How many brake complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have?

NHTSA lists 26 brake complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which is 7% of the 354 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?

Yes. Recall 11V599000, reported December 28, 2011, covers 2012 Sonic vehicles where the front brake inner or outer pad may be missing. Dealers inspect the front brakes and replace pads if misinstalled.

At what mileage do 2012 Sonic brake problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Sonic is 40,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Have brake problems on the 2012 Sonic led to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 7 crashes and 5 injuries associated with brake complaints on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 26 brake complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 7% of that model year's 354 total complaints, with 7 crashes and 5 injuries reported. A related recall (11V599000) covers missing front brake pads, and median mileage at failure was 40,000.

Brakes complaints: 26; 7% of 354
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report a rotational or grinding noise from the rear brake area at low speed, which some were told was linked to a rear brake drum design issue GM was reviewing internally.
Owners describe the brake pedal sticking to the floor or brakes failing to respond during highway driving, in some cases resulting in a crash.
Owners report brakes becoming stiff or unresponsive during stop-and-go situations, preventing them from slowing in time to avoid a collision.
Owners report grinding or squealing noises when turning or after braking, sometimes attributed by dealers to corrosion or suspension issues rather than the brakes themselves.
Owners describe brake performance issues that occur specifically when driving over grates or ice, with dealers finding no fault during inspection.

When 2012 Chevrolet Sonic brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 9, 2012, latest Aug 20, 2026.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2012 to Aug 2026; peak Sep 2013 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

NHTSA 11V599000Dec 28, 2011Brakes4,296 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet sonic vehicles manufactured from june 2, 2011, through november 21, 2011. On some of these vehicles, the front brake inner or outer pad may be missing.
Risk: A missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brakes for a missing inner or outer pad. If a brake pad is missing, dealers will install new inner and outer pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 14, 2012

Brakes complaints by Sonic model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20110 (0%)
201226 (7%)
201323 (11%)
201413 (9%)
20159 (8%)
20165 (10%)
20175 (14%)
20181 (7%)
20190 (0%)
20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have?: NHTSA lists 26 brake complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which is 7% of the 354 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?: Yes. Recall 11V599000, reported December 28, 2011, covers 2012 Sonic vehicles where the front brake inner or outer pad may be missing. Dealers inspect the front brakes and replace pads if misinstalled.
At what mileage do 2012 Sonic brake problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Sonic is 40,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Have brake problems on the 2012 Sonic led to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 7 crashes and 5 injuries associated with brake complaints on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.