2016 Chevrolet Sonic Chevrolet Sonic 2016

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2015 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Kansas, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2022
Mar 2022

75000 mi

US $150
Thermostat housing had cracked and was leaking. Replaced with OEM part. 

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2015 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in California, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
Dec 2016

3000 mi
Carpet in driver footwell was bunching up. Entire carpet was replaced 
Jan 2018

6600 mi
Paint wearing out on buttons. Replaced entire radio unit Oil pan gasket replaced 

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2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2017 - Jun 2022
Jul 2017

56036 mi

US $858
Replaced AC compressor and seals, partially under extended warranty 
Dec 2017

61704 mi
Thermostat replacement under OEM warranty 
Jan 2018

63103 mi

US $100
AC system flush due to not cooling 
Feb 2018

64791 mi

US $328
Cooling fan replacement partially under extended warranty. Replaced transmission control lever assembly 
Jun 2018

68048 mi
Replaced engine air intake hose under warranty. Known issue with these cars. 
Jul 2018

68049 mi

US $602
Replace line from compressor to condenser secondary to leak. Recharge system 
Mar 2021

87203 mi

US $560
Brake fluid flush and replacement, front brake pads 

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2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Florida, United States
Jun 2018 - Jun 2018
Apr 2018

77000 mi
Radiator and bumper due to road debris 

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2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2018 - Jun 2022
Jul 2018

39680 mi
Replaced fan 
Sep 2021

62000 mi
Washer pump 
Nov 2021

68200 mi
water Pump 

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2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2020 - Jan 2022
Aug 2020

65000 mi

US $100
Sonic has plastic end links and the joints were loose and making ratteling noise. Replace both front end lnks with metal ones. The noise is gone. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Washington, United States
Oct 2013 - Dec 2017
Oct 2014

13700 mi
Slow coolant leak. Known issue with early Sonic Turbo water pumps. Dealer replaced pump. Leak has been resolved. 
Mar 2017

48500 mi
After dealer performed recall under NHTSA campaign 16V257000, MyLink radio would continuously reboot, never getting fully booted up. Dealer had to wipe and re-load the software on the radio because corrupted software had been downloaded to the radio during the recall. As of this writing, the radio is still functioning correctly. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2022
Sep 2021

113000 mi
Intake manifold and valve cover were replaced due to check engine light. Intake manifold has a defect which causes the check engine light to come on, new manifold is supposed to have an improved design.  A week later the check engine light came on and it needed the map sensor replaced. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2013 - May 2014
Mar 2014

14000 mi
Bad turbocharger 
May 2014

15000 mi
Coolant Leak after turbo replacement 
Chevrolet Sonic in Maryland, United States
Jun 2015 - Sep 2015
Feb 2015

32000 mi

US $300
Replaced shift cable 
Chevrolet Sonic in Texas, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
Jul 2013 Water pump failed. Dealer said likely defective pump from factory. Failure caused mass coolant dump and engine overheat. This repair happened at 350 miles on the odometer. 
Sep 2013

2000 mi
The A/C compressor broke down and sent metal shards through the system. Also, a cooling fan was found to be dead. The compressor had to be replaced along with the fan, valves, and misc parts. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Virginia, United States
May 2014 - Aug 2014
Jun 2014

59000 mi

US $301
Second trip to dealer in less than six months for turbo issues and wiper decided to quit during a downpour 
Aug 2014

59000 mi
Bought back. No oil in the engine and I refused to drive the car any longer due to numerous issues with the car and the shabby way the dealership replaced the valve cover gasket and waste gate solenoid. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Ohio, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2014
May 2014

8000 mi
Paint peel at tips of back bumper next to wheel. This is the 6th trip for the same issue. Bumper replaced each time and repainted. 
Jun 2014

9000 mi
Steering shaft replaced for 2nd time. Steering column also needs replaced. Was ordered but not installed yet. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Saskatchewan, Canada
Mar 2013 - Sep 2014
Jul 2013

1540 mi
Wheel squeak. Known Problem with Chev Sonic. Dealer applied stick on foam strips to wheel cover to prevent squeak. 
Dec 2013

3100 mi
Block Heater Power Cord Cracking at -27c -- insulation literally crumbling and falling off conductors exactly when reliable oil pan heater is required in Canada and Alaska. There was real danger of both human and car contact with live 120vac Repeat of previous problem...Block Heater Power Cord cracking in cold weather 3 trips to dealer for same problem. Plastic insulation simply not able to survive temperatures below -27c. Dealer attempting to source cold weather rated cord. 
Sep 2014

4960 mi
National recall on Sonic for replacement of AC electrical cord on Oil Pan Heater. Insulation cracked and exposed conductors at temperatures below -23c. Power cord replaced at no charge. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Illinois, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2017
Mar 2015

30000 mi
Right side. Rattle sound. Found to be loose so was replaced under warranty 
Jun 2015

34000 mi
Radio functions died. Two days later all electrical dead. Dealer found battery dead and wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer replaced battery. 
Mar 2016

44000 mi
ECM failed 
Chevrolet Sonic in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2015 - Jul 2015
Feb 2015

34800 mi
Drivers side rear door lock failed to engage in colder temperatures 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Maryland, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2018
Dec 2015

17000 mi
Replaced leaking water pump. 
Apr 2017

27000 mi
Oil pan gasket leaking, gasket replaced. 
Jul 2017

29000 mi

US $120
Steering wheel radio controls and outside temp read out no working. Radio required re programming. 
Jan 2018

31000 mi
Car was loosing coolant. Water pump was leaking and replaced. 
Mar 2018

32000 mi

US $100
Car was leaking coolant and oil, found oil cooler and water outlet leaking. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Arkansas, United States
Jun 2013 - Aug 2018
Aug 2014

13000 mi
Heard a rattling noise at times upon startup; eventually took it in and noise was traced to a broken battery tray, which was replaced under warranty. 
Oct 2014

14300 mi
AC quit working, added a dye to system and then returned to dealer in @ 2 weeks. Was told there was a "big hole" in one of the AC hoses, had to order part and then it was installed. Not sure if hose is near the battery tray but I suspect so. 
Jun 2016

36000 mi
Noise coming from under hood; eventually traced to AC line contacting the airbox. Fix entailed some combination of tweaking the AC line position, as well as padding the line to quell the noise issue. 
Feb 2018

65713 mi
Experiencing intermittent loss of power steering; dealer replaced water pump and belt under warranty in an effort to resolve issue. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Hawaii, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2022
Mar 2016

18000 mi

US $135
Battery died. New battery installed. Car is still under warranty but there are no Chevy dealers in my town. Battery was replaced at my own expense. Cost of battery was reimbursed by GM. 
Jul 2017

29000 mi

US $310
Car failed state inspection. Front tires were found to be wearing on the side. Car required alignment and 2 new tires. 
Jul 2018

37000 mi

US $5
Cruise control switch plate detached from left side of steering wheel. Plastic switch plate had a broken tab. I used silicone glue to re-attach. 
Apr 2022

47000 mi

US $25
small plastic part failed inside the shifter (automatic). Shifter part repair kit was about $20. This fix is a not too difficult DIY. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Ohio, United States
Jan 2014 - Mar 2017
Aug 2015

21600 mi
Black vinyl on B pillar was wrinkling so it was replaced. Dealer bent chrome door trim in the process so that needs another trip shortly. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2022
Dec 2014

35000 mi
Started losing coolant and noted it puddling under the car when parked overnight. Oil leak noted when I took the car in for a coolant leak. It was found that the bolts were loose, so the pan gasket was replaced and bolts tightened. 
Dec 2016

78000 mi
The Ilink audio system screen blacked out and stayed out about week after a dealer system software update. 
Jan 2017

78000 mi
The foglights stayed on after using them and the vehicle was turned off. It drained my battery to dead. This took three trips to the dealer to resolve. The first trip was when the problem occurred. they pulled the fuse as there wasn't time to diagnose the issue. The shope was only open for three more hours when I got there. The second trip was on my next day off work. It turned out the foglight relay was faulty. Since the relay was built into the fuse box, the whole fuse box had to be replaced. Of course, they didn't have a fuse box in stock and had to order one. The third trip was to actually replace the fuse box. It took about 90 minutes. Oil leak pooling on the ground under my vehicle. It was leaking from an "actuator" plug for the oil pressure sensor. 
Jul 2017

95000 mi

US $178
Clunking sound from the front suspension. The dealer diagnosed it as bad stabilizer bar links that needed to be replaced. The parts were not in stock, so I had to make a second trip for repair once the parts were in. 
Apr 2018

112000 mi

US $835
I noticed a loss of coolant and tok the car in to be checked. The upper radiator hose and coolant overflow tank were leaking, so they were replaced. While I had the car in for the coolant leak repair, I asked for the brakes to be inspected. After all, I had 112000 miles on the original pads and rotors. They were found to be heavily worn and were replaced. 
Feb 2021

170000 mi

US $120
ABS and traction control lights came on. Vehicle seemed to operate normally. The brake pressure sensing unit under the master cylinder was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Georgia, United States
Jun 2015 - Dec 2017
Jul 2015

17800 mi
Power Mirror button broken. Cruise control button broken. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Jul 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2014

14000 mi
Factory water pump started making a high pitch noise and was replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2014

21000 mi
Chrome trim under windows had a gap at the b-pillar. Fitment issues. Taken care of under the bumper to bumper warranty. Some gasket thing in the rear hatch was starting to poke out. Tech replaced the gasket. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Colorado, United States
Jun 2013 - Apr 2016
Jun 2014

32000 mi
Oil leak by bell housing. Was a loose bolt, sealed it and tighten fixed it. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Texas, United States
Apr 2015 - Apr 2015
Jan 2015

16898 mi
CEL, CODE P0496, PURGE VALVE IS PURGING DURING NON-PURGE MODE, REPLACE PURGE VALVE, SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT [TECH NOTES] CEL, CODE P0496, PURGE VALVE IS PURGING DURING NON-PURGE MODE, REPLACE PURGE VALVE, SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT. Parts replaced under warranty. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2017 - Apr 2017
Apr 2017

91000 mi
Transmission replaced under warranty 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Aug 2014 - Dec 2016
Jan 2015

41500 mi
RH output shaft bearing inside transmission went bad. Not repair only replacement ,. 
May 2016

66300 mi

US $600
MyLink Radio died completely. Put in aftermarket system for less than cost to replace factory flop. 
Nov 2016

73200 mi

US $300
Needed Struts/shocks/strut mounts/ alignment/ control arms lower both. 
Chevrolet Sonic in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2015 - Mar 2015
Jan 2015

44000 mi
Water pump 
Mar 2015

44000 mi
Rattle. Maybe exhaust. Has had rattle since it was new. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Texas, United States
Dec 2015 - Jul 2019
Jan 2016 Water pump defect allowed coolant to leak. Known defect covered under special extended warranty. 
Sep 2017

43000 mi
Water pump flange cracked. Repaired under powertrain warranty. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Kansas, United States
Apr 2015 - Jul 2017
Aug 2016

86000 mi
Excess play in the turbocharger wastegate shaft. Turbocharger assembly replaced. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Apr 2013 - Jan 2022
Sep 2013

12000 mi
The drivers side window switch for the passenger front window stopped working. 
Jan 2014

54300 mi
Windshield washer jet was clogged. Dealer replaced under warrantee 
Aug 2014

33700 mi
Drivers front window auto down switch was sticking in the down position. Dealer replaced under warrantee. 
Apr 2015

47800 mi
HVAC blower motor bearings were going bad. Drivers window auto-down switch sicks in the auto-down position. 
Dec 2016

83000 mi
A bearing in the transmission failed. The dealer replaced the transmission under warrantee. 
Jul 2018

117000 mi

US $60
Passenger side sway bar link was worn. I replaced both passenger and driver's side 
Oct 2021

131000 mi

US $75
Replaced the intake manifold do to a failed check valve. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Ohio, United States
Mar 2013 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014

14000 mi
heater intake hose developed a leak causing engine overheating 
Chevrolet Sonic in Florida, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2017
Jun 2013

8000 mi
Update on mylink radio software 
Jun 2016

56000 mi
Losing coolant, water pump deemed faulty and replaced under warranty 
Feb 2017

69000 mi
Driver sway bar link replaced for second time 
Mar 2017

71000 mi
Driver wheel bearing went out. Whole spindle replaced 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in California, United States
May 2014 - Jul 2017
Jun 2014

5000 mi
Gasket between the rear spoiler came loose and was sticking out from between the body and the spoiler. 
Apr 2016

25700 mi
Electronic Power Steering Failure Positive Battery Cable Corroded 
Aug 2016

29000 mi

US $300
Intake hose split. Replaced with K&N CAI 
Jun 2017

38000 mi

US $750
Replace blower motor. Cut out old blower motor and replace with aftermarket part. OEM Part unavailable. Replace vent valve solenoid. Drop gas tank and replace vent valve solenoid. Code was thrown. Replace radiator fan. Fan was making noise and visibly not spinning correctly. Replace Fuse and Relay Panel Under Hood. Noticed battery acid corrosion under the panel. I do not know how battery acid got under the protective cover and into the fuse panel, but suspect that it happened when the Dealership replaced the electronic power steering and steering column. I wondered why they replaced my battery for free... 
Chevrolet Sonic in Virginia, United States
Aug 2014 - Jan 2022
May 2016

35000 mi
hose replaced 
Jun 2018

68000 mi

US $680
The car over heated and stalled; the water pump was replaced and the cooling system flushed. The total including diagnostic came to $710 - $680 was for the water pump only. It was driveable after that as long as I was not stuck in traffic - as soon as I was in traffic for a prolonged period, less than a week later, he car overheated and stalled again. The dealer said it would take another $600 to repair the fan motor. As the fan was operational, I declined the repair - they seemed to be guessing. The car has now been with another mechanic for two days and he has not been able to determine the cause. 
Jan 2019

75000 mi

US $500
Smoke from the engine is pulled into the cabin air when the heat and defroster are on (75K miles onward). 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2015
Mar 2013

1097 mi
Dealer connected connector X2 at rear window grid. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Missouri, United States
Aug 2013 - Aug 2014
Jun 2014

8000 mi
The car would not respond to key fob occasionally. Unable to lock/unlock doors, or set off alarm. I had to manually unlock the door using ignition key, which sets off alarm. The remote would then work. Dlr updated Body Control Module. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2013 - Mar 2018
Apr 2015

6920 mi
Left front sway bar was loose and rattling. It was replaced. 
Feb 2017

14260 mi

C $35
Set and resume button popped off steering wheel. Bought cruise control button assembly from dealer and replaced it. 

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

42000 mi

US $50
A/C stopped working. Compressor appears to be working. Recharge of A/C fixed problem. A leak must be present and will likely require a future repair. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Engine not specified

Chevrolet Sonic in California, United States
Dec 2012 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

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. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Arizona, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Indiana, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2017
Jan 2016

231000 mi

US $650
Heating and cooling problem. After fighting the disappearing coolant for some time now my radiator finally gave up the ghost. 
Aug 2016

260000 mi

US $992
Replaced struts, strut mounts, coil springs and 2 ball joints 
Oct 2016

265000 mi

US $200
Coolant and oil leaks from turbocharger. Replaced all coolant and oil lines going to and coming from the turbo. 
Nov 2016

268300 mi

US $200
Had to replace the turbocharger Had to replace all the gaskets and O-rings on the oil cooler due to oil leaks. This was easiest done by removing the turbo again in order to provide access to oil cooler and hardware. 
Mar 2017

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

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2014
Jul 2012

2300 mi
Air bag light illuminated; diagnosis was a faulty SRS module. 
Aug 2012

3000 mi
Lost all gauges except tach and most power steering assistance. Car later would not start, but all symptoms disappeared half an hour later. 
Apr 2014

23000 mi
Instrument cluster decided to randomly reset again, and engine ran a bit off until everything rebooted. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Illinois, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2017
Mar 2014

48000 mi

US $258
Valve Cover broke 
Jul 2015

73800 mi

US $136
EVAP system Failure 
Sep 2016

90000 mi

US $263
valve cover needed to be replaced again a hose that went through the firewall was leaking causing coolant to leak and lose heat 
Sep 2017

118000 mi

US $274
valve cover gasket caused oil leaking onto spark plugs. replaced spark plugs, valve cover gasket, and oil change. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Massachusetts, United States
May 2021 - Jun 2021
Jun 2021

115000 mi

US $500
Noise from the suspension, noticeable at lower speeds when turning and on bumpy roads. To fix this required install of new sway bar links and front A arms. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Oklahoma, United States
Dec 2012 - Aug 2017
Feb 2013

17700 mi
Cigarette lighter was only working intermittently. 
Jul 2015

52500 mi
PCV valve needed to be replaced under powertrain warranty. Injectors needed to be cleaned 
Chevrolet Sonic in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2021
Aug 2013 Check engine light (constant, not flashing). Dealer diagnosed MIL code as 'low voltage oxygen sensor'. Re-set. No repair. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2016
Jul 2013

9300 mi
gas gauge randomly goes dead....does come back....but no pattern noticed by me 
Chevrolet Sonic in Ohio, United States
Apr 2012 - Mar 2016
Mar 2015

35000 mi
Front stabilizer sway bar end links went bad. They were replaced under warranty. 
Apr 2015

35700 mi
suspension noise at rear of car. Rear strut mount replaced. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2018
Aug 2017

46000 mi

US $20
The air cleaner intake duct split. I replaced the hose myself 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2016
Jul 2015

54000 mi

US $500
Replaced steering gear box due to a leak 
Apr 2016

61300 mi

US $52
Replaced hose from intake box to manifold 
Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2014

8500 mi
Broken sway bar links replaced. 
Jan 2015

10000 mi
Oil pressure valve broken. Coolant line broken. 
Sep 2016

16000 mi

US $85
Another sway bar link broken (first one broke under warranty) 
Jun 2018

21000 mi

US $100
Front ball joint housings cracked Sway bar link broken 
Jun 2022

27000 mi

US $1100
Hole in exhaust pipe 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2018
Mar 2016

71000 mi

US $80
stabilizer bar part replaced 
Jan 2017

94000 mi

US $200
wiper fluid nozzle rubber gasket in ventilation system 
Jun 2017

103000 mi

US $900
chain 
Chevrolet Sonic in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2015 - Apr 2015
Apr 2015

55000 mi

US $99
Air intake valve cracked 
Chevrolet Sonic in Alaska, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2016
Jun 2014

29000 mi
The Aux Jack was Messed up, when connecting a Male plug into it. The Connection was loose and did not stay in,so it had to be replaced. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Maryland, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2017
May 2014

34000 mi
transmission failure Rusted through exhaust pipe coming from exhaust manifold 
Jun 2017

79000 mi
Loud rattling beneath the car. Replaced stabilizer links Air intake hose cracked 
Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Jul 2013 - Apr 2016
Sep 2013

7000 mi
chek engine light came on, car idled rough 
Mar 2014

14000 mi
rear shocks replaced under warranty.  Passenger seat belt retractor replaced. 
Jul 2014

18300 mi
stabilizer links replaced 
Jan 2015

14700 mi
catalytic converter checked due to rotten egg smell 
Chevrolet Sonic in Maryland, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2022
Jul 2014

16700 mi
Rear stabilizer was loose. Part is a known defect which GM repaired with correct part. 
Jan 2015

51000 mi

US $780
Got 'check engine' light and noisy fan. Results were a coolant leak and defective coolant fan. Serious repair cost. Car is only 3 years old with 51k. Planning to see before it's too late. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR OR ELSE... 
Dec 2015

115000 mi

US $550
Part 2 of previous problem. After numerous issues with low coolant levels radiator was replaced. 
Apr 2016

128300 mi

US $400
Cracked radiator. Had another unit installed. 
Oct 2016

150200 mi

US $150
Installed a new alternator. Old one was making a loud whining noise 
Jun 2022

220000 mi
Car has multiple oil leaks around the entire engine. Mechanic advised us to liquidate the care ASAP. Repair not worth the investment. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2013 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

21000 mi
caliper bolts broke sway bar links replaced at 18000 miles radio turns off at times car swaying back and forth on highway very unsafe no power when turning a bend headlights and interior lights dim. They go high and low when sitting idle when car is started the whole car shakes and also the muffler,tailpipe and engine shakes and rattles bad. no power i can walk faster up hills driver window molding rattle and makes noise when window down an inch or so now have a code 82 anti skid and abs light comes on muffler and or tailpipe gets loose and rattles especially when going up a hill. I tightened it, but it still vibrates the whole car at red lights. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Sedan

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Texas, United States
Apr 2012 - Aug 2018
Feb 2015

27700 mi
Thermostat housing, heater hoses and all related gaskets and seals Main hose from throttle bottle to air cleaner was torn causing a check engine light and an OBD-II code 
Mar 2017

54689 mi

US $786
AC System was 0.75 Lbs low on Freon, so the system was evacuated and recharged to proper system pressure. Added Dye to check for leaks with a black light. No leaks found. Let the car sit overnight and checked with a black light next day. No leaks found. Loud high-pitched noise observed when the air was turned on. Blower motor was coming apart at the blower cage, so the blower motor was replaced. 
Mar 2018

67000 mi
Air conditioning system was pressure tested and a leak was found in the upper left corner of the condenser. The condenser was replaced and system was recharged. Obd II system initiated a check engine light with a code read of PO597. The service technician determined the thermostat was faulty. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Louisiana, United States
Aug 2012 - Jan 2022
Sep 2012

24000 mi
Passenger seat cushion loose. 
Jul 2013

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. sway bar end links replaced- (recall) 
Sep 2013

67000 mi
dealership didn't tighten tie-rod end jam nuts and the passenger side jam nut backed off causing a steering issue. pulled the car in my shop and corrected the issue myself. 
Jun 2014

123000 mi

US $100
PCV rupture disc burst in valve cover causing the engine to run rough and several engine codes to pop up. Had to replace valve cover assembly. 
Nov 2014

143200 mi

US $140
cooling fan went out and had to be replaced. 
Sep 2015

179000 mi

US $80
"low fuel pump performance" purchased used fuel pump & fuel pump driver module on ebay from newly salvaged car & installed. old fuel pump filter sock filled with some kind of gel restricting the flow of fuel. cleaned and tested old pump.good 
Nov 2015

184000 mi

US $400
Turbo failed. No engine power and rattling noise. 
Jan 2017

219000 mi

US $300
Left and right brake calipers Locked up due to excessive wear on caliper piston. Replaced both calipers and pads. 
Oct 2017

245000 mi

US $600
AC compressor and lines replaced, system flushed, vacuumed and recharged. 
Mar 2018

265000 mi

US $45
replaced cracked reservoir tank and cracked plastic "T" fitting near water pump 
Jan 2022

428033 mi

US $55
REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS 
Chevrolet Sonic in Illinois, United States
Nov 2016 - Jan 2017
Nov 2016

106000 mi

US $186
Body ground wire had corroded and battery went completely dead. 
Jan 2017

US $1175
radiator cracked, thermostat sticking. PCV valve, (required replacing the valve cover to correct) caused massive vacuum leak. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 138hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Iowa, United States
Dec 2012 - Jun 2013
Jan 2013 Car developed a rattle, leading to sway bars being diagnosed as bad. Replaced under warranty with OEM parts. 
Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

104000 mi

US $800
Replace manifold 
Chevrolet Sonic in Oregon, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2022
May 2015

50000 mi

US $96
OnStar notified me that it had detected a fault in ABS and stabilitrak system. Dealer confirmed diagnosis as a defective brake pedal position sensor. Part was ordered and sensor was replaced. Repair was preventative, part had not yet failed. 
Feb 2017

59000 mi

US $1140
All 4 Heater Seats and Backrests Elements for Driver and Passenger Seats Failed and had to be Replaced. 
Jan 2018

68496 mi

US $317
Replaced Thermostat Housing due to coolant leak. GM Part #25193922 (Thermostat) Outlet Housing. Flush & Refill with 50/50 Dex-Cool. Note: OEM Thermostat temperature is 221F. Leak was probably caused by pulling lightweight travel trailer up grade. Temperature briefly reached 240F possibly causing housing failure. Will look into a cooler thermostat. 
Jun 2018

70934 mi

US $308
Check Engine Light - Code: P0171. Replace valve cover with defective PCV valve due to vacuum leak. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Florida, United States
Oct 2012 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

3000 mi
Grinding between 1 and 2 gear, Chevy replaced transmission. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Virginia, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2018
May 2013

26000 mi
P0449 OBD code for emissions EVAP recirc valve. Two trips needed for diagnosis/repair: Engine control computer seemed to lock the circuit so it was replaced but engine coded again later; second diagnosis found a broken wire over gas tank. 
May 2014

47000 mi
Issue: CEL P0449 - Evap Emission Control Sys Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction reappeared. Diagnosis: dealer's previous repair (broken wire above rear axle) broke again. Repair: reroute wire to avoid bending/pulling and re-solder wire. 
Aug 2015

71600 mi
Gear whine in manual 2-4-6 gears diagnosed as failed transmission bearing(gearbox replaced under GM drive train warranty 
Mar 2016

80000 mi
Third occurrence of P0449 CEL related to fuel system evaporative recirculation system. Broken and corroded circuity wire above fuel tank repaired again. 
Sep 2018

102000 mi

US $700
Replaced left front hub and press-in sealed bearing 
Chevrolet Sonic in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2017
Aug 2012

1000 mi
poorly fitting passenger side rear door panel replaced 
Dec 2014

23000 mi
Ignition lock cylinder tumblers broken. Lock cylinder replaced according to the dealer statement. 
Mar 2015

26000 mi
Trim ring on and around the gear shift knob was coming loose. It was replaced and all is well. 
Apr 2017

44000 mi
Transmission was eating itself. T'was replaced under warranty 
Chevrolet Sonic in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2013
Apr 2013

9000 mi
Constant check engine light stating emissions leak in system. Dealer smoke tested system and reset ecu. Light reappered. Back at dealer for further evaluation. 
Jun 2013

9000 mi
Constant CEL. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Florida, United States
Aug 2014 - Jul 2018
Sep 2014

50000 mi
Driver side heated seat -- heater elements burned out. 
Mar 2015

64000 mi
PCV valve diaphragm ruptured, causing vacuum leak in valve cover 
May 2018

102000 mi

US $25
Drivers side low-beam bulb out. Replaced both low-beam bulbs. 
Chevrolet Sonic in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2020
Jun 2014

42000 mi
Hose to the rear window washer came off a fitting, soaking the headliner. This was supposedly taken care of during a recall, but they didn't bother to secure this fitting. 
Jan 2017

29800 mi

US $400
Check valve in the intake failed, causing PCV valve to fail. Replacement of Camshaft cover and intake manifold required. 
Apr 2017

94000 mi

US $160
Replaced front pads and rotors. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Arizona, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2013
Aug 2012

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 
Chevrolet Sonic in Kentucky, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2018
Sep 2016

58000 mi
Leak in valve cover, valve cover replaced 
Mar 2018

80000 mi

US $40
Stock sway bar end links were making noise. Annoying, but benign. Replaced with Moog aftermarket end links, noise went away. 
Jul 2018

85000 mi

US $30
Replaced hatch lift struts, as they were getting a little weak. 
Chevrolet Sonic in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Jul 2022
Jun 2014

37000 mi
Seat warmer does not work 
Aug 2014

39600 mi
Camshaft vacuum leak. Replaced camshaft cover 
Aug 2017

66000 mi

US $175
The car would not start and then the radio would not turn off when I opened the driver side door. The mechanic changed the battery but i have still experienced the radio not turning off The airbag light has been on and I assumed it was just because it need to be inspected but actually the mechanic said the code says the sensor in the passenger seat belt has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced. The cost was over 250 so I opted to wait on this repair. 
Feb 2018

69000 mi

US $450
Car was making a rattling sound. Mechanic replaced the water pump 
Jul 2022

96000 mi

US $2000
Check engine light. Code said it is the turbo. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

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

Chevrolet Sonic in Indiana, United States
Jul 2012 - Jul 2015
Aug 2013

7000 mi
A 'creaking' noise was heard at very slow speeds. For example, when turning the wheel or applying the brakes in a parking lot. New car dealer found the GM bulletin and apparantly replaced a stabilizer sway bar link to fix the problem.  
Jun 2014

11000 mi
Engine light came on. On my call to dealer they wanted an appointment so I made one. However, on the day on the appointment the light was not on & the dealer could not find any fault code in memory. Since then, the light has not come on. 
Nov 2014

12300 mi
Small plastic insert from lower passenger chrome window trim not properly installed. It stuck out just enough to 'hit' front of the rear door & the trim is a little loose. Dealer pushed this in fully; but the trim is still a little loose. 
Apr 2015

13000 mi
Engine Light would come on intermittently; then go off. However, this spring the light came on, stayed on, & I took the car to the dealer who said it was either engine knock sensor or wiring to this sensor. Engine Knock sensor replaced. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Texas, United States
Aug 2012 - Oct 2016
Jan 2015

18500 mi
The ignition key could not be removed sometimes, had to use a screwdriver in the slot under the key mechanism to unlock the key. 
Mar 2015

19000 mi
Windshield washer reservoir leaking fluid. 
Chevrolet Sonic in South Carolina, United States
Jul 2014 - Jul 2017
Jun 2014

40000 mi

US $400
The dual cooling fan assembly failed. CEL was thrown and vehicle never overheated but did cause a costly repair. Vehicle was just outside of warranty period. Chevy did not care and charged full price. 
Jun 2016

60000 mi

US $100
The intake boot between the airbox and throttle body is a known culprit for developnig a tear on the unseen side causing a CEL. Chevy knows of this exceedingly common issue but will not cover outside of warranty and will not issue a TSB or recall for this vital engine component that allows unfiltered air into engine when broken. 
Sep 2016

61500 mi

US $200
Thermostat failed. Common Sonic failure item. Also affects Cruze models. 
Mar 2017

65000 mi

US $75
Shift knob broke. Vehicle not able to shift out of park with out shift release mechanism. 
Jul 2017

65000 mi

US $1500
AC compressor failure on <5yr old car. Chevy dealer wanted $1500 to replace. I never had the work done and sold the car instead. I asked the service manager at the Chevy dealer when we got the quote if this was a common failure item for vehicles only a few years old and he said "Actually, yes. You wouldnt believe how many new vehicles need their AC compressors replaced just outside of warranty." Lol. His candor was appreciated. I will never own another Chevy now. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Alabama, United States
Nov 2016 - Jun 2018
Dec 2017

54000 mi

US $200
Thermostat replaced. 
Jan 2018

54000 mi

US $325
Check engine light indicated lean fuel/air mixture. Intake part was replaced with factory redesigned part. 
Chevrolet Sonic in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2022
Apr 2016

21000 mi

US $297
Key would not come out of ignition switch. Ignition switch replaced. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Oregon, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2018
Dec 2014

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. 
Nov 2015

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. 
Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Dec 2011 - Mar 2014
Jan 2012

10000 mi
The windshield had a stain on the drivers side in the middle of the viewing area 
Chevrolet Sonic in Indiana, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2022
Jun 2015

18000 mi

US $50
A grinding noise at slow turns under 5 MPH. Dealer determined that steering gear was leaking. Steering gear was replaced, cost was originally $600, majority of cost paid by extended warranty. 
Jan 2016

22200 mi

US $163
Engine light came on, dealer diagnosed a cracked air intake valve. Dealer replaced with in stock GM part. 
Sep 2017

38000 mi

US $50
Alternator was noisy and failing. The problem was found and diagnosed during routine oil change. I was not experiencing any problems prior to the diagnosis, other than a loud whiney engine noise. Since the repair, the engine is as quiet as the day it was new. My extended warranty covered the cost of the repair (est. $550). 
Apr 2018

43000 mi

US $400
Rough idling at slow speeds. Dealer diagnosed that spark plugs had failed. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Missouri, United States
Jan 2013 - Sep 2013
Jun 2013

23000 mi
Sway bar end links went out 
Chevrolet Sonic in New York, United States
Nov 2014 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014

38000 mi
Air intake hose was cracked in several places. Check engine light was on. The hose was replaced with the same stock GM part. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2012 - Dec 2015
Jul 2013

12000 mi
Stock battery had a leak and was corroding the battery mounts. Dealer replaced battery under warranty. 
Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan, United States
Apr 2013 - Jul 2017
Mar 2015

30000 mi
Had odd musty smell in car after having air on and then going to just the vent. As we got used to the smell was not sure if the dealers repair people could smell it or not. Well it seems they did and reported that there was condensation not drying up arou 
Jul 2017

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 
Chevrolet Sonic in Maryland, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2020
Dec 2012

6000 mi
A few buzzes and rattle noises in a few spots but sensitive to temperature. Dealer could not duplicate at this time. 
Nov 2013

11000 mi
Stabilizer links and/or bushings replaced due to rattle noise emanating from under front of car. 
Apr 2014

13500 mi
Shift lever would buzz/rattle between 2500 and 3500 rpm's. Lever assembly replaced. Problem solved. Driver window rattles intermittently. Rubber frame trim replaced. Rattles a bit less, but problem not solved. 
Aug 2014

16000 mi
Still have a rattle noise. Service manager said they could remove interior panels and try to pinpoint the exact cause but due to the extensive use of hard plastic, fixing one thing can cause other noise issues. Fix or not. Haven't decided. 
Mar 2016

51000 mi

US $120
Inlet tube from air filter to throttle body was cracked causing a check engine light. 
Sep 2016

60000 mi

US $200
Right rear shock was leaking. Shock replaced. 
May 2017

69678 mi

US $341
No heat. Heater core outlet coupling was leaking. Back flushed heater core due to a restriction. 
Jan 2018

79000 mi

US $551
Replaced Purge Solenoid and Vent Solenoid - ECM reprogrammed with updates 
Aug 2018

89000 mi

US $504
Exhaust noise coming from under car. Flex pipe rusted and was leaking. Flex pipe replaced 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Utah, United States
May 2014 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

58000 mi

US $100
Check engine light- unable to determine cause. Been in the shop twice and light continues to come on. Cause yet unknown 
Chevrolet Sonic in Hawaii, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012

1000 mi
Both brake calipers were leaking fluid, damaged the pads & rotors. 

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Chevrolet Sonic in Florida, United States
Oct 2013 - Nov 2013
Nov 2013

11000 mi
AC blowing warm air. Dealer added 1lb freon with dye. Didn't see any leaks, didn't remove dash. Bring back if problem again. 

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

2016 Chevrolet Sonic Repair Histories

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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.