YearToAvoid

2018 Chevrolet Sonic Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Best The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has a Complaint Index of 22, the second-lowest among 10 model years, and ranks 8th worst (meaning 2nd best). It carries a Best verdict, with 14 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
22/100
#8 of 10 Sonic years
Verdict
Best
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
14
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2019
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
29.5
26.5 city / 35 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2018 Chevy Sonic problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System6 (43%)
  2. Engine4 (29%)
  3. Fuel System2 (14%)
  4. Other2 (14%)
  5. Structure & Body2 (14%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (14%)
  7. Airbags1 (7%)
  8. Brakes1 (7%)
  9. Seat Belts1 (7%)
  10. Steering1 (7%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Center touchscreen radio randomly goes black while driving, sometimes more than once, cutting off OnStar and other functions.
  • Instrument display backlight runs too bright at night with no way to dim or turn it off, making the road hard to see.
  • Vehicle loses traction and steering control on snow, with owners describing difficulty starting, stopping, or turning.
  • Driver seat slides forward unexpectedly during driving, and one owner reported the vehicle stalling with an electronic control unit issue.
  • Passenger airbag system deactivated with a 95-pound occupant seated, with no fault found by the dealer.
  • Passenger seat belt buckle comes undone or fails to clip at any time, reported around 39,000 miles.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic complaints: complaints filed per month2Nov 2018Sep 2019Mar 2020Mar 2021Apr 2022Nov 2022Jul 2025
14 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2018 to Jul 2025; peak Nov 2018 (2).

2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V342000May 27, 2018Structure & Body71 vehicles

    Seats

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

    Risk: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26.5 MPG
Highway
35 MPG
Combined
29.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,200
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.

2018 compared with other Sonic years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Caution5648229
2017Good4437029
2018Best2214129.5
2019Best118029
2020Good3310029

All Chevrolet Sonic years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Compared to other Sonic years, 2018 ranks well. It has a Complaint Index of 22, the second-lowest of the 10 model years with data, and carries a Best verdict.
What problems does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Sonic center on the electrical system, especially the radio/touchscreen going black, at 43% of complaints. Engine issues follow at 29%, with fuel system, structure, and suspension issues each at 14%.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (18V342000) covers a driver's seat-back frame joint that may not be properly welded, reducing seat-back strength. GM replaced the driver's seat-back free of charge starting June 28, 2018.
What year Chevrolet Sonic should I avoid instead of 2018?
Based on NHTSA data, 2012, 2013, and 2015 carry Avoid verdicts, with 2012 having the highest Complaint Index at 100 and 354 complaints. The 2018 model year is one of the better years.
How many complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA lists 14 complaints for the 2018 Sonic, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.