2013 Chevrolet Sonic: engine overheating

8 of the 217 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic describe engine overheating.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 92,329
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 270 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

2020
2
2019
4
2018
1
2017
4
2016
4
2015
2
2014
6
2013
8
2012
8

What owners say

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 Mar 6, 2020 · Engine · 113,000 miles · TX

My car has leaked out its entire coolant twice now within a six month period. This time it has leaked fluid onto the computer causing further issues than after the first fix. The lack of a temperature gauge to prevent the car from overheating is a huge issue. I constantly make sure there is coolant before driving the vehicle and all in the same day it has emptied without my knowledge causing a check engine light and breakdown instantly. It has happened twice now with my toddler in the vehicle, this should be a recall because fortunately it has happened while on street roads, where I could immediately and safely move into a parking lot, and not the highway but this situation puts my child's health at risk and that I am not okay with.

Filed May 7, 2019 · Transmission · 92,329 miles · NC

2013 chevrolet sonic turbo has issue with coolant system. Car is constantly triggering the 'check engine' light and may cause damage to car due to overheating and coolant leak. Coolant leaks after call is not in motion and trying to cool. Fan continues to run after vehicle has been shut down.

Filed Jan 4, 2019 · Engine · 85,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet sonic. While operating the vehicle, a burning odor was present. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fluid/water was leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to 5 star chevrolet (495 watson blvd, warner robin, ga) where it was diagnosed that the water pump was faulty. The contact indicated that the water pump was previously replaced, but the failure recurred one year later. There were no warning indicators illuminated when the engine overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2018 · Seats, Transmission · MD

-engine valve oil leak -engine valve cover had to be replaced due to a crack -oil pan leak -hoses fell apart while on highway (495) causing all refrigerant to leak out and cause A/C to blow warm air -all coolant leaked out due to faulty thermometer housing & gasket causing the heat to blow out cold air. No check engine light or engine temperature light was displayed despite the fact that there was no coolant in the resovoire -side mirrors stopped adjusting due to faulty switch -driver side heated seat had a shortage due to faulty seat cushion this vehicle only has 65,000 miles on it and has had to be practically rebuilt due to cheap/faulty parts. Leaking coolant can cause the engine to overheat.

Filed Feb 18, 2018 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

The same issues with the coolant leak in the water pump for the 1.4l engine is happening to my 1.8l chevrolet sonic

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · 31,460 miles · MI

Vehicle has been losing coolant for last six months. There is a strong odor of coolant inside and outside of the vehicle and there is water inside cabin air filter box. Dealer acknowledged the issue and inspected vehicle with a gm engineer, but could not find the cause of either issue.

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 17,900 miles · MI

Vehicle is loosing coolant and a small puddle of coolant developed under the passenger side of vehicle. Coolant temperature light came on indicating overheating while taking vehicle in for service. Dealer determined that a faulty seal was causing the water pump to leak coolant.