2013 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Engine · 134,000 miles · MI · fire

The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic pulled over to the side of the road. The incident occurred near the mechanic's shop. The contact stated that the workers of a nearby recreation center extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Engine · CA

Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.

Filed Jul 22, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the CEL came back with P2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.

Filed Apr 24, 2024 · Engine · CO

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 14371B; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8 L , fuel system lean ,mass airflow sensor, in limp mode preventing acceleration, gas tank when added gas....shuts down after start up-fuel system/gasoline; may cause possible fuel leak and could combust, alarm system and locks don't properly function - electric system equipment, insufficient welds...around fuel tank and front of vehicle on bottom by driver's side could also cause combustion, bcm codes that came up were communication, electrical, fuel, windows, and airbags! AutoZone codes were po171 and co561-77,I looked up recalls , several came up for my make and model but weren't specific to my vin# however my vehicle is doing everything pertaining to them! And I looked up if there was any special coverage on it and said there is...before 120k miles or ten years time. And I was never notified of it & never received anything in the mail ...

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Engine, Wheels · 150,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear wheels of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard clicking sounds while making turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to her residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Engine · FL

Multiple parts in my engine have malfunctioned in the past year, the most recent being a tube bursting and getting coolant everywhere. Other problems have been with valves, temperature gauges and even the radiator. It’s like something new breaks every month. I have had every issue fixed and usually I don’t get a warning lamp until I’m broken down on the side of the road.

Filed May 8, 2022 · Engine · FL

Boniface hiers Chevrolet dealer in Melbourne Florida said they did a full inspection before selling this vehicle. 2 days later after purchase the Radiator fan stop working even tho they put a new one, missing thermostat, code 3rd gear malfunction.

Filed Dec 20, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · WA

My 2013 chevy sonic developed ticking sound shortly after I bought it at 60000 miles. The ticking got worse over time and then check engine light came on. I scanned the codes and multiple four codes were found. P0171, p0496, p1101, and p2270. After doing some research it seemed to be that most cruze, sonic, and trax vehicles all had the same issues. I took it to the dealer for diagnostics and was informed the vehicle needed a new intake manifold, purge valve, pcv hose, and valve cover. They called the dealership to see if there were any recalls and the only one was the valve cover but would have to pay for diagnostics to see if they would cover it or not. The breather diaphragm in the valve cover goes bad due to a fault intake manifold on these vehicle models. There is a little orange gasket in the manifold that goes bad and causes the diaphragm to go out resulting in having to replace the entire system. The intake manifold not only causes ghat issue but causes the car to get jumpy at stops and stalling out. Have almost had a few people rear end me due to this. The purge valve goes out as well and when at the fuel pump the car will hesitate to crank or run at very low idle shutting off multiple times before it starts up and then runs rough until a decent amount of fuel has ran through the engine. The car would not get enough fuel when at stops or on highways and would also just lose fuel and cut the engine off. Those components have since been replaced by myself and no more issues. Chevy will not recall the parts that are causing the issues and therefore there is a safety issue when out on the highways.

Filed Dec 5, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

The fuel system is running weak, for a car with only 30000 miles, one owner and full maintenance, the engine light came and go all the time and everything was checking