2018 Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#7 most-complained of 10 Sonic years
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has 14 complaints, 1 recall, and a Complaint Index of 33, ranking 7th of 10 model years and earning a "Good" verdict. Electrical System issues, mostly radio screen failures, make up 43% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26.5 city / 35 hwy
Top 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System6 (43%)
- Engine4 (29%)
- Fuel System2 (14%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (14%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
- Steering1 (7%)
What owners report
- Center touchscreen display becomes distractingly bright at night with no way to turn it off, unlike the adjustable instrument cluster.
- Radio screen goes black without warning while driving, sometimes losing OnStar function, at a reported median mileage of 26,950 miles.
- Radio turns on and off by itself and Bluetooth connections freeze after calls end.
- Passenger seat belt buckle can come undone unexpectedly, reported at 39,000 miles.
- Driver's seat can slide forward on its own, causing knee contact with the dash, while the vehicle also stalls unexpectedly.
- Front passenger airbag system shows as deactivated even with a seated passenger, reported at 15,000 miles.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Sonic has a Complaint Index of 33 and ranks 7th out of 10 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Sonic years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 6 of 14 complaints (43%), mostly involving the radio screen going black or the center display being too bright at night.
- Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (18V342000) was issued for a driver's seat-back frame joint that may not be properly welded, reducing seat-back strength. GM replaced the driver's seat-back for free starting June 28, 2018.
- How does the 2018 Sonic compare to other Sonic years to avoid?
- The 2012 Sonic has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and is the worst-ranked year, while 2013 and 2015 are also labeled "Avoid." The 2018 model, with a Complaint Index of 33, is far better than those years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
- The 2018 Sonic gets an EPA-rated 29.5 mpg combined (26.5 city/35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200.