2012 Chevrolet Sonic

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that on several occasions, while coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly remained in second gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the vehicle to shift into another gear. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear. Transmission does not engage into gear.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting code after replacing 3 accelerator peddles. Possible manufacture issue with wiring that water gets into connectors shorting out that system

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

UNKNOWN

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the brakes, ABS, traction control, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took longer than normal to slow down. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle taken to a dealer where it was it diagnosed and determined that the brake booster pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the transmission. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact then went to auto parts store and attempted to change the speed sensor; however, the parts store had given the contact the incorrect part. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was already repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle had lost throttle and power. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I purchased this car 2 years ago and it has caused me absolutely nothing but trouble. We have replaced the fan 4 times (twice due to the resistor thats part of the fan failed), headgasket job, intercooler punctures (once inward, once outward), failed valve cover, intake maniford, turbo seals twice, failing check values, new relays for the fan (twice), another drive belt, and now I go outside and theres a puddle of coolant under my car. I have sunk over $8,000 into this car and it has been the worst financial decision ever. Why do the parts keep failing? Why isnt there a heat gage in the dang car so I know its too hot before the light comes on?

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a friend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and struck the curb. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side suspension had failed. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced, along with the front axle and ball joints. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving on the highway late at night, at approximately 60 mph my 2012 Sonic began to lose power and slowed to a dangerously low speed when there was nowhere for me to pull over! I literally had to coast to a spot that I could barely squeeze off the road! Then would not shift into any workable gear but 1st and after that just revved up loudly. Long story short…had to be towed 35 miles home. Then towed to a reputable garage where they concluded the transmission was shot at about 90,000 miles. Would be around $3800. to rebuild. Come to find out these cars are known for this problem! And yet somehow I’m being told by GM that it’s not included in the Turbine Shaft Fracture Recall for that car’s year/make/model!! WHY?! Needless to say….the car will be junked!

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Water pump is leaking in front of motor

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

We have had to deal with severe overheating issues and failing parts our entire ownership of this vehicle, both of which then cause other parts to fail, as the parts are so poorly made and heat sensitive. We have replaced the turbocharger (twice), intake manifold + valve cover (twice), catalytic converter, the radiator (THREE TIMES), the cooling fan (twice), the MAF sensor (twice), and much more. All of this has been done over the course of 18months. This has easily been the most expensive car we have ever owned due to the constant repairs, all of which has been because of Failing Parts and overheating.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Purchased 2012 Chevy Sonic for my son so that he can drive around as he is a student driver. Purchased on July 27th and pickup on the 29th on 30th Morning driving the car on the highway the car stopped while in drive mode and luckily no accident. reached out to the dealer i towed the car to dealership. First they told me is ready nothing wrong and said there is a problem with the key they didn't program it i picked up the car on august 2nd and while driving 5 miles it was doing stalled on the Highway near Natick Mall the Natick police came and tried to move the car to safe spot. since 12 day the car is with them on 10 August they told me that they are taking to Chevy dealership on the 11th and received a call from Dealership on 14th that they will do diagnosis today and i just got of the phone with the service manager she they the body control module need to be replaced and they spoke with USA motor sport salesman [XXX] He denied to fix and said he will bring old Body Control module from used car and will do reprogram i called the owner who is the ruddiest person in the World he started abusing and using false Language i am going to reach out to Attorney General Office and complain. he is saying i cannot call him when the car is ready he will call i need to report this to higher Authorities THE CAR IS STALLED WHIILE DRIVING INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Aug 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving my 2012 chevrolet sonic on April 26 and was rear ended my seatbelt did not engage and I was injured. I was rushed to the hospital for a concussion and on may 4th I got dizzy from my concussion from the accident suffered on April 26 and lost control of my vehicle and struck a concrete barrier on i20 west then bounced of the barrier and struck the barrier yet again. My seatbelt never engaged and my airbags never deployed either time striking the barrier nor the prior accident.

Reported

May 2023

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

On 4/1/2023 my engine light went on. I had my nephews look at it. see pictures below for engine read and how oil mixed with antifreeze. Also note service paperwork. Gaskets were not up to quality to keep the oil sealed in its compartment. Manager called and tried to take care of issue because he only uses genuine parts but was told there was an issue with this part and until there were more fatalities or more people complained noting could be done. He was NOT happy. They did the best they could resorting to youtube videos and imagination. When I got it back, it was like brand new. Two days later, my engine light came on again. You will find the new engine reading which again had the oil mix with the antifreeze and no oil left. The engine would blow/seize or worse if I kept driving it. I am on disability and live alone. I cannot afford the unpredictability of having something happen to me on the road or where I am suppose to the money. I complained before to a manager at a dealership when I had a problem with my motor when my car was still new. He told me it was supposed to be like that. I keep revving in the middle of traffic lights and people were on my backend when I would get out of work at 3:00 am. The car was recalled two months later to replace many individual motor parts. I am too old and anxious to play these games. Please seriously have look into this please. Thank you for your time.

Reported

Apr 2023

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine oil change services, there was an abnormal oil odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was coming from underneath the hood and after opening the hood, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

01.24.2023 Purchased Chevy Sonic 2012 three weeks ago (12.27.22) w odometer at 33,688 and manuf. date of 03/2012. It has multiple recalls, inc transmission, that GM has reported resolved. I have had to schedule a transmission rebuild for $3,200.00 in February. After pressing on gas pedal, the vehicle hesitates as though it is going to stall, then lurches forward. On open road it will buck. When slowing down to stop or make turns, it bucks and lurches. The problems duplicate those stated in almost all of the complaints reported on this site. If GM has reported this vehicle as properly repaired, then I am stuck. Also, the questionable low mileage of a ten year old vehicle and dates of the recalls make me wonder about where and when or if all the recalls were truly resolved. There is one accident reported on this vehicle, Sept. 2022; was the accident caused by the same powertrain related problems?

Reported

Jan 2023

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. YES, IT WAS CONFIRMED BY A DEALER. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY THE CHEVY DEALER. NO, THERE WERE NOT ANY WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.

Reported

Jan 2023

Incident date

Nov 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while coming off the freeway at approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle began jerking. The engine revved up as if it intended to accelerate however, the vehicle would then jerk. The contact was able to coast to the destination driving approximately 5-10 mph. The check engine warning light illuminated with a trouble code regarding the engine. The contact who is a certified mechanic determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin NHTSA ID: 14V315000 (Power Train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was waiting to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,410.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My vehicle will not shift out of 1st or 2nd gear. This appears to be part of a recall I just found out about, however my vin # states its not part of the recall.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A few months after this car was purchased, we received the notice regarding recall 14234 for our 2012 Chevy Sonic. However, when we brought it to the dealership, they stated that our vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I told them we were experiencing shaking while shifting and it seemed like the exact same issue. Now about 1 year later with less than 100,000 miles, the car will not shift properly into 3rd gear. The auto repair shop informed us that we need to get a new transmission among many other related repairs. We seem to have the exact same issue as reported in the recall; however, we continue to be informed that our vehicle does not fall under the umbrella of the recall. After doing a number of searches it seems that this is a common story. All these 2012 Chevy Sonics have the same issue yet do not fall under the recall.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was experiencing issues with the transmission on my vehicle. I lost control and when it stop abruptly in a ditch after hitting a fallen limb of a tree the airbags did not deploy. Since this incident I have extreme pain in neck, dizziness, and weakness in both my arms. My vehicle is not listed as part of the recalls and the violent stop of my vehicle upon hitting the object was severe enough to snap both tierod ends yet airbags did not deploy. I have significant injuries as a result and a wrecked car that I feel was hard to control due to the problematic acceleration of transmission

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

The gear shift in the car started sticking about 3 years ago but it would still shift so I wasn't too concerned. Since then it's gotten gradually worse until tonight where it took me 5 minutes to put it into park. I couldn't released the key or get it out of reverse and it was terrifying. Mine and others safety was put at risk because my car not going into park means it can roll anywhere and cause an accident. I haven't taken it to a dealer to get checked and it hasn't been inspected by anyone else. There never have been any warnings from the car that there is an issue.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

May 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic giving a P2138 error code. I have replaced the Throttle Position Sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Sensor and the problem is not going away. I have spent over $700 on this repair and they cannot fix it. It is a known problem with this vehicle but GM is there is no recall for this issue. I wish something could be done. The acceleration loses power and drops to is unable to go above 45 MPH.

Reported

Apr 2022

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

After original P0011 engine code dealer bought from replaced VVT actuators, oil control solenoid, VCG, timing belt, water pump, antifreeze, idler and tensioner on 10/27 -11/21. Vehicle ran for one week and all thru Dec 2021 intermittently kept running rough and stalling and throwing P0011 code Camsgaft Position Sensor intake and P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. Smelled burning oil too. Replaced all separate throughout month -Camshaft position sensor intake, changed oil, spark plugs and now the ignition coil. Each time ran one day and code P0011 kept coming back. Running rough, poor gas mileage and stalls. Have extended warranty going back to dealer bought from.

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle keeps throwing P0011 codes with engine running rough and stalling when moving from stopped or slowing down

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The failure nearly caused a collision. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Della Chevrolet of Plattsburgh (5101 U.S. Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 12901). Both dealers informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Reported

Dec 2021

Incident date

Jul 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Driving 2012 Chevrolet Sonic approximately 50mph, car down shifted on its own to 20mph nearly getting rear ended. Tried driving in auto transmission and manual mode, transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Had to drive 11 miles on busy road at 20mph, speed limit is 50mph. Car is at dealer, has turbine shaft break and wave plate broken. Because car has 1-2012 on sticker, no warranty is available. My option is $4800 to replace transmission or junk it. Car only has 93 thousand miles and was always mainted very well, lucky there was no injuries.

Reported

Nov 2021

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On Sunday, my transmission had a Complete Failure; according to the dealership, on Monday afternoon, we had the vehicle towed to Pinkerton in Salem 925 N Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 540-562-1337. The vehicle has only had 48,900. They said that there was a flaw possible in the transmission but have been waiting to see if they have a fix for the problem since it was possibly a manufacturing issue since the vehicle was service regularly at the dealership. We were on the highway when this was happening, and the vehicle what to stall out, so we had to come home. On Monday, we had the vehicle towed since it would not reverse out of the driveway.. No warning light, and the car was driving fine until 07/25/2021

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

Jul 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Shift Lever (Gear Shifter) started getting stuck in park when I attempted to put it in drive. My vehicle key would also get stuck in the ignition. These two problems put my personal safety at risk because in not being able to shift from park to drive and (or) take my key out of the ignition, I would be left stranded out in public.

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

Jul 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

DURING STOP-AND-GO CITY TRAFFIC, THE CAR WILL STRUGGLE TO CHANGE GEARS, AND HAS (BETWEEN 5-10 TIMES) "STOPPED RESPONDING," MEANING THAT THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO PRESSING THE BRAKE OR GAS, ALTHOUGH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTINUES TO RUN. THE ONLY SOLUTION WE HAVE FOUND TO THIS IS PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, TURNING IT OFF, AND TURNING IT BACK ON AGAIN, BUT THIS IS VERY SCARY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY ON 5/8/21 BUT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS.

Reported

May 2021

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT VAN BUICK GMC (8585 E. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260) FOR A SERPENTINE AND TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS TRANSMISSION RELATED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER UNREPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. *DT

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Apr 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR AS THE D ON THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURE, HIS DAUGHTER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE CONTACT. UPON ARRIVING AT THE SCENE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS HOME IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION CHEVROLET WEST AMARILLO (7300 I-40, AMARILLO, TX 79106) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Reported

Jan 2021

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. DESPITE THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE MECHANIC. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Reported

Nov 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

FIRST PROBLEM STARTED WHEN RADIO REMAINED ON AFTER KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION. RADIO WOULD TURN ON AND OFF WHEN CAR WAS OFF AND DRAINED NEWLY REPLACED BATTERY. ADVISED TO REMOVE FUSE AS TEMPORARY FIX. CAR WAS ALSO LOSING POWER WHEN HIGHWAY DRIVING (UP TO 70 MPH). I DON'T SPEED, BUT CAR STRUGGLED TO GO ABOVE 70 MPH. THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, HAD RADIATOR CHECKED, OIL CHANGED, FLUIDS ADDED AT BEGINNING OF OCTOBER. THREE WEEKS LATER ON CITY STREET, SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC WHEN CAR LOST POWER. WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING, CAR CONTINUED TO SLOW TO COMPLETE STOP IN THE STREET DESPITE STEPPING ON GAS. WAITED 25 MINUTES FOR TOW, BUT WHEN TOW DRIVER CAME, CAR WAS ABLE TO START AND MOVE. LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AND CAR WAS TOWED. AT MECHANIC, COMPUTER CODES INDICATED LOW/NO TRANSMISSION FLUID (EVEN THOUGH FLUID WAS ADDED AT OIL CHANGE ONLY THREE WEEKS PRIOR). NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKS. MECHANIC ADDED FLUID AND WENT FOR RIDE ON SUBURBAN BACK ROAD, CAR LOST POWER AFTER 10 MINUTES. HE HAD TO WAIT APPROX 20 MINUTES FOR CAR TO MOVE AGAIN. HE DRAINED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FOUND METALLIC BITS, AND SAYS TRANSMISSION WOULD LIKELY NEED REPLACING. CAR HAS FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE '54K MILES' AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. ALSO CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED BECAUSE KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION.

Reported

Nov 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I OWNED MY 2012 CHEVY SONIC LT FOR EXACTLY 8 YEARS, WITH ONLY 81.3K MILES ON IT. AFTER ABOUT 2016, IRONICALLY, WHEN IT WAS PAID OFF, IT STARTED TO 'NICKEL & DIME' ME; WITH EVERYTHING FROM ELECTRICAL ISSUES, TO BATTERY REPLACEMENT SEVERAL TIMES, IT SEEMED I WAS CONSTANTLY TAKING IT TO THE SHOP. I WAS ALWAYS VERY TIMELY WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE BUT REGARDLESS, UNBEKNOWNST TO ME, THE 2012 MODELS OF THE SONIC HAVE TRANSMISSION/POWER TRAIN ISSUES THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE SURE WERE ADDRESSED IN THE 2013 MODELS BUT FAILED TO RECALL OR PAY FOR THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION FOR THE 2012 MODELS. I HAD NO INDICATION MY TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL ON ME SO SUDDENLY. ON SEPT. 14TH, 2020, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AND WHEN I STARTED DOWN MY STREET, I NOTICED MY CAR WASN'T ACCELERATING PROPERLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IMAGINATION AT FIRST, BUT IT CONTINUED GETTING WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE STARTED AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER - MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THAT TIME ALSO - AND THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE END. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY AUTO SHOP AND THEY WROTE ME A QUOTE FOR $5200 TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REPLACED. IT WAS THEN THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE 2012 SONIC FAULTY POWER TRAIN ISSUES. I THINK IT'S COMPLETELY UNETHICAL TO NOT ADDRESS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT COULD'VE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE COMPANY SINCE IT WAS THE FIRST YEAR THE CAR WAS SOLD, IT SHOULD BE THEIR DUTY. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO SELL THE CAR FOR PARTS AS IT WASN'T WORTH THE RESALE VALUE WITH SUCH A MAJOR ISSUE.

Reported

Oct 2020

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I WAS DRIVING AND TURNING LEFT INTO A PLAZA PARKING LOT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT MINE VERY HARD AS THEY WERE GOING REALLY FAST. THEY HIT THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DAMAGING THE GRILL, FRONT BUMPER AND ALL OF THE SUPPORTS FOR THEM. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR TOOK A HARD IMPACT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I, AS WELL AS THE COPS THAT WERE ON DUTY, WERE VERY CONCERNED BY THIS FACT.

Reported

Sep 2020

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND NOW IT WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST. ENGINE REVS BUT CAR DOESN'T MOVE

Reported

Sep 2020

Incident date

Aug 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I PURCHASED A CAR FROM ROYAL KIA ON MAY 29TH A WEEK LATER I FELT A POOL ON THE GAS PEDAL TOOK IT IN TO ROYAL KIA AND HE SAID IT WAS JUST A SHIFTING GEARS SECOND WEEK ALMOST DIED ON ME WHILE DRIVING IT WAS BETWEEN 2:00 AND 4:00 IN THE AFTERNOON IT KIND OF FELT LIKE IF IT WAS OVERHEATED AND EVERY TIME I CAME TO A STOP AND TRY TO GO IT ALMOST DIED TOOK IT BACK INTO ROYAL KIA THEY HAVE BEEN GIVING ME SUCH A HARD TIME I DON'T FEEL IT'S SAFE FOR ME I'VE TRIED TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT GIVE ME GIVING ME MY MONEY BACK SO I CAN PURCHASE SOMETHING ELSE IT'S SAFER I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS CAR THE GUY FROM ROYAL KIA THE SALESPERSON WANTED TO TAKE IT TO GREEN VALLEY AND TO WORK ON IT AT HIS HOUSE I REFUSE TO LET HIM DO THAT UNTIL THE MANAGER UMBERTO CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THEIR MECHANICS LOOK AT IT BUT HE WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC I JUST DIDN'T TRUST THEM I I'VE BEEN AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR OF GETTING STRANDED SOMEWHERE THIS WEEK ON MONDAY THEY FINALLY GAVE ME A RENTAL I GOT THINGS DONE IN THESE PAST FEW DAYS AND I HAVE WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR

Reported

Aug 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

ENGINE IS RUNNING ROUGH WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON WITH NO COLLISIONS FOR IT TO APPEAR.

Reported

Aug 2020

Incident date

Aug 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

CAR HAS 52,000 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION BLEW.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

RADIO IS NOT WORKING. THEREFORE, I AM UNABLE TO HEAR ANY ALARMS (DOOR, BLINKER). I AM ALSO UNABLE TO USE HAND FREE CALLING OR ON STAR. ALSO, THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY ATTEMPT TO START IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE IGNITION.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AT 94000 MILES THE CAR STOPPED SHIFTING PERIOD. IT WOULD START AND THEN GO NOWHERE NOT FORWARDS BACKWARDS NOTHING. THANK THE LORD I WAS PARKED AT MY HOUSE AND IT WAS A SUDDEN OCCURRENCE. I ONLY FINANCED THIS CAR IN THE END OF FEBRUARY AT 89300 MILES FROM CARMAX AND STILL OWE MONEY FOR IT. THAT IS INSANE.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jun 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION CEASED IN 2ND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. DON BROWN LOCATED AT 2244 S. KINGS HIGHWAY BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110, AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. *BF *AS *JS

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2012 CHEVY SONIC ONLY HAS 39K MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS KICKING IN REVERSE AND IN DRIVE .WHILE COMING OUT OF PARK. *TR

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

Jun 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WINDOW WASHER FLUID IS NOT COMING OUT DUE TO WASHER HOSE HAVING DISCONNECTED FROM FLUID RESERVOIR. *TR

Reported

May 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN I TRIED TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE DRIVING MY CLUTCH IS STUCK AND I CAN'T SWITCH AND IT MAKES A WEIRD SOUND AND STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. *TR

Reported

May 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

MY CAR IS RUNNING FINE / ALL RIGHT. NO PROBLEMS!

Reported

Apr 2020

Incident date

Apr 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Mar 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HITTING THE WINDOW WAS FOUND. THE REAR DEFOGGER WAS ON WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Mar 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.

Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.

Risk: A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 2012

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to the windshield.

Risk: A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.