Chevrolet Sonic transmission failure problems

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 Jul 2, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · VA

My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.

Filed Jan 5, 2023 · Transmission · CA

The automatic transmission failed. It failed while I was driving the vehicle. Yes, it was confirmed by a dealer. It has been inspected by the chevy dealer. No, there were not any warning signs prior to the failure.

Filed Sep 17, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · FL

A few months after this car was purchased, we received the notice regarding recall 14234 for our 2012 Chevy Sonic. However, when we brought it to the dealership, they stated that our vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I told them we were experiencing shaking while shifting and it seemed like the exact same issue. Now about 1 year later with less than 100,000 miles, the car will not shift properly into 3rd gear. The auto repair shop informed us that we need to get a new transmission among many other related repairs. We seem to have the exact same issue as reported in the recall; however, we continue to be informed that our vehicle does not fall under the umbrella of the recall. After doing a number of searches it seems that this is a common story. All these 2012 Chevy Sonics have the same issue yet do not fall under the recall.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · MI

Driving 2012 Chevrolet Sonic approximately 50mph, car down shifted on its own to 20mph nearly getting rear ended. Tried driving in auto transmission and manual mode, transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Had to drive 11 miles on busy road at 20mph, speed limit is 50mph. Car is at dealer, has turbine shaft break and wave plate broken. Because car has 1-2012 on sticker, no warranty is available. My option is $4800 to replace transmission or junk it. Car only has 93 thousand miles and was always mainted very well, lucky there was no injuries.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · IL

Car has 52,000 miles, and the transmission blew.

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · PA

Gear/transmission failure while driving in steady traffic... Car suddenly went to 5-6000rpms without pressure on the gas and then down quickly to 1000rpms before I was able to stop and pull over. Afterwards, I couldn't get the car to move above 1000rpms and reverse gear went into failure. The tow truck couldn't move it without placing it into manual mode. It's been in the garage for a week with all diagnostics showing failure within the transmission. At this point, I either need to replace the transmission or buy a new car. I only had approximately 55,000 miles on the car in 7 years.

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 Jan 8, 2019 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · GA

The transmission failed while driving in suburban setting causing a serious safety issue. The vehicle only has 49,000 miles on it. This model and model year has been recalled for a similar transmission issue, but the manufacturer claims that my particular car is not part of it despite have the same issue as the recall.

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · 86,000 miles · MO

Transmission failure on interior is what service told me. Something blew and not only does transmission not work but the tires won't turn. I saw a recall for 2012 chevy sonic, but was told not on my VIN number. The recall was for the transmission shaft, which they said could be the reason. The vehicle was stopped at a red light, on a street and I turned right, onto a junction when the engine revved up and then died as I accelerated. I coasted to the side and up to a farm drive.