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Model-year record

2013 Chevrolet Sonic
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2013 Chevrolet Sonic

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

217

Reports to NHTSA, 2013

Safety recalls

6

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (20% of 217 reports), followed by power train (18%).

Electrical System20% · 44 reports
Power Train18% · 38 reports
Unknown Or Other15% · 33 reports
Engine12% · 26 reports
Air Bags10% · 22 reports
Steering6% · 13 reports
Suspension3% · 7 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling3% · 6 reports

+ 11 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 217 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11055177, ODI 11015622, ODI 10914440, ODI 11603878, ODI 11498949.

Individual complaint reports(217)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2026 · ODI 11709620 · fireDetails +

The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic pulled over to the side of the road. The incident occurred near the mechanic's shop. The contact stated that the workers of a nearby recreation center extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11709620 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2025 · ODI 11666137Details +

Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11666137 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11655253 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

On 7-27-2023 General Motors issued a recall on 2013 models of Sonic, my VIN was not included in this recall. However on 4-16-2025 my sonic was involved in a impact incident in which the air bags should have deployed, and did not. It is my opinion that Chevy, knowing of the issues with the model of car, should have issued a recall for my vehicle as well, but did not. As a result I suffered additional strain and injury during my impact as no airbags deployed.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11655253 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2025 · ODI 11651135Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the ignition key remained stuck in the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact noticed that the gear shift indicator was indicating that the transmission was in park(P) and in drive(D) simultaneously. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter in and out of park(P) several times, and shifting back to park(P), the contact was able to release the key. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gear shifter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,419.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11651135 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2025 · ODI 11640190 · fireDetails +

UNKNOWN. Our car caught fire but I'm not sure what actually caused it, it was in perfect working condition before. I saw articles online saying there was a voluntary recall due to faulty welding in the fuel tank so it could be that. I believe it's a dangerous defect and should be an official recall. My family and I almost lost our lives because of it

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Feb 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11640190 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2024 · ODI 11632221 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11632221 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2024 · ODI 11626964Details +

Unable to shift to park from drive due to internal mechanism broke.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11626964 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2024 · ODI 11603878Details +

Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the CEL came back with P2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603878 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2024 · ODI 11585587Details +

Last week when I was driving my car on the street, and wanted to make a left the steering wheel was very hard to turn. And the next day It happened again , steering hard to turn and it’s been intermittent but not driving my car right now, thanks for your attention

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11585587 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingApr 2024 · ODI 11585004Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 14371B; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11585004 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2023 · ODI 11553681 · crashDetails +

Car accident November 3, 2023. A dear ran in front car while traveling 55mps. As the impact took place causing front and of the car to be smashed Air bags in the car did not deployed. Causing head to hit steering wheel.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11553681 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2023 · ODI 11549029Details +

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8 L , fuel system lean ,mass airflow sensor, in limp mode preventing acceleration, gas tank when added gas....shuts down after start up-fuel system/gasoline; may cause possible fuel leak and could combust, alarm system and locks don't properly function - electric system equipment, insufficient welds...around fuel tank and front of vehicle on bottom by driver's side could also cause combustion, bcm codes that came up were communication, electrical, fuel, windows, and airbags! AutoZone codes were po171 and co561-77,I looked up recalls , several came up for my make and model but weren't specific to my vin# however my vehicle is doing everything pertaining to them! And I looked up if there was any special coverage on it and said there is...before 120k miles or ten years time. And I was never notified of it & never received anything in the mail ...

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11549029 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2023 · ODI 11508590Details +

Car was taken to a mechanic. The diagnosis is that the 16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage. This forces the car to keep stalling. Upon further research, certain models had this recall. I called GM and they said my car is not one of the ones that had the recall how ever it has the same failure that the other recalls do.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11508590 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2022 · ODI 11498949 · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the rear windshield suddenly imploded, causing glass shards to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded as if a shotgun had been fired. As a result of the implosion, the contact sustained injuries to the left eye. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that there was an abnormal electrical humming sound coming from the rear windshield prior to the failure. The contact stated that the defroster was not activated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that there was prior electrical shortage failures with the vehicle. Additionally, there was melted solder present at the rear window defroster electrical connection. An unknown local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that he had a Police Report for the failure. The contact stated that a field investigator was sent to the residence to inspect the vehicle; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11498949 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2022 · ODI 11491853Details +

My Odometer miles was erased about 9 months ago and I cannot retrieve it. A Chevy dealership associate looked at it this week (October 31, 2022) and manually could not recover the miles. A GM parts online website suggested it could be a speed sensor (blown fuse) or dash cluster. To diagnose the problem, the dealership wants to perform a diagnostic which costs $120-140 plus parts and labor. This is unjustified: GM and dealerships should be aware of this problem since it is prevalent in Chevy Sonics. GM should back this repair either partially or fully.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11491853 at NHTSA →
WheelsSep 2022 · ODI 11487116Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear wheels of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard clicking sounds while making turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to her residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11487116 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2022 · ODI 11472025Details +

I purchased a 2013 Chevy Sonic in October 2021.it has been in the repair shop twice since then. They replaced a sensor that it probably didn’t need. Now they tell me that it needs a new catalytic converter.. I have a warranty on this car . Please help ! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11472025 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2022 · ODI 11471087Details +

The air conditioner instead of blowing cold air, it blows hot air. I have taken it from Miami to a 3rd party mechanic where it did not helped much. Nobody knew what was the problem. I move to Texas and in summer over 100 degrees and having a baby sweat is not good. The temperature as “weather shows -15 degrees. When right now is 99 degrees at 7:10 am central time

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11471087 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2022 · ODI 11469507Details +

Multiple parts in my engine have malfunctioned in the past year, the most recent being a tube bursting and getting coolant everywhere. Other problems have been with valves, temperature gauges and even the radiator. It’s like something new breaks every month. I have had every issue fixed and usually I don’t get a warning lamp until I’m broken down on the side of the road.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11469507 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11463776Details +

Boniface hiers Chevrolet dealer in Melbourne Florida said they did a full inspection before selling this vehicle. 2 days later after purchase the Radiator fan stop working even tho they put a new one, missing thermostat, code 3rd gear malfunction.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11463776 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2022 · ODI 11450536Details +

My car is a lemon , brought from Arizona and they sold me a car that has a rusted chassis so if repairs are needed I will have to spend more money to get fixed because things are very fragile because everything is rusted and then I’m lease the car for a price a car isn’t worth for .

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11450536 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2021 · ODI 11445304Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the button on the gear shifter would not release while shifting between gears. Due to the failure, the key would remain stuck in the ignition due to the defective gear shifter button. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a diagnostic fee; the contact declined to pay for the diagnostic. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that the matter would be escalated to a senior manager. The contact had not heard back from the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated that the issue has been repaired.

Reported
Dec 2021
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11445304 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2021 · ODI 11434745 · crashDetails +

On Tuesday, September 27 at 10:25 AM, I was driving to pickup medication for my dog. I was less than 5 miles away from my home. As I pulled up to park, I slowed down and turned into the nearest parking stall. As I set the automatic shifter to Park, the car came out of park and shifted gears into Drive; mounting the curb. I hit the brake but the car continued to move forward. When I went to pull on my Emergency brake, the car hit the side of the building. As soon as I hit the building, I was able to regain control of the car and turn the ignition off. Gratefully, no one was hurt.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11434745 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2021 · ODI 11423818Details +

At around 45,600 miles the Odometer and Trip Meter on my 2013 Sonic stopped displaying numbers and instead shows just 3 dashes. Disconnecting the car's battery for 30 mins, reconnecting, and starting the car displays the mileage for a few seconds and then returns to the ---. Same happens when pulling the fuse for the gauge cluster; the mileage is displayed for a few seconds and then returns to the ---. Attempting to reset the Trip Meter results in the normal 'beep' but numbers are not displayed. Brought the car to the dealership and since the vehicle is out of warranty they want a nonrefundable deposit of $700 just to diagnose, parts and labor would be an additional bill on top of that. Ridiculous. Since this is likely a computer issue it's beyond the scope of work that can be performed by my trusted local garage and as a result I have not had the issued corrected. This should be a GM recall.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11423818 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2021 · ODI 11395214Details +

THE BUTTON IN THE SHIFT STICK GET STUCK AND DOESN'T COME BACK, KEY GETS STUCK AND I STRUGGLE TO GET THEM OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS IS HAPPENING SINCE OCTOBER 2020 FROM NOW. ONE DAY THE BUTTON GOT STUCK AND WAS HARD TO MAKE IT COME BACK THAT I CONSIDERED LEAVING MY CAR WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, BUT I WORKED SO HARD TO GET IT UNSTUCK FOR A GOOD TIME AND I SUCCEEDED. THE BAD THING IT THAT I DOESN'T LOOK TO IMPROVE. IT HAPPES EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I'M ABOUT TO LEAVE IT.

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11395214 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2020 · ODI 11384224Details +

MY 2013 CHEVY SONIC DEVELOPED TICKING SOUND SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT AT 60000 MILES. THE TICKING GOT WORSE OVER TIME AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I SCANNED THE CODES AND MULTIPLE FOUR CODES WERE FOUND. P0171, P0496, P1101, AND P2270. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT SEEMED TO BE THAT MOST CRUZE, SONIC, AND TRAX VEHICLES ALL HAD THE SAME ISSUES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD, PURGE VALVE, PCV HOSE, AND VALVE COVER. THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND THE ONLY ONE WAS THE VALVE COVER BUT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS TO SEE IF THEY WOULD COVER IT OR NOT. THE BREATHER DIAPHRAGM IN THE VALVE COVER GOES BAD DUE TO A FAULT INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THESE VEHICLE MODELS. THERE IS A LITTLE ORANGE GASKET IN THE MANIFOLD THAT GOES BAD AND CAUSES THE DIAPHRAGM TO GO OUT RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NOT ONLY CAUSES GHAT ISSUE BUT CAUSES THE CAR TO GET JUMPY AT STOPS AND STALLING OUT. HAVE ALMOST HAD A FEW PEOPLE REAR END ME DUE TO THIS. THE PURGE VALVE GOES OUT AS WELL AND WHEN AT THE FUEL PUMP THE CAR WILL HESITATE TO CRANK OR RUN AT VERY LOW IDLE SHUTTING OFF MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE IT STARTS UP AND THEN RUNS ROUGH UNTIL A DECENT AMOUNT OF FUEL HAS RAN THROUGH THE ENGINE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GET ENOUGH FUEL WHEN AT STOPS OR ON HIGHWAYS AND WOULD ALSO JUST LOSE FUEL AND CUT THE ENGINE OFF. THOSE COMPONENTS HAVE SINCE BEEN REPLACED BY MYSELF AND NO MORE ISSUES. CHEVY WILL NOT RECALL THE PARTS THAT ARE CAUSING THE ISSUES AND THEREFORE THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN OUT ON THE HIGHWAYS.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11384224 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2020 · ODI 11377989Details +

THE FUEL SYSTEM IS RUNNING WEAK, FOR A CAR WITH ONLY 30000 MILES, ONE OWNER AND FULL MAINTENANCE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND GO ALL THE TIME AND EVERYTHING WAS CHECKING

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11377989 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2020 · ODI 11377375Details +

THE PCV PRESSURE REG VALVE FAILS AND CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. GM SENT A LETTER TO CUSTOMERS BUT ONLY COVERS THE WORK UP TO 120K MILES. MINE FAILED AT 125K MILES AND COST OVER $1000 TO FIX. GM IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.10/15/2020

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11377375 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2020 · ODI 11375467Details +

MY POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT, I HAVE TO TAP ON THE BATTERY POST CONNECTORS AND THE POWER STEERING STARTS WORKING AGAIN. SOMETIMES A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, SOMETIMES NOT. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING GOING AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, ALMOST LOST CONTROL. MY ODOMETER QUIT WORKING, I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NOT ON RECALL IF A CHEVROLET MECHANIC IS TELLING ME IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM...VERY EXPENSIVE AND UNNECESSARY AND SHOULD BE ON RECALL IF IT'S THAT COMMON.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11375467 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2020 · ODI 11373669Details +

MY SONIC HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA RECALL NO. : 19E-064, MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. : N192223230. EXCEPT, IT HAPPENED WHEN I REACHED TO USE THE WIPERS RATHER THAN HITTING THE KEY FOB WITH MY LEG. I REACHED TO USE THE WIPERS AND MY ARM HIT THE KEY FOB, KNOCKING IT INTO THE NEXT POSITION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. IT COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY MOVED OVER ONE MORE AND LOCKED THE STEERING. THE RECALL WAS DONE ON THE CAMARO'S, SO WHY WASN'T IT DONE ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE USING THE SAME KEY FOB AND IGNITION REPLACEMENT? WAS IT BECAUSE THE CAMARO'S PRICE IS 4 TIMES THE PRICE OF A SONIC? ARE CAMARO DRIVERS MORE VALUABLE THAN SONIC DRIVERS? THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INCLUDING THE CAMARO RECALL, BUT NOT THE SONIC. HTTPS://WWW.GMIGNITIONSWITCHECONOMICSETTLEMENT.COM/ I REPORTED THIS BACK IN 2014, AND NEVER HEARD A WORD ABOUT IT.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11373669 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2020 · ODI 11360898Details +

I OWN A 2013 CHEVY SONIC. THE KEY FOB IS HUGE. IN FACT, THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I ATTEMPT TO USE MY WIPER CONTROLS AND I HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HIT THAT KEY FOB AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IT'S EXTREMELY POSSIBLE AND LIKELY THAT THE SAME COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AND POSSIBLY BE KNOCKED ALL THE WAY OVER WHERE IT WOULD NOT ONLY TURN THE CAR OFF, BUT ALSO LOCK THE STEERING. I WENT TO A DEALER AND HEARD A RUMOR THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THE CAMARO'S AND GM CREATED KEYS WITH THE ELECTRONICS IN THEM TO USE IN PLACE OF THE KEY FOB'S. THEY ARE ABOUT 2 INCHES SHORTER. WHY THIS WAS NOT DONE FOR ANY VEHICLE BY GM THAT USES THE SAME KEY FOB'S AND IGNITIONS, I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I PERSONALLY GOT THE DEALER TO MAKE ME A SET OF THESE KEYS TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WORK IN MY SONIC. IT COST ME $80.00, BUT FOR THE SAFETY VALUE I PAID FOR THEM. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL/REPAIR OR A CLASS ACTION SUIT BECAUSE IT SCARED ME WHEN IT HAPPENED, AND I WORRY IT WILL HAPPEN TO OTHERS WHO HAVEN'T HAD IF HAPPEN, BUT ARE UNAWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY.

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Sep 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11360898 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2020 · ODI 11350653Details +

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO PREOWNED FROM THE DEALER AND WITHIN THESE 3 YEARS I HAVE ALREADY HAD A CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL, THE ISSUE RECENTLY IS MY AC SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS OUT AND AS A DID RESEARCH ON THE SPECIFIC YEAR THERE'S PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE AC SYSTEM UP TO 5 TIMES FOR 2013 SONICS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED ON CHEVROLET'S BEHALF.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11350653 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2020 · ODI 11350354Details +

STATIONARY. THE KEY LOCKS IN THE IGNITION BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON ON THE FRONT OF THE SHIFT DOES NOT RELEASE. YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THE BUTTON BY PRESSING YOUR FINGER OR AN OBJECT TO RELEASE THE BUTTON TO RELEASE THE KEY FOB. THIS IS FRUSTRATING, ANNOYING AND A HAZARD. . THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. ONE DOES NOT BUY A CAR NEW OR USED AND EXPECT TO DEAL WITH THIS FAULTY MECHANISM. ACCORDING TO A GM/CHEVROLET DEALER, THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT MUST BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE GM WAS AND IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS MALFUNCTION AND NEGLECTED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11350354 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11338561Details +

I'VE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS I BOUGHT IT USED. I JUST SPENT $900 ON A NEW COMPRESSOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING AIR SWITCH AND NOW THEY'RE SAYING THAT IT'S ALL ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT FOR A 2013

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11338561 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11338696Details +

CODE 84 WHILE DRIVING ON REGULAR ROAD AT NORMAL SPEED. CAR GOES INTO POWER REDUCTION MODE. IT'S DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE AND THE "SEE MECHANIC" SYMBOL ON THE DASH. TOOK IT TO MIDAS, HAD THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND ELECTRICAL WIRES GREASED. NEXT WEEK SAME THING, REPLACED PEDAL ASSEMBLY AGAIN. SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. DRIVING IN NICE WEATHER GOING UNDER 45MPH. STABILITRACK LIGHT COMES ON AND POWER REDUCTION TURNS ON. TURN CAR OFF, SIT A MINUTE, TURN BACK ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND POWER REDUCTION OFF. WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. EVERY DAY FOR THE LAST 3 WEEKS AFTER ABOUT A YEAR AGO HAVING PEDAL ASSEMBLY REPLACED. CODE 84 CAME ON AGAIN TODAY, TOOK TO THE MECHANIC, THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS RUNNING FINE WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC READING. NOT SURE WHY THE POWER REDUCTION COMES ON. I HAVE TRIED DRIVING WITH TRACTION CONTROL OFF, TC OFF AND STABILITRACK OFF. NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES, NEW WINDSHIELD (REPLACED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN CASE THERE WAS AN INTERNAL LEAK. NO WATER INTRUSION WAS FOUND BY THE MECHANICS. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY ON THE BUSY ROAD I WORK ON. CAR WILL GO INTO POWER REDUCTION AT RANDOM EVEN WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH TO NOT GET HIT. ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND SOMETIMES IT'S NOT ON AT ALL. INTERMITTENT POWER REDUCTION. MECHANICS SAY COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT COULDN'T FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR OVER A YEAR AND NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS SCHEDULED IN A TIMELY FASHION. UNKNOWN CAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUE

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11338696 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11338334Details +

WAS UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION DUE TO THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON BEING STUCK IN.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11338334 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2020 · ODI 11337596Details +

LEAKING WATER PUMP

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11337596 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2020 · ODI 11325075Details +

IT STARTED WITH THE RADIO GOING DARK SOMETIMES NOT WORKING THEN THE WINDOWS WONT" GO DOWN THEN MY CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON TOOK IT TO MANY MECHANICS NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG FINALLY ONE TOLD ME THAT SOME SONICS HAD A RECALL AND IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING AS MINE.THIS IS MORE OFTEN IT WAS ONCE IN A WHILE BUT NOW IS VERY OFTEN MY RADIO DOESN'T COME ON AND MY HEAD LIGHTS KEEPS GOING OFF TOO. *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11325075 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2020 · ODI 11324631Details +

THE MYLINK STEREO SYSTEM ALL THE SUDDEN BEGAN CHANGING STATIONS ON ITS OWN CONSTANTLY. IT REPROGRAMMED ALL STATIONS TO THE SAME CHANNEL, THE TOUCH SCREEN WILL NOT RESPOND TO TOUCH. BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED BECAUSE IT ALSO RANDOMLY CALLS PEOPLE IN MY RECENTLY CALLED LIST, OFTEN CLIENTS. I HAVE A PREPAID XM SUBSCRIPTION BUT CANNOT USE MY RADIO AT ALL. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF US WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND WE HAVE IDENTIFIED EACHOTHER IN A FACEBOOK GROUP. THERE ARE AT LEAST 10-15 PEOPLE WHO ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THE STEREO ACTUALLY CALLED 911 ONE DAY BECAUSE I HAD RECENTLY DIALED THE NUMBER TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT OUTSIDE MY HOME. THIS COULD CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR PARKED, ANY TIME OF DAY. IT'S LIKE THE STEREO HAS JUST GONE HAYWIRE. *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11324631 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2020 · ODI 11323110Details +

THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT RUNNING RIGHT I HAD TO PUT STUFF IN TO CLEAN IT OUT THEN IT STILL DRINK THE GAS SO MUCH NO LEEK OR HOLES BUT THE CAR DRINKS SO MUCH GAS I HAVE TO FILL IT UP AT LEAST 2 TO 3 TIME IN 2 WEEKS SO THE STEERING IS BAD ON IT AS WELL WHEN U TAKE YOUR HAND OFF THE WHEEL IT WANTS TO THE RIGHT ON IT'S OWN IT DOSE NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT WHEN U TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL IT SUCKS U GUYS NEED TO LOOK AT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE GAS LINE ASAP

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11323110 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2020 · ODI 11321696Details +

WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND EVER SINCE THEN IT HAD A WEIRD DOUBLE LOCKING MECHANISM, SUCH AS WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK IT WOULD UNLOCK BUT WHEN I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IT WOULD LOCK ITSELF AS I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF OPENING IT. SO IT WOULD BE SLIGHTLY OPENED AND I'D HAVE TO PRESS THE BUTTON TO UNLOCK IT TO OPEN THE DOOR. IT DID THIS OFTEN ONLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THEN ONE DAY AFTER I HAD DROVE IT SOMEWHERE WE CLOSED THE DOOR FOR 2 MINS MAX WHEN WE WENT TO USE THE KEY FOB TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE DOOR WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY THE CAR DOOR LOCK WOULD GO UP THEN IMMEDIATELY BACK DOWN. THE ONLY WAY WE COULD OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS TO TRY AND OPEN IT AS THE DOOR LOCK WENT UP BEFORE IT CAME BACK DOWN, WHICH WAS POSSIBLE BUT AFTER GETTING IN THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT ALL. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR DOOR LOCK STICK DIDN'T GO UP ALL THE WAY TO ACTUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR. THERE'S ALSO NO WAY TO GET THE DOOR PANEL OFF WITH THE CAR DOOR BEING CLOSED. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO DIFFERENT PLACES THAT HAVE ACTUALLY NO IDEA WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS SUCH A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR DOOR NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN AT ALL IF THERE WAS A CAR CRASH OR ANYTHING.

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11321696 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2020 · ODI 11316501Details +

MY CAR HAS LEAKED OUT ITS ENTIRE COOLANT TWICE NOW WITHIN A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THIS TIME IT HAS LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE COMPUTER CAUSING FURTHER ISSUES THAN AFTER THE FIRST FIX. THE LACK OF A TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM OVERHEATING IS A HUGE ISSUE. I CONSTANTLY MAKE SURE THERE IS COOLANT BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ALL IN THE SAME DAY IT HAS EMPTIED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE CAUSING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BREAKDOWN INSTANTLY. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW WITH MY TODDLER IN THE VEHICLE, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE FORTUNATELY IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON STREET ROADS, WHERE I COULD IMMEDIATELY AND SAFELY MOVE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND NOT THE HIGHWAY BUT THIS SITUATION PUTS MY CHILD'S HEALTH AT RISK AND THAT I AM NOT OKAY WITH.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11316501 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2020 · ODI 11315988Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ABNORMALLY AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB GRIMM CHEVROLET LOCATED AT (2271 S MAIN ST, MORTON, IL 61550, (309) 263-2241) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND TEST DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11315988 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2020 · ODI 11311849Details +

I BOUGHT MY VAN CHRYSLER PACIFICA BACK ON JULY 30 2018 AFTER COUPLE MONTHS AFTER I STATER NOTICING SLIDING DOOR DRIVER SIDE WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE IT EITHER BY KEY FOB INSIDE BUTTON NOR DOOR WAS NOT CLOSING ANY ONCE NEED IT TO TRY 3 OR 4 TIMES TO CLOSE ALL THE WAY THEN RADIO TURNING OFF I CALLED A WEB CALLED PACIFICA CARES THEN I WAS REACH BY THEM I WAS TOLD TO PROVIDE A EMAIL PHONE NUMBER TIME AND DATE OF APPOINTMENT NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE DEALERSHIP THEN Y WAS REACH BY ONE CASE MANAGER I SHARE WITH HER THE ISSUES WE AGREED ON THE APPOINTMENT AT THE DATE AND TIME WHICH WAS YESTERDAY 2/26/2020 8 AM SHE SAID SHE CALLED THEM EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AT THE DATE AND TIME SO I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NONE HAD A CLUE ABOUT MY REASON SO I EXPLAINED TO SERVICE PERSON HE SAID YOU CAN'T GENERALIZED AND SAID THE ISN'T NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER WHICH PACIFICAS I CALLED CASE MANAGER BUT SHE WASN'T REACHABLE BECAUSE SHE'S IN OTHER STATE SO I WAS TOLD BY ADVISOR AT THE SERVICE THAT SHE NEVER TALK TO HIM AFTER TWO HRS I WAS REACH BY MY CASE MANAGER AND THEN EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I NEED IT TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE CASE WHICH IT COST 140$ I TOLD HER THAT I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT I NEED IT TO COVER THAT OUT OF MY PACKET BEFORE THEY CAN MAKE ANY DECISION AT THIS POINT I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED AND UPSET BECAUSE I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT I NEED IT TO PAY FOR THIS DIAGNOSIS IF I CAN GET ANY HELP WILL APPRECIATE

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11311849 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11307686Details +

BUTTON ON GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK IN THE PUSHED IN POSITION CAUSING THE GEAR SHIFT TO MOVE EVEN IF BUMPED. IF DRIVING THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY, OR DEATH. WHEN GEAR SHIFT BUTTON IS PUSHED IN IT PREVENTS THE CAR FROM COMPLETELY TURNING OFF AND KEY FROM COMING OUT. THIS POSES A RISK OF THEFT.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11307686 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11307120Details +

CAR GAVE ME A CODE OF U0101 AND TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH LOST COMMUNICATION. THEY TRIED FIXING ISSUE BUT COULDN'T.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11307120 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2020 · ODI 11306198Details +

BEGAN OVER HEATING AT SHORT DISTANCES. A/C WENT COOL RAN HOT AIR TRIED TO SEE IF FREON JUST NEEDED REFILLING BUT EVEN USING ALOMST A FULL CAN STILL NOTHING. HAVING FUEL ISSUES BIG DIFFERENCE WEEKS APART FUEL ISSUES.THEN OVER HEATING, NEXT UNABLE TO HOLD COOLANT, CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. STILL UNABLE TO KEEP COOLANT FROM LEAKING, WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I 95 OUT OF NO WHERE I LOOSE THE ABILITY OF SPEED THEN SHUTTERING RUNNING HOT AGAIN BLEW HEAD GASKET LOST POWER HARD TO GAIN CONTROL AND WAS ALMOST HIT 2 TIMES BY CAR BEHIND AND ON SIDE.CAR HAD TO BE PUSHED TO SHOULDER AND PICKED UP WITH WRECKER SERVICE. MECHANIC HAD TO COME TO CAR BC IT WOULDN'T STSRT. HE SAID THE GASKET IS GONE. CAR WILL NOT DO ANYTHING NOW. WILL GET RECEIPTS FROM DEALER SERVICING, WRECKER, AUTO ZONE MULT COOLANT PURCHASES, MECHANIC

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11306198 at NHTSA →
StructureDec 2019 · ODI 11292281 · crashDetails +

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WAS COMING UP TO AN INTERSECTION I HAD TO TURN AT. I PUSHED THE BREAK PEDAL, BUT IT WAS REALLY STIFF AND DIDN'T DO MUCH. MY CAR SLID ACROSS THE ROAD INTO A WOODEN ELECTRIC POLE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STOP. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND NOW I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT SOME WAY TO GET A DIFFERENT VEHICLE.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11292281 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2019 · ODI 11256751Details +

I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK WITH THE IGNITION TURNED OFF, THE KEY WILL NOT RELEASE. IT USE TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY BUT NOW FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS, IT HAS HAPPENED EVERY TIME I HAVE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRIED TO TAKE THE KEY OUT.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11256751 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2019 · ODI 11245149Details +

THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER STICKS IN. SO YOU CAN'T RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. IT ALSO STICKS IN WHILE IN GEAR (DRIVE) MAKING THE SHIFTER UNABLE TO ' LOCK' IN GEAR AND EASILY BUMPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11245149 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(6)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

EquipmentFeb 2014 · 14V417000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 12V454000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 13V220000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Risk: If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 13V464000Details +

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.

Risk: If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Equipment · 16V257000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 23V516000Details +

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Crash-test ratings

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Sonic1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive283832
Sonic1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive273630
Sonic1.8L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263429
Sonic1.8L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243428

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owners filed 217 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (20% of complaints) and power train (18%).

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?

6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic between 28 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.