How common are electrical problems in the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

NHTSA lists 35 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Sonic, which is 31% of the 114 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur in the 2015 Sonic?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints is 49,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic's electrical system?

Yes. NHTSA recall 16V422000 and 16V257000 both cover 2015-2016 Sonic (and related Trax/Spark) models equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio that may fail to provide an audible warning.

Have electrical problems in the 2015 Sonic led to crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 fire among the Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Sonic, with no reported injuries in that data.

Is the electrical system worse in the 2015 Sonic than other model years?

The 2015 Sonic's 31% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is close to 2013 (26%) and 2014 (33%), and higher than most later years like 2016 (23%) and 2017 (16%).

2015 Chevrolet Sonic Electrical System Problems

Electrical System complaints account for 35 of 114 total complaints (31%) filed against the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, with a median failure mileage of 49,500 miles. Two related recalls (16V422000 and 16V257000) address radio software that could fail to warn about certain conditions.

Electrical System complaints: 35; 31% of 114
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 49,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicles suddenly stall while driving, with door locks cycling, lights flickering, and power steering and brakes temporarily losing power before the engine restarts on its own.
Doors unlock unexpectedly while driving, requiring the driver to manually relock them, sometimes followed by a warning message on the dash.
The radio and dashboard information center shut off or behave erratically, with turn signal indicators, seat belt indicator, and radio going dark at the same time.
The key or ignition shaft becomes noticeably warm or hot to the touch after driving, especially on longer trips.
The vehicle alarm sounds unexpectedly even when all doors are closed and properly locked.
Power loss occurs when the air conditioning is running, causing slow acceleration and, at times, non-functioning window controls.

When 2015 Chevrolet Sonic electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 21, 2015, latest Sep 29, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2015 to Sep 2025; peak Sep 2022 (4).

Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

NHTSA 16V422000Jun 10, 2016Electrical System18,780 vehicles
Electrical system:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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.

Electrical System complaints by Sonic model year

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

20110 (0%)
201262 (18%)
201357 (26%)
201449 (33%)
201535 (31%)
201611 (23%)
20176 (16%)
20186 (43%)
20191 (13%)
20206 (60%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?: NHTSA lists 35 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Sonic, which is 31% of the 114 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur in the 2015 Sonic?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints is 49,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic's electrical system?: Yes. NHTSA recall 16V422000 and 16V257000 both cover 2015-2016 Sonic (and related Trax/Spark) models equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio that may fail to provide an audible warning.
Have electrical problems in the 2015 Sonic led to crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 fire among the Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Sonic, with no reported injuries in that data.
Is the electrical system worse in the 2015 Sonic than other model years?: The 2015 Sonic's 31% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is close to 2013 (26%) and 2014 (33%), and higher than most later years like 2016 (23%) and 2017 (16%).