How common are engine problems in the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

NHTSA lists 21 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Sonic, which is 57% of all 37 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.

At what mileage do 2017 Sonic engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 54,568 miles.

What kinds of engine issues do 2017 Sonic owners report?

Owners describe stalling at stops, recurring coolant leaks and overheating, repeated valve cover failures, a persistent camshaft/VVT trouble code, and in one case a fire near the dashboard.

Did any 2017 Sonic engine complaints involve crashes or fires?

Among the sample data, NHTSA recorded 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury linked to complaints filed for the 2017 Sonic.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 21 engine complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, 57% of its 37 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 54,568 miles. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 21; 57% of 37
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 54,568 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls or dies unexpectedly while stopped at traffic signals, sometimes restarting only after multiple attempts.
Coolant leaks repeatedly from the cooling system, triggering an engine overheating warning light and requiring frequent refills.
Owners report replacing valve covers multiple times within a few months due to recurring failures.
A recurring P0011 camshaft/VVT trouble code appears, with one owner told the fix required a new engine.
One case describes flames forming near the radio area of the dashboard while driving at low speed, prompting evacuation of the vehicle.
Thermostat housing and water outlet components fail in sequence, contributing to ongoing overheating problems.

When 2017 Chevrolet Sonic engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 13, 2018, latest Apr 21, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2018 to Apr 2026; peak Aug 2020 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2017 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 problems in the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?: NHTSA lists 21 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Sonic, which is 57% of all 37 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do 2017 Sonic engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 54,568 miles.
What kinds of engine issues do 2017 Sonic owners report?: Owners describe stalling at stops, recurring coolant leaks and overheating, repeated valve cover failures, a persistent camshaft/VVT trouble code, and in one case a fire near the dashboard.
Did any 2017 Sonic engine complaints involve crashes or fires?: Among the sample data, NHTSA recorded 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury linked to complaints filed for the 2017 Sonic.