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2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is engine and cooling, typically around 55,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sonic model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
78/100
Owner complaints
37
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
9641 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
28-32mpg

The worst 2017 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.

  • Engine
    19
  • Airbags
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Check engine light 6

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 964

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

See all 964 bulletins for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

2017 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‑cylFWD27-2836-3830-32
1.8L 4‑cylFWD24-2533-3428

What 2017 Chevrolet Sonic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Body, Engine · NC

Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Engine · MD

I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · LA

In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.

Filed Apr 26, 2024 · Engine · 108,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminished; however, when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to gain forward momentum while attempting to merge into traffic or ascend a grade in the road. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine, Steering · CA

Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · IL

Roof molding is coming unglued on both sides of the vehicle, possible that it may fly off while traveling on highway or streets .My Dads Santa Cruz was recalled for what is happening to my Sonic. I noticed this after going through a car wash and the dryer made it flop around.

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic before you buy

Compare the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

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Other model years

2011201220132014201520162017201820192020

Questions about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, fewer than a typical Sonic model year.

What is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic year score?

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic scores 78 out of 100 (average). 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

Engine and cooling, with 19 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is airbags (6).

How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Chevrolet Sonic have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Sonic model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (87 complaints), 2013 (60 complaints) and 2014 (38 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic get?

Official estimates for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic range from 28 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27-28 city and 36-38 highway.

Share your experience with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

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