What years of the Chevrolet Sonic should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic rank worst, with Complaint Index scores of 100, 89, and 78 respectively.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Sonic?

The 2019 and 2020 Sonic are the best years, with Complaint Index scores of 11 and 22, the lowest complaint counts, and zero recalls each.

What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Sonic?

Across all model years, Engine issues account for 29% of the 953 total complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 24% and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 24%.

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission issues?

Yes. Transmission & Powertrain complaints made up 44% of all 2012 Sonic complaints, at a median of 50,000 miles, and NHTSA issued a recall to replace the transmission turbine shaft on that year.

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?

Across the 2011-2020 model years, NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Sonic.

Chevrolet Sonic Best and Worst Years (2011–2020)

Avoid the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, which rank worst with Complaint Index scores of 100, 89, and 78. The 2019 and 2020 are the best years, with scores of 11 and 22 and far fewer complaints, recalls, and reported issues.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Avoid 2015 Best 2019 Best 2020

Model years: 10; 2011–2020
NHTSA complaints: 953
Recall campaigns: 16
Crashes reported: 91
Fires reported: 18
Top problem area: Engine

Sonic Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Sonic problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2011	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	—	—	—
2012	Avoid	100	354	27	5	7	Transmission & Powertrain	29.5	5★
2013	Avoid	89	217	24	4	6	Engine	29	5★
2014	Caution	67	150	11	4	4	Electrical System	29	5★
2015	Avoid	78	114	15	3	3	Electrical System	29	5★
2016	Caution	56	48	8	1	2	Engine	29	5★
2017	Good	44	37	6	1	0	Engine	29	5★
2018	Good	33	14	0	0	1	Electrical System	29.5	5★
2019	Best	11	8	0	0	0	Engine	29	5★
2020	Best	22	10	0	0	0	Electrical System	29	5★

Sonic years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Index 100 · 354 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2012 Sonic is the worst year, with 354 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100. Transmission & Powertrain issues made up 44% of complaints, at a median 50,000 miles, followed by Engine issues at 28% (median 47,740 miles) and Electrical System problems at 18% (median 38,286 miles). Owners describe hesitation and gear-finding trouble under acceleration, along with a transmission turbine shaft recall. NHTSA also lists a steering wheel airbag coil recall and an oil pan/block heater cord recall. This year recorded 27 crashes, 5 fires, 18 injuries, and 1 death across 7 recall campaigns.

2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 engine problems →2012 electrical system problems →

2013 Chevrolet Sonic Index 89 · 217 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2013 Sonic ranks second worst, with 217 complaints and a Complaint Index of 89. Engine problems were the top area at 30% of complaints (median 61,000 miles), followed by Electrical System at 26% (median 62,500 miles) and Transmission & Powertrain at 18% (median 52,500 miles). Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes and vehicles losing control at various speeds. NHTSA lists a driver-side airbag inflator recall, a radio software recall, and an oil pan/block heater cord recall. This year saw 24 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries, and 6 recall campaigns total.

2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →

2015 Chevrolet Sonic Index 78 · 114 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2015 Sonic ranks third worst, with 114 complaints and a Complaint Index of 78. Electrical System issues topped the list at 31% (median 49,500 miles), followed by Airbags at 24% (median 28,700 miles) and Engine at 24% (median 46,170 miles). Owners describe airbags not deploying in collisions and a power steering indicator lighting up before a crash. This year had 15 crashes, 3 fires, 19 injuries, and 1 death, with 3 recall campaigns including two radio software update recalls.

2015 electrical system problems →2015 airbags problems →2015 engine problems →

Most common Chevrolet Sonic problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine278 (29%)
Electrical System233 (24%)
Transmission & Powertrain231 (24%)
Other174 (18%)
Airbags126 (13%)
Brakes82 (9%)
Fuel System74 (8%)
Steering54 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires49 (5%)
Structure & Body45 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Sonic should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic rank worst, with Complaint Index scores of 100, 89, and 78 respectively.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Sonic?: The 2019 and 2020 Sonic are the best years, with Complaint Index scores of 11 and 22, the lowest complaint counts, and zero recalls each.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Sonic?: Across all model years, Engine issues account for 29% of the 953 total complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 24% and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 24%.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission issues?: Yes. Transmission & Powertrain complaints made up 44% of all 2012 Sonic complaints, at a median of 50,000 miles, and NHTSA issued a recall to replace the transmission turbine shaft on that year.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?: Across the 2011-2020 model years, NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Sonic.