 42,550 miles · CA

I bought my van chrysler pacifica back on july 30 2018 after couple months after I stater noticing sliding door driver side when trying to close it either by key fob inside button nor door was not closing any once need it to try 3 or 4 times to close all the way then radio turning off I called a web called pacifica cares then I was reach by them I was told to provide a email phone number time and date of appointment name and address of the dealership then y was reach by one case manager I share with her the issues we agreed on the appointment at the date and time which was yesterday 2/26/2020 8 am she said she called them explained to them what was going to happen at the date and time so I got to the dealership and none had a clue about my reason so I explained to service person he said you can't generalized and said the isn't no issues whatsoever which pacificas I called case manager but she wasn't reachable because she's in other state so I was told by advisor at the service that she never talk to him after two hrs I was reach by my case manager and then explained to me that I need it to pay the diagnostic to be able to move forward in the case which it cost 140$ I told her that I was never told that I need it to cover that out of my packet before they can make any decision at this point I'm very disappointed and upset because I was never told that I need it to pay for this diagnosis if I can get any help will appreciate

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · MA

Cpsc:i1480205a. 2013 chevy sonic. Consumer stated that he is having problems with the key fob for is car. *ln the consumer stated he hit the key fob fairly hard which caused the key to turn, and the vehicle shut off.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 4,000 miles · MA

I have owned a 2013 chevy sonic for about 6 months now. The other day I went out to drive, so I started my car with my key fob. As I was about to drive away I reached up with my right hand to turn on the wipers. I hit the fob fairly hard and it caused the key to turn, which in turn shut off the car. Luckily I was not driving when I went to put the wipers on. Even more lucky was that I wasn't driving and hit it hard enough to lock the steering. I've heard that this was an issue in other vehicles and it was resolved by separating the key away from the fob so that the fob dangled instead of creating a long, solid key that could cause the issue which happened to me. You would think with all the ignition issues gm has had, they would have covered all possible problems, but obviously not. I feel the only solution would be to separate the fob from the key so that it does not lock and extend so much that it becomes an obstacle when using the controls around it. The key should be separate from the fob. Whether put on the same key chain or not, that would be up to the consumer.

Filed Mar 11, 2013 · Electrical, Locks · 300 miles · KS

I have found the switch blade key used by many chevrolet products has a tendency to operate when the key is put in your pants pocket. On many occasions I have locked or unlocked the doors or released the trunk latch simply by sitting down or walking down the steps.this is a minor problem until you realize there is an auto start feature on this key and I worry that I could accidentally start the car by sitting in my lazyboy with the key in my pocket. The results could be death due to carbon monoxide with the garage being under the bedrooms.the buttons are not recessed and are easily activated by rubbing on your leg. I have had a similar key fob from ford for many years and have never had any problem like this.