2013 Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
89/100
#2 most-complained of 10 Sonic years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has 217 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and a complaint index of 89, ranking it 2nd worst of 10 model years. Engine (30%) and electrical (26%) issues dominate, making it an Avoid year relative to other Sonic model years.
- Complaints
- 217
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 24 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 20 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 26.5 city / 34 hwy
Top 2013 Chevy Sonic problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine66 (30%)
- Electrical System57 (26%)
- Other45 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain38 (18%)
- Airbags25 (12%)
- Brakes23 (11%)
- Fuel System14 (6%)
- Steering13 (6%)
- Structure & Body12 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (6%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in low-to-moderate speed crashes, including a T-bone collision and a parking-lot pole strike.
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or loss of control at various speeds, in one case crashing into a fence and parked vehicle.
- Engine compartments produced a burning odor with fluid leaking, later traced to a faulty water pump.
- Turbo engine reportedly surged unexpectedly while parking, pushing the car into a garage wall.
- Tire pressure and overheating warning lights activated without an audible chime, leaving drivers unaware of developing problems.
- Oil cap seal tears led to burning oil smell and smoke from the engine.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V516000Jul 27, 2023Airbags767 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
- NHTSA 16V257000Apr 28, 2016Electrical System317,572 vehicles
Electrical system:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
- NHTSA 14V417000Jul 2, 2014Other2,990 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Sonic years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
- Relative to other Sonic model years, the 2013 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 89 and ranks 2nd worst out of 10 model years tracked, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What problems does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 30% of complaints (66 total), followed by Electrical System at 26% (57 complaints) and Transmission & Powertrain at 18% (38 complaints).
- Does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have an airbag recall?
- Yes. Recall 23V516000 covers a driver-side airbag inflator that may explode during deployment. There is also a separate airbag complaint category with 25 reported issues and 17 crashes.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, covering airbags, electrical systems (twice), fuel system, and other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2013 Sonic?
- The overall median mileage at failure is 50,500 miles, with engine problems appearing around 61,000 miles and electrical problems around 62,500 miles.