2012 Chevrolet Sonic Chevrolet Sonic 2012

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic repairs by problem area

Engine (45%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (16%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 161 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (93%)

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Chart based on 14 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Engine not specified

12000 mi Automatic transaxle still has multiple symptoms, including wheel lockup while decellerating, and completely losing connection with drive wheels when cornering. Transaxle has been repaired previously in warranty. GM is repurchasing my car. 
2300 mi would not go into gear & no air conditioner again . 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

285000 mi

US $872
Had a popping noise like popping your knuckles. Replaced both CV joints or axles 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

21000 mi no power i can walk faster up hills 
34000 mi transmission failure 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

58700 mi transmission starting whining in 5th n 6th gears. took to dealership. Dealership R&R transmission assembly after learning no parts available to rebuild transmission. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

44000 mi Transmission was eating itself. T'was replaced under warranty 
6000 mi clutch pedal had issues with non-fluid movement, would creak and click often during use. Dealer re-greased the unit. Seemed to take care of problem for a while, however the creaking and clicking appears to be back 
3000 mi Grinding between 1 and 2 gear, Chevy replaced transmission. 
71600 mi Gear whine in manual 2-4-6 gears diagnosed as failed transmission bearing(gearbox replaced under GM drive train warranty 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

47000 mi

US $94
The button on the gear sector sticks in the in (or release} position. When this happens the gear can be go from drive into reverse and park without stopping so you could bump the gear into reverse while driving down the road. Also you cannot get the key out of the ignition. I had a appointment to take the car to the dealer repair shop but decided to clean and apply WD 40 it the button. So far this seems to have done the trick 
15000 mi Shift button stuck in, not releasing, so key stuck in ignition, shifter changes gears w/o pressing knob. Safety issue dealer says not covered by warranty. Actuator should be covered by drivetrain. silicone spray solved the problem for now. 
21000 mi A/T Shift lever release knob is now cracked in two, yet still functioning. Dealer claims is not covered under 150K drivetrain as is a "cabin part". It really is an Actuator covered under warranty Not yet resolved. 
13500 mi Shift lever would buzz/rattle between 2500 and 3500 rpm's. Lever assembly replaced. Problem solved. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Chevrolet Sonic problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.