2013 Chevrolet Sonic Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 57 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 26% of its 217 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 62,500. GM issued three related recalls covering radio software, the body control module, and turn signal/BCM reprogramming.
- Electrical System complaints
- 57
- 26% of 217
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 62,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Ignition key sticks or won't turn to start the engine, sometimes requiring multiple attempts.
- Vehicle stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, with the dashboard going blank.
- Key fob or key in ignition can accidentally shut off the engine when bumped, including while operating the wipers or radio.
- Warning chimes and indicator lights (tire pressure, overheating) fail to sound or alert the driver in time.
- Ignition key becomes difficult to remove from the switch even after dealer cleaning of the shifter cable and console housing.
When 2013 Chevrolet Sonic electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 11, 2013, latest Jul 22, 2024.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
- 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 13V220000May 24, 2013Electrical System10,210 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.
- NHTSA 12V454000Sep 17, 2012Electrical System4,716 vehicles
Exterior lighting:turn signal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Electrical System complaints by Sonic model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
- NHTSA lists 57 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, which is 26% of the 217 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?
- Yes. GM issued recall 16V257000 for radio software, 13V220000 for body control module reprogramming, and 12V454000 for turn signal/BCM reprogramming, all covering the 2013 Sonic.
- At what mileage do electrical problems usually appear on the 2013 Sonic?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Sonic is 62,500 miles.
- Did the 2013 Sonic's electrical problems cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2013 Sonic shows 4 crashes and 7 injuries, with 0 fires reported.