How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?

NHTSA lists 154 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Sonic, which makes up 44% of all 354 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the Sonic model years listed.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?

Yes. GM recalled certain 2012 Sonics built between March 1, 2012, and June 29, 2012, with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four-cylinder engine (campaign 14V315000). Dealers replace the transmission turbine shaft free of charge.

At what mileage do 2012 Sonic transmission problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 50,000 miles, though individual sample complaints range from under 1,000 miles to over 32,000 miles.

Have transmission issues caused crashes on the 2012 Sonic?

NHTSA records list 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2012 Sonic, with no fires reported.

Do later Sonic model years have fewer transmission complaints?

Yes. Complaints in this area drop from 154 in 2012 to 38 in 2013, 20 in 2014, and single digits by 2016 and later, though the 2020 model year shows 3 complaints at a 30% share.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 154 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 44% of its 354 total complaints, the highest share of any model year for this Sonic. Median mileage at failure was 50,000, and GM recalled certain 2012 Sonics (campaign 14V315000) to replace the transmission turbine shaft.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 154; 44% of 354
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the transmission hesitating or failing to find the right gear when accelerating from a stop or while turning, sometimes described as the car stalling or getting stuck when pulling into traffic.
Some describe the vehicle rolling backward on an incline even though the hill-holder feature was engaged.
Owners report the transmission grinding when shifting into reverse after disengaging and re-engaging the clutch.
Several complaints describe the engine racing in drive with the vehicle barely moving, followed by jolting, thudding, or a failure to shift, sometimes leaving the car stuck in traffic.
Owners describe the engine idling roughly or stalling unexpectedly at low speed, in one case while the car was moving through an intersection at 50 mph.
One complaint noted debris found in the transmission along with a faulty cam phaser after the vehicle repeatedly failed to shift properly.

When 2012 Chevrolet Sonic transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 9, 2012, latest Feb 25, 2026.

154 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q3 (12).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

NHTSA 14V315000Jun 12, 2014Transmission & Powertrain21,567 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.
Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sonic model year

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

20110 (0%)
2012154 (44%)
201338 (18%)
201420 (13%)
201512 (11%)
20163 (6%)
20171 (3%)
20180 (0%)
20190 (0%)
20203 (30%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?: NHTSA lists 154 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Sonic, which makes up 44% of all 354 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the Sonic model years listed.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?: Yes. GM recalled certain 2012 Sonics built between March 1, 2012, and June 29, 2012, with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four-cylinder engine (campaign 14V315000). Dealers replace the transmission turbine shaft free of charge.
At what mileage do 2012 Sonic transmission problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 50,000 miles, though individual sample complaints range from under 1,000 miles to over 32,000 miles.
Have transmission issues caused crashes on the 2012 Sonic?: NHTSA records list 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2012 Sonic, with no fires reported.
Do later Sonic model years have fewer transmission complaints?: Yes. Complaints in this area drop from 154 in 2012 to 38 in 2013, 20 in 2014, and single digits by 2016 and later, though the 2020 model year shows 3 complaints at a 30% share.