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2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic is electrical system, typically around 50,000 miles. It has 2.4 times the complaints of a typical Sonic model year.

Year to avoid2.4x the typical complaints
Year score
39/100
Owner complaints
114
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
1,332
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
28-32mpg

The worst 2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

No deployment 11Check engine light 11Airbag light 7Stalling 6Won't start 6

Trouble codes owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic mention

C0186 2C0196 2C0287 2

Recalls 3

Electrical system: softwareReported June 10, 2016 · 18,780 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Recall number 16V422000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported April 28, 2016 · 317,572 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Recall number 16V257000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.Reported June 30, 2015 · 45,785 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

Recall number 15V416000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic 1,332

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,332 bulletins for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

2015 Chevrolet Sonic fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.4L 4‑cylFWD25-2833-3828-32
1.8L 4‑cylFWD24-263428-29

What 2015 Chevrolet Sonic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 23, 2026 · Airbags · KS

Passenger seat airbag shows that it is still off even when there is someone in the Passenger seat

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Electrical · 60,700 miles · AZ

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact purchased the vehicle from a dealer in March 2024. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer at 60,000, and the advertisement stated 60,000. The contact recently acquired the Carfax report, which indicated that in April 2015, the odometer reading was 15,073 miles. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer reading was reported in April 2024 at 60,700 miles. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy but provided no assistance.

Filed Jul 10, 2025 · Driver assistance, Wheels · TX

my recall is already completed, why on the your website still showing incompleted?

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

I have had this vehicle for three years now and no matter of the repairs I had done to it by machanics the check engind light continue to turn on and the vehicle has shut down on the road and I can't find out what the solution is. I am afraid to drive it.Also the mylink radio which has all the vehicle settings in it has malfunctioned. I cannot get to reset veichle settings. Vehicle will not turn over on the first key turn. The engine turns over on the third or forth turn and when it dose there is a loud ratteling noise.

Filed Oct 16, 2024 · Electrical · NC

Right Hand Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative, Outside Ambient Temperature Reading on Radio Display Inoperative, inoperative rear vision camera gridlines, and Onstar Menu Screen is Not Showing When Pressing Onstar Button. Inoperable radio steering wheel control buttons increase driver distraction risk in reaching for the radio display. Absence of rear camera gridlines reduce driver guidance in reverse. Onstar menu not starting in case of need. Reported in existing GM Technical Service Bulletin 16-NA-347. [XXX] ) Related to completed Key Chime recall completed prior to October 10, 2016. Current vehicle codes were reviewed by Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint, and no existing error codes related to the issue were presented. No warning lamps on, messages on radio display, or other symptoms. Errors all presented simultaneously with no warning. Appeared first June 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 26, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced. Replaced necessary gaskets and reinstalled necessary components. Set transmission fluid level to specifications per procedure. Dealer advised they stock 3 TCM at all times due to many failures and demands of TCM.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

Stalls when reduced speed. CEL constant. Codes indicate Emission promlem. Cleared by replacing intake valve. CEL came back on.

Filed Jul 3, 2024 · Airbags · PA

The air bags deployed while the vehicle was in motion. No Collision or impact occurred.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Engine · 117,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic before you buy

Compare the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

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Other model years

2011201220132014201520162017201820192020

Questions about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

Owners have filed 114 complaints about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, 2.4 times a typical Sonic model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic year score?

The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic scores 39 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Sonic: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

Electrical system, with 34 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is airbags (27).

How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have?

3 recalls, covering electrical system and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 16V422000, 16V257000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Sonic have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Sonic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2012 (59 complaints), 2013 (56 complaints) and 2014 (49 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic get?

Official estimates for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic range from 28 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-28 city and 33-38 highway.

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