How common are engine complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?

NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2013 model year, which is 30% of all 217 complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic engine?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Sonic?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 61,000 miles.

What kind of engine problems do owners describe?

Owners describe overheating with warning lights, coolant or water pump leaks, burning oil smells from a torn oil cap seal, and surging near shift points.

Did any 2013 Sonic engine complaints involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set includes 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 30% of its 217 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 61,000 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine issue set.

Engine complaints: 66; 30% of 217
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 61,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine overheating with a coolant warning light coming on, sometimes while driving at low speed such as 25 mph.
Some describe coolant or fluid leaking from the engine compartment, later diagnosed as a faulty water pump or radiator.
Others report a burning oil smell and smoke traced to a torn oil cap seal.
A few describe the vehicle surging or jolting near shift points during the first drive of the day or after the car sat for a while.
One owner reported the vehicle suddenly losing control and crashing at various speeds, with the dealer unable to diagnose a cause.

When 2013 Chevrolet Sonic engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 25, 2013, latest Jan 8, 2026.

66 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q1 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2013 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 common are engine complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?: NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2013 model year, which is 30% of all 217 complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic engine?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Sonic?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 61,000 miles.
What kind of engine problems do owners describe?: Owners describe overheating with warning lights, coolant or water pump leaks, burning oil smells from a torn oil cap seal, and surging near shift points.
Did any 2013 Sonic engine complaints involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set includes 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries.