Chevrolet Sonic loss of power problems

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Steering · OH

Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · IL

Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no additional actionable codes. Vehicle also displayed a change oil warning, likely triggered by overheating. This vehicle has a known history of turbocharger and coolant system defects, which have been acknowledged in GM technical service bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Programs. I have reason to believe this situation qualifies for one of those programs. Despite paying $730 for a prior repair, the vehicle is now exhibiting the same safety-related malfunction, putting my son at risk of engine damage and breakdown. We have also taken the car to Mike Anderson Chevrolet twice for inspection and they reported finding nothing. I am respectfully requesting the following: A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire cooling system and turbocharger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the transmission. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact then went to auto parts store and attempted to change the speed sensor; however, the parts store had given the contact the incorrect part. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was already repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle had lost throttle and power. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Transmission · PA

While driving on the highway late at night, at approximately 60 mph my 2012 Sonic began to lose power and slowed to a dangerously low speed when there was nowhere for me to pull over! I literally had to coast to a spot that I could barely squeeze off the road! Then would not shift into any workable gear but 1st and after that just revved up loudly. Long story short…had to be towed 35 miles home. Then towed to a reputable garage where they concluded the transmission was shot at about 90,000 miles. Would be around $3800. to rebuild. Come to find out these cars are known for this problem! And yet somehow I’m being told by GM that it’s not included in the Turbine Shaft Fracture Recall for that car’s year/make/model!! WHY?! Needless to say….the car will be junked!

Filed Jun 6, 2021 · Acceleration · NJ

Since January I’ve consistently had issues with my 2014 Chevy Sonic Hatchback, in particular, Codes 84, P2138, check engine light and traction control lights. (my job has us all working from home since March of 2020, so I only do local shopping, no long distance). Due to the codes mentioned above, my car was “repaired” at dealership on January 4, 2012. In the end of March I was constantly getting the same codes over a period of two days. I called GM (1 800 462 8782) on March 29, spoke with a woman by the name of Michelle and I explained what has been happening with the vehicle codes, along with other issues over the past year. She opened a case file # 9-6627321866 and she called the dealership to discuss my issue. I was told to drop the car off and it will be repair at no cost to me. The car was brought to dealership on April 7, 2021 and when the diagnostic was preformed, it showed no codes in the history. They did no repair at that time and gave me back the car. While running local errand on April 17, all the same codes appeared and once again I had reduced engine power. I was near the dealership and dropped off the vehicle, even though the service department was closed at that time. Once again, a new pedal and sensor was installed. I told them to please keep the vehicle for a few days, test drive it once in a while to ensure it is truly repaired. They test drove it several times during the 4 days they had it and since there were no issues, I picked the vehicle up on April 22, 2021.On June 5, while driving to a store a nearby store, I was stopped at a light to make a left turn and all the codes suddenly came on. I had very little acceleration making the left turn. The vehicle approaching me which was a block and a half away was now very closely approaching me and luckily realized I had an issue and stopped. I immediately headed back home. AutoZone ran a diagnostic and it's the same issue.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 540,000 miles · MA

First problem started when radio remained on after key removed from ignition. Radio would turn on and off when car was off and drained newly replaced battery. Advised to remove fuse as temporary fix. Car was also losing power when highway driving (up to 70 MPH). I don't speed, but car struggled to go above 70 MPH. Thought I smelled something burning, had radiator checked, oil changed, fluids added at beginning of october. Three weeks later on city street, slowing for traffic when car lost power. When traffic started moving, car continued to slow to complete stop in the street despite stepping on gas. Waited 25 minutes for tow, but when tow driver came, car was able to start and move. Less than an hour later, the problem happened again and car was towed. At mechanic, computer codes indicated low/no transmission fluid (even though fluid was added at oil change only three weeks prior). No evidence of leaks. Mechanic added fluid and went for ride on suburban back road, car lost power after 10 minutes. He had to wait approx 20 minutes for car to move again. He drained transmission fluid and found metallic bits, and says transmission would likely need replacing. Car has fairly low mileage '54k miles' and has been properly maintained. Also car was previously serviced because key was stuck in ignition.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Fuel system · VA

Emissions (evap) code. Losing power, feels as if engine is slipping/dragging when accelerating. Engine light blinks & traction control light only when reaching high rpms.

Filed Jan 30, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Began over heating at short distances. A/c went cool ran hot air tried to see if freon just needed refilling but even using alomst a full can still nothing. Having fuel issues big difference weeks apart fuel issues.then over heating, next unable to hold coolant, car was returned to dealer for repair. Still unable to keep coolant from leaking, while driving on interstate I 95 out of no where I loose the ability of speed then shuttering running hot again blew head gasket lost power hard to gain control and was almost hit 2 times by car behind and on side.car had to be pushed to shoulder and picked up with wrecker service. Mechanic had to come to car bc it wouldn't stsrt. He said the gasket is gone. Car will not do anything now. Will get receipts from dealer servicing, wrecker, auto zone mult coolant purchases, mechanic

Filed May 3, 2019 · Transmission · 37,900 miles · CA

Power train - transmission failure - I was traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH and all of a sudden my car lost power and went to 5 MPH; the RPM's revved at 3500 yet no power went to the wheels. It was an extremely precarious situation in which I was nearly rammed by several vehicles before I limped off the exit at 5 MPH; still very much in danger. I was able to pull into a safe space and called aaa for a tow. It was a saturday night so no services were available. This car only has 37,000+ miles on it, has been regularly serviced by the dealer and is out of warranty on the power train. No car should have its transmission go out with such low mileage and regular service. This is a serious situation and a flaw in the transmission system of this car. Cost to repair for a new transmission by the dealer is set at $4100, very unreasonable for a car who's warranty just went out three months ago. The danger of a car going from 70 MPH to 5 MPH with no warning was frightful and I am grateful to be here and that no one crashed into me. I have escalated this up to gm for investigation.

Filed Mar 21, 2019 · Electrical · 75,200 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet sonic. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost power, and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to barber chevrolet (205‑631‑2669, located at 90 barber blvd, gardendale, al 35071) where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,200.