How many engine complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have?

NHTSA lists 98 engine complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which is 28% of its 354 total complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine?

No related recalls are listed for the engine component on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic in NHTSA data.

At what mileage do 2012 Sonic engine problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Sonic is 47,740 miles.

Did engine problems on the 2012 Sonic cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries reported.

How does the 2012 Sonic compare to other Sonic years for engine complaints?

The 2012 Sonic has 98 engine complaints, more than any other model year, though its 28% share of total complaints is lower than the 2017 Sonic's 57% share.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 98 of 354 total complaints (28%) for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, the highest engine complaint count of any Sonic model year. Owners reported stalling, smoke/burning smells, and overheating, with a median failure mileage of 47,740 miles. No engine-specific recall is on file.

Engine complaints: 98; 28% of 354
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 47,740 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls unexpectedly while pulling away from a stop, sometimes requiring a pause before it will restart.
Smoke emerges from the engine compartment while driving at low speed or shortly after parking, in some cases linked to an oil cooler issue.
A burning plastic odor fills the interior after extended driving, described by owners as uncomfortable to breathe.
The 1.4L turbocharged engine stalls or accelerates poorly in warm conditions when running on 87 octane fuel.
The engine overheats and leaks coolant shortly after purchase, triggering the check engine light.
The vehicle unexpectedly shifts or moves in drive or reverse on its own, leading to collisions with fixed objects.

When 2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 29, 2012, latest Aug 20, 2026.

98 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2015 Q2 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sonic model year

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

20110 (0%)
201298 (28%)
201366 (30%)
201440 (27%)
201527 (24%)
201616 (33%)
201721 (57%)
20184 (29%)
20194 (50%)
20202 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have?: NHTSA lists 98 engine complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which is 28% of its 354 total complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine?: No related recalls are listed for the engine component on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic in NHTSA data.
At what mileage do 2012 Sonic engine problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Sonic is 47,740 miles.
Did engine problems on the 2012 Sonic cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries reported.
How does the 2012 Sonic compare to other Sonic years for engine complaints?: The 2012 Sonic has 98 engine complaints, more than any other model year, though its 28% share of total complaints is lower than the 2017 Sonic's 57% share.