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Model-year record

2015 Chevrolet Sonic
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2015 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

114

Reports to NHTSA, 2015

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (27% of 114 reports), followed by air bags (20%).

Electrical System27% · 31 reports
Air Bags20% · 23 reports
Power Train11% · 12 reports
Unknown Or Other10% · 11 reports
Engine8% · 9 reports
Steering5% · 6 reports
Service Brakes4% · 5 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling3% · 3 reports

+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 114 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10811525, ODI 11690289, ODI 11622159, ODI 11620044, ODI 11563279.

Individual complaint reports(114)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Air BagsMay 2026 · ODI 11739750Details +

Passenger seat airbag shows that it is still off even when there is someone in the Passenger seat

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11739750 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2025 · ODI 11690289Details +

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact purchased the vehicle from a dealer in March 2024. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer at 60,000, and the advertisement stated 60,000. The contact recently acquired the Carfax report, which indicated that in April 2015, the odometer reading was 15,073 miles. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer reading was reported in April 2024 at 60,700 miles. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy but provided no assistance.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11690289 at NHTSA →
WheelsJul 2025 · ODI 11672416Details +

my recall is already completed, why on the your website still showing incompleted?

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11672416 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2025 · ODI 11640293Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11640293 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2024 · ODI 11622159Details +

I have had this vehicle for three years now and no matter of the repairs I had done to it by machanics the check engind light continue to turn on and the vehicle has shut down on the road and I can't find out what the solution is. I am afraid to drive it.Also the mylink radio which has all the vehicle settings in it has malfunctioned. I cannot get to reset veichle settings. Vehicle will not turn over on the first key turn. The engine turns over on the third or forth turn and when it dose there is a loud ratteling noise.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11622159 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2024 · ODI 11620044Details +

Right Hand Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative, Outside Ambient Temperature Reading on Radio Display Inoperative, inoperative rear vision camera gridlines, and Onstar Menu Screen is Not Showing When Pressing Onstar Button. Inoperable radio steering wheel control buttons increase driver distraction risk in reaching for the radio display. Absence of rear camera gridlines reduce driver guidance in reverse. Onstar menu not starting in case of need. Reported in existing GM Technical Service Bulletin 16-NA-347. [XXX] ) Related to completed Key Chime recall completed prior to October 10, 2016. Current vehicle codes were reviewed by Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint, and no existing error codes related to the issue were presented. No warning lamps on, messages on radio display, or other symptoms. Errors all presented simultaneously with no warning. Appeared first June 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11620044 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2024 · ODI 11616544Details +

Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced. Replaced necessary gaskets and reinstalled necessary components. Set transmission fluid level to specifications per procedure. Dealer advised they stock 3 TCM at all times due to many failures and demands of TCM.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11616544 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2024 · ODI 11609919Details +

Stalls when reduced speed. CEL constant. Codes indicate Emission promlem. Cleared by replacing intake valve. CEL came back on.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11609919 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11598544Details +

The air bags deployed while the vehicle was in motion. No Collision or impact occurred.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11598544 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2024 · ODI 11578281Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11578281 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2024 · ODI 11563279Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated the audible indicators for the driver's seat belt and the "Key Left in Ignition' was inoperable. The contactor also stated that the radio powered on independently, causing the driver to be startled due to the loud volume. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, but not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment), 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) or 15V416000 (Equipment). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11563279 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2023 · ODI 11545878Details +

First sign of problem - Sept. 2021. Driving on highway at about 35 mph. Simultaneously, engine quit running, door locks unlocked and all dash lights came. In a matter of less than a second the doors relocked, forward momentum of vehicle caused transmission to kick start the engine and jolt forward rather violently. Then the dash lights went off and the vehicle resumed normal operation. This continued to happen with increasing frequency. I took the vehicle to the local Chevy dealer to set up an appointment for service. When I explained the problem to the representative, he told me that the battery was the likely cause. I went to an auto parts store and had the battery checked. It did, indeed, have a bad cell. I replaced the battery and the car operated fine for several months but the problem began to recur, infrequently at first but continued to worsen. I discovered later that the same problem also happened when when the car was sitting idling. The difference was that without the forward momentum of the car, the engine did not restart and required being shifted into neutral and started with the key. Also, when driving at a speed of less than about 30 mph, the forward motion was not enough to kick start the engine and shifting into neutral and using the key to restart was necessary while coasting in traffic. Final symptom, the above has happened only now the dash lights go out and the vehicle does not respond at all. After several minutes and several attempts the lights come back on and the vehicle runs. The car had 55,563 miles on it when I bought it and in just over 3 years, I have put 6,237 miles on it and it now sits because I am afraid to drive it. I have had the vehicle back at the dealer twice since having the new battery installed. They simply tell me that they cannot recreate to get a code and therefore cannot help.

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11545878 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2023 · ODI 11528703Details +

Air bag light on. There are 4 codes in the SDM, due to an internal fault in the sensing diagnostic module. The dealership states that it has to be replaced and will cost close to $1100 to have repaired and to clear all of the codes.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11528703 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2023 · ODI 11525910Details +

We have a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic Lt that we bought from car country in Aurora Indiana the transmission has gone the dealer told that the had been serviced but it never was so now we can't drive the car and its just sitting in the our driveway we reported it to car country about the transmission and they totally ignored us about it and refusing to help

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11525910 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2023 · ODI 11525327Details +

My cars coolant is leaking and the source is unknown. My car has overheated twice and my mechanic has been unable to find what needs to be repaired. The coolant has need to to be filled twice within a 6 month period. Now my car is having other issues with the catalyst system that lead me to believe the coolant leak might be affecting these other parts. My catalytic converter was already replaced and the same code has popped up 4 months later.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11525327 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2023 · ODI 11519192 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

Passenger side front airbags did not deploy during a front end vehicle crash. All other airbags in vehicle did deploy. Injury did occur due to this.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11519192 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2023 · ODI 11501197Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned on with the transmission in park(P), the doors would erroneously lock. On several occasions after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who checked the battery but found no failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11501197 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2022 · ODI 11495754 · 4 injuriesDetails +

The driver, and front passenger interior door handles the metallic chrome coating starts to lose its adhesive. When opening the door from the inside it cuts your hands if you don't notice it. Both door handles started to have the same issue within the same year. My children, my wife and myself all have been cut from the same problem. I tried to remove the parts that caused the injury due to us not being home and still required to use the door handles. I didn't want further injury to occur to my family.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
4 injuries
Open ODI 11495754 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingOct 2022 · ODI 11490021Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage 86,000.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11490021 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11483637Details +

Once again, my doors unlocked then relocked, my dashboard lights went out and the engine stalled. I was on the KU campus when this happened 3 times within 6 blocks. This is getting very scary, especially when i am in a busy area of town. No codes have ever popped up. This has been happening since May 2022. I will keep reporting, hopefully there will be a recall soon. Very frustrated with this situation!

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11483637 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11482735Details +

On September 2, 2022, the locks on my car unlocked and relived while I was driving at about 20 mph. This keeps happening over the last 4-5 months. This time it happened twice in two blocks near my home. I have reported this several times. No codes ever come up. Sometimes the car will stall but always starts right back up. I know I am not the only one with this issue. Please find a cause and issue a recall to get this fixed! This can be very dangerous even life threading if there is an accident because of it.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11482735 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11482611Details +

3 times yesterday - September 1, 2022, my car locks unlocked then locked again and the engine stalled. Dash lights did not go off, but the car died 3 times in a matter of 10 minutes.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11482611 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11482351Details +

While driving, the locks on the car will unlock then relock quickly, the dash will go black and the motor will rev like I am trying to go in the Park position. This has happened several time in town where I live. Update from Aug 11, 2022The first time it happened I took it to the dealership and of course there were no codes and they couldn't find anything wrong. - [XXX], US INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11482351 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2022 · ODI 11474377Details +

Dashboard speed indicator dimming and getting brighter for no reason. no warning lamps. Check engine lamp turned on then after fueling vehicle engine won't start, or won't shut off. Vehicle is an automatic transmission. A button must be engaged to put vehicle in park, drive, etc. The Button often sticks and keys cannot be removed because the transmission won't go in to park . On July 17 the button popped out while driving. This could have stranded myself or my family. The cause of the issue is unknown, but drivers may become distracted when the end of the automatic gear shift lever pops out or as in my case when putting the vehicle into park it pops out and breaks off entirely. I believe it to be a defective part that can easily break. My vehicle has less than 70,000 miles. It has not been assessed by an insurance agent or dealership yet

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11474377 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2022 · ODI 11469185Details +

The manual transmission's clutch master cylinder failed on two occasions. It snapped into two pieces. On the first occasion, on March 24, 2022 I stepped on the clutch pedal, and it remained on the floor. The car was essentially inoperable. I was able to coast to a stop by the curb, but the car had to be towed. The part was repaired at a Chevrolet dealer with GM parts and returned to me on March 31, 2022. On June 9, 2022, the part failed again, in the identical manner. The part snapped into two pieces. The Chevrolet dealer is, over my objection, replacing the part. I have objected to the replacement of the part, because I am concerned that it is defective and certain to fail once again in the same way as it did on the two other occasions. I was fortunate on both occassions to be on suburban streets with very light traffic. I was able to coast to a stop at curbside on both occasions. My safety and the safety of others would have been at risk if the failure had happened on a heavily trafficked high-speed superhighway, or had I been ascending a hill on a busy road. The failure of the part makes it impossible for a driver to respond to the situation, as it disables the transmission system.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11469185 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2022 · ODI 11465060Details +

Vehicle shows P0420 code (Bad Catalytic Converter) at relatively low miles 92,000 miles on a 2015 model with a 1.8L engine.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11465060 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11464906Details +

The car keep getting hot due to liquid missing but I always fill the car up to 2014 it was a recall to all the chef sonics but not the 2015 but is still the same issue

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11464906 at NHTSA →
SuspensionMay 2022 · ODI 11463451Details +

Vehicle shakes and vibrates when first turned on, and driving. Has alot of vibration.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11463451 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFeb 2022 · ODI 11454520Details +

Catalytic converter failed at 110,000 miles. Same exact catalytic converter recalled for 2013 and 2014 sonic models, for some reason not covered by the recall for 2015 models

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11454520 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2021 · ODI 11442568Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was white smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that once the vehicle was to the side of the road, the contact noticed that there was antifreeze all over the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear water outlet needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was invalid.

Reported
Dec 2021
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11442568 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2021 · ODI 11425191Details +

My airbag on the passenger side goes on and off all the time, dealership wouldnt fix it couldnt find why it was doing that. Now while driving it just shuts off with out a warning ,scard to take it to dealership cant afford to keep putting money into it. I have had problems since the car was bought from the dealership. Now do not know how to be able to sell if it is doing this.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11425191 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2021 · ODI 11420266Details +

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the communication system failed to operate as designed. There were no warning chimes and the horn was disengaged. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the radio software needing to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jan 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11420266 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2021 · ODI 11408014Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CONSISTENCE OF WHITE SNOW UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DYER CHEVROLET (1000 US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32960, (772) 617-4793) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11408014 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2021 · ODI 11391117 · crashDetails +

HAS BEEN HACKED

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11391117 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2021 · ODI 11387468Details +

THE RADIO WILL FREEZE SOMETIMES AND THE SEATBELT CHIME WILL NEVER COME ON IF IT'S NOT BUCKLED, AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE LOCKING ITSELF WITH THE CAR KEYS IN THE IGNITION EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS ON

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11387468 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2021 · ODI 11386608Details +

1ST AT 20K MILES (2019) MY CAR WOULDN'T START, STUCK LATE NIGHT. CALLED AAA, BATTERY HAD DEAD CELL SO I PURCHASED ONE FOR $200. MONTHS LATER FOUND OUT IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I STARTED SMELLING COOLANT (2019). DEALER SAID IT WAS THE WATER PUMP. IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. STARTED SMELLING COOLANT AGAIN (2019), IT WAS A VALVE, WASN'T COVERED. THE CAR WOULDN'T START, DEAD CELL IN THE BATTERY AGAIN (2020) STARTED SMELLING COOLANT (2020), NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR, WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. STARTED SMELLING FUMES & HAD A LEAK. IT WAS THE PURGE SOLENOID NEEDED REPLACING, ANOTHER $500. TWO MONTHS AGO (NOV 2020) THE AMBIENT SENSOR WENT OUT $450. NOW TODAY (JAN 5, 2021) THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND I'M TOLD IT'S THE INTERNAL SDM FAULT AND WILL BE CLOSE TO A $900 REPAIR.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11386608 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2021 · ODI 11386393Details +

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR "GLICHES" THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF, THE POWER STEERING STOPS THE LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN AND ALL ELECTRONICS IN THE DASHBOARD GO ON AND OFF. LAST WEEK, IT SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I COULD NOT START IT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES OR SO. GOT IT HOME AND IT DID IT AGAIN THE NEXT DAY WHILE IT WAS PARKED. THIS STARTED YEARS AGO. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER THEY SAID "WELL IT'S NOT DOING IT NOW". I WAS NOT EDUCATED AT THE TIME TO PUSH FOR ANYTHING TO BE DONE. THE STOPPING COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11386393 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2020 · ODI 11383777Details +

I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I HAD IT. FIRST THERE WAS A SMELL OF COOLANT IN THE CABIN. ALTHOUGH MISDIAGNOSED INITIALLY, THE MEACHANIC LATER FOUND THAT THERE WAS TRULY AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. BUT IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED, THE HOUSING OF SOMETHING WAS REPLACED A MONTH LATER (I DO NOT REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE PART). AND A THIRD REPAIR WAS ALSO DONE. ALL FOR THECOOLANT THAT CONTINUES TO FIND A WAY TOLEAK OUT. NOW I AM BEING TOLD AGAIN, BY THE DEALER, THAT THE COOLANT IS LEAKING AGAIN, THIS TIME FROM THE WATER PUMP. I HAVE PAID A NICE CHUNK OF CHANGE TO AND BEING TOLD I NEED TO SPEND YET ANOTHER $400+. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH SONICS ARE HAVING THE ISSUES WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. I ASKED ABOUT A RECALL AND HE TOLD ME TO MAKE A COMPLAINT. WHENEVER THE ISSUE ARISES AGAIN THERE IS ALWAYS A STRONG SMELL OF COOLANT IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THEN THE CAR STOPS BLOWING HEAT AND AIR, OR BLOWS IT INTERMITTENTLY.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11383777 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsOct 2020 · ODI 11362189Details +

DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT LATCH WILL NO LONGER CATCH AND LOCK WHEN FASTNEING SEATBELT

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11362189 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2020 · ODI 11353900Details +

HAZZARD LIGHTS BUTTON WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. HAD JUST REPLACED ALL FRONT HEADLIGHTS AND 3 WEEKS LATER THEY BOTH WENT OUT. SIDE MIRRORS SWITCH IS NOT WORKING.

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11353900 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2020 · ODI 11353245Details +

2015 HATCHBACK 'MY LINK'/INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM JUST 'FROZE'/PUSHING ON SCREEN TO ACTIVATE USUAL FUNCTIONS BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11353245 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2020 · ODI 11351671Details +

DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. KEY WILL NOT COME OUT. WHEN I PUT IT INTO PARK TO GET OUT.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11351671 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11340592Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CEASED IN THE IGNITION CAUSING THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO GERRY WOOD HONDA (414 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD SOUTH, SALISBURY, NC 28147) TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V257000 (EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11340592 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11327079Details +

IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND YOU HAVE YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK. THE WIPERS WILL TURN OFF, THE RPM'S RACE HIGH ACCELERATING THE CAR INTO ALMOST A SPIN IF YOU DO NOT COUNTER CORRECT THE STEERING. THE ENGINE AND RADIO SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM TIMES AS WELL. HAD A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK DONE, NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR. WAS TOLD IT IS A MANUFACTURER IS WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT NHTSA WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE UNTIL SOMEONE GET'S KILLED, SO GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT FIX IT, UNTIL THEY ARE IN PROBATE COURT. AS A LEO THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, ESPECIALLY AFTER OUR GOVERNMENT JUST BAILED THEM OUT AGAIN WITH OUR TAX MONEY. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11327079 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2020 · ODI 11326637Details +

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM TURNS OFF EVEN WITH AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES IT TURNS ON AND THEN TURNS OFF MIDWAY THROUGH A TRIP, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WITH NO EXPLANATION. IT WORKS SOMETIMES AND OTHER TIMES DOES NOT FOR NO RHYME OR REASON. *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11326637 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2020 · ODI 11317647Details +

MY CAR STARTING KILLING ON ME I HAD TO LEAVE IT AND GET A RIDE HOME A COUPLE OFF TIMES THE LAST TIME I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE THEY FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A LOCK OUT DEVICE ON IT THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 1-29 I GOT FIRED BECAUSE OF NO TRANSPORTION

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11317647 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2020 · ODI 11301146Details +

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT IS INCONSISTENT. WITH ANY PASSENGER SEATED THE "ON" LIGHT DOES NOT STAY ON. IT WILL SOMETIMES COME ON TEMPORARILY THEN OFF AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER OR NOT THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS SIMILAR CONCERNS FROM OTHERS ON LINE AND EVEN ON THIS SITE.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11301146 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2020 · ODI 11300613Details +

I PURCHASED MY CAR ABOUT A YEAR A HALF AGO AND IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME NON STOP ENGINE AND LEAK ISSUES. I HAVE A 2015 CHEVY SONIC TURBO AND SO FAR I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC 8 TIMES TO FIX COOLANT LEAKS, FIX MY FUEL THERMOSTAT AS WELL AS REPLACE A HEAD GASKET AFTER HAVING IT BLOW.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11300613 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2019 · ODI 11291833Details +

THE PASSENGER SIDE (OCCUPANT SENSOR) AIR BAG SWITCH IS INCONSISTENT. IT WILL NOT ALWAYS TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. SOMETIMES IT DOES SOMETIMES IS DOES NOT.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11291833 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2019 · ODI 11287078Details +

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE ACCORDING TO OUR MECHANIC. WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE CAR TURNED ON AND STATIONARY, SOMETIMES, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT TURN ON AS IF IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PERSON THERE. IF THE CAR IS THEN PUT INTO DRIVE, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM STILL REMAINS OFF. OTHER TIMES, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL TURN ON AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DRIVE AND THEN TURN OFF RANDOMLY DURING THE DRIVE WHILE SOMEONE IS STILL SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS ISSUE AS THE AIRBAG MAY NOT ACTIVATE IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THERE IS INDEED SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11287078 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(3)

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.

Electrical SystemOct 2016 · 16V422000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Equipment · 15V416000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

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 →

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

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2015 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2015 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.

2015 Chevrolet Sonic: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owners filed 114 NHTSA complaints about the 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (27% of complaints) and air bags (20%).

How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, covering components such as electrical system. 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic between 28 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.