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Model-year record

2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0

2017 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

37

Reports to NHTSA, 2017

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29

EPA estimate

Known issues

Engine issues lead owner complaints (30% of 37 reports), followed by air bags (14%).

Engine30% · 11 reports
Air Bags14% · 5 reports
Steering11% · 4 reports
Electrical System8% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other8% · 3 reports
Service Brakes5% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper5% · 2 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3% · 1 report

+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 37 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11386453, ODI 11646466, ODI 11585433, ODI 11532519, ODI 11529262.

Individual complaint reports(37)

Showing the 37 most recent reports
StructureApr 2026 · ODI 11732795Details +

Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11732795 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2026 · ODI 11716327Details +

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11716327 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2025 · ODI 11697488 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11697488 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2025 · ODI 11681189Details +

Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11681189 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2025 · ODI 11646466Details +

I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11646466 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2024 · ODI 11603088Details +

In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603088 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2024 · ODI 11585433Details +

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminished; however, when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to gain forward momentum while attempting to merge into traffic or ascend a grade in the road. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11585433 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2024 · ODI 11580683Details +

Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11580683 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2024 · ODI 11571376Details +

Roof molding is coming unglued on both sides of the vehicle, possible that it may fly off while traveling on highway or streets .My Dads Santa Cruz was recalled for what is happening to my Sonic. I noticed this after going through a car wash and the dryer made it flop around.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11571376 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2023 · ODI 11560907Details +

steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11560907 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2023 · ODI 11532519Details +

Vehicle has 53k miles. I have had the error code p0011 (camshaft, vvt bank 1 too advanced) for most of the time I've had this car. Spend thousands at a certified dealership to get this issue fixed, only for it to pop up again. I was told the solution for this code is a new engine. This was after I spend thousands and my power train warranty expired. Oil changes and Routine maintenance were all done in timely manner. This engine was built to fail.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11532519 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2023 · ODI 11529262Details +

The heating and cooling system has failed numerous times. The water outlet has been defective causing the engine to overheat along with the thermostat housing. The water outlet failed within a month of buying the car. It wasn't even 3 years old and only had 60 000 miles on it. Last month it failed. Just last week the thermostat housing failed. Now today the water outlet failed again. This car really needs investigated and have parts recalled. It's not fair to have a car for this short of time to have these issues. Each time it's been repaired by a certified mechanic.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11529262 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlFeb 2023 · ODI 11507717Details +

Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11507717 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2022 · ODI 11473132Details +

Purchased this vehicle in February 2022 with 105,000 miles. Oil sticker indicated recent oil change and oil color was light and clear. The day after purchase the check engine light came on. Diagnostic scan indicated bad thermostat assembly and 2 oil sensors needed replacement. Radiator fluid was low. AC didn't cool. Repairs completed almost $900. The check engine light came on again the next day. The check engine and check oil lights/alarms need to be actual gauges. The vehicle overheated 3 times due to low coolant and faulty fan sensor fuse. Where is all the coolant going? A leaky hose was replaced but it didn't fix the coolant leak. Of course the car will easily overheat so I keep coolant with me to avoid being disabled during rush hour traffic on the Interstate in 105 degree temperatures. The engine continues to run hot and the check engine light stays on. The oil light/alarm is something new that started last Monday after driving 20 miles to Yukon, OK. No warning of any problem until I exited onto the service road to wait for a green light. The oil alarm/light turned off upon acceleration but returned again when the idle RPM went below 1000. Repairs were estimated at over $2200 for a new oil pump. I requested an engine flush and oil change instead since an oil pump could NOT be located. The oil filter was found to have collapsed but a new oil filter did not fix the low oil pressure at idle. So many defects with this vehicle!!! What the heck???? Odometer reading today is 107,364. It seems Chevy has manufactured a car that will barely make it past 100,000 miles and repair parts aren't available? Something isn't right with this picture. This car isn't safe to drive. Sincerely, NOT-Okay in OKC, OK.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11473132 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2022 · ODI 11472334 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 30 mph, the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a head laceration and right and left knee injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11472334 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2022 · ODI 11457901Details +

The thermostat has gone out in this vehicle 4 times in the past 14 months. Luckily for me I had the vehicle repaired at a shop that offers a warranty on the thermostat. But I still have to pay out of pocket every single time for a rental car in order for this vehicle to get repaired. I now have to put it back into the shop for the 5th time in 14 months for the thermostat to be replaced yet again because it went out. I am not happy with this as I live in Alaska and it keeps going out in the winter months.

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11457901 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2021 · ODI 11386453 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, A FELLOW MOTORIST HAD HONKED AT HER AS SHE NOTICED FLAMES FORMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE RADIO INSIDE HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER INITIALLY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A CUP OF WATER BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THEN CALLED THE AUTHORITIES WHO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. HER DAUGHTER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ALAN WEBB CHEVROLET( 3712 NE 66TH AVE, VANCOUVER, WA 98661) TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR A DEFECTIVE PURGE VALVE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,136.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11386453 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2020 · ODI 11383134Details +

MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON , SO I HAD IT RAN FOR A TEST WHICH P2076 HAS CAME UP AS 1 OF THE CODES. PRIOR TO FINDING THIS OUT MY CAR HAS CUT OFF ON ME 3 TIMES JUST BEING STROPPED AT A RED LIGHT. LAST TIME WAS ON THANKSGIVING 2020, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, BUT IT DID CUT BACK ON. THE OTHER 2 TIMES THAT MY CAR SUDDENLY CUT OFF ON ME, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT VISIBLE AT THE TIME WHICH IS VERY SCARY IF A CAR IS CUTTING OFF

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11383134 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2020 · ODI 11362828Details +

THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED IT FROM. IT'S ONLY BEING FIVE MONTHS AND I AM HAVING THESE ERRORS AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE COOLANT HAS LEAKED OUT AND I HAD TO REFILL THE COOLANT.

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11362828 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2020 · ODI 11343977Details +

MY COOLANT HAS CONTINUOUSLY LEAKED SINCE I GOT THE CAR. IT MAY BE A HOSE ISSUE, BUT MY "ENGINE OVERHEATING- IDLE ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, AND MY COOLANT RESERVOIR KEEPS EMPTYING QUICKLY. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR INSTANCES WITH THIS PARTICULAR YEAR OF THE CHEVY SONIC. MY AIR ALSO GETS WARM VERY OFTEN, WHICH IS LINKED TO THE COOLANT ISSUE. MY CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS LIGHT COMES ON.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11343977 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Aug 2020 · ODI 11343185Details +

LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 12 MILES, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER BAD , WHEN YOU LET UP ON GAS FOOT IT TAKES VERY LONG TO GET IT GOING SLOW TO BUILD UP POWER.REGULAR ROADWAY, NO HILLS .LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN PARKED A WHILE THEN COME BACK ON AFTER 12 MILES.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11343185 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2020 · ODI 11320007 · crashDetails +

I WAS HIT HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IT COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE THAN IT WAS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND MY ENGINE IS JUNK. HAVING ISSUES WITH IT AND ITS LESS THAN 70000 MILES

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11320007 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2020 · ODI 11302113Details +

CAR HAS GONE THROUGH 4 VALVE COVERS IN 5 MOTHS. ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM HAS AND WILL NOT EXTEND WARRANTY.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11302113 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingJan 2020 · ODI 11302140Details +

EVAP PURGE SOLENOID STUCK OPEN CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY- STREETS. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR HAD TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN MID INTERSECTION AND PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WASHER UNIT STOPPED WORKING CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE NOW. DASH LIGHTS KEEP DIMMING SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO TELL THE SPEED AND FUEL LEVEL BUT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME IT COMES AND GOES.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11302140 at NHTSA →
SuspensionDec 2019 · ODI 11291598Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAVID STANLEY CHEVROLET (614 W INTERSTATE 240 SERVICE RD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139) WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11291598 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2019 · ODI 11282854Details +

IN MAY OF 2019 WHILE TRYING TO START PUSH BUTTON CAR WOULD NOT START LIGHTS CAME ON IN CAR SAYING SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE STABILITRAK I GOT IT TO DEALER IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME THEY HAD ME REPLACE A BATTERY FOR OVER $200 WHICH THEY SAY WAS CAUSE ONLY FOR THIS SAME THING TO HAPPEN IN AUG2019/ WHICH THEY CLAIM THEY REPAIRED BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING WHEEL TIGHTENS UP AND U CAN'T STEER EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS THEY CLAIM COULD NOT SERVICE CAR CAUSE THEY HAD TO SEE THE READING ON DASHBOARD THEN AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 2019 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW WARRANTY IS OUT THEY MIRACULOUSLY FOUND OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE OF WARRANTY OUT I FEEL THEY SOLD ME A BAD CAR AND NOW WANT TO CHARGE ME ALL THIS MONEY TO FIX CAR WHEN I DID WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO IN TAKING CAR IN WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY JUST CLAIM THEY FIXED CAR AND NEVER DID THIS HAS PUT MY FAMILY AND I IN DANGER NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE I TRUSTED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE CAR ONLY TO FEEL LIED TO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR NOTE ON A CAR I CAN NOT DRIVE AND ALSO WONDERING HOW I CAN GET IT FIXED BUT HONESTLY BELIEVE THEY WILL NEVER FIX CAR RIGHT AT LONESTAR CHEVROLET BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING OR WHAT'S EVEN WRONG WITH THE CAR I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FROM ALL THE TIMES I TOOK THE CAR IN AND PICTURES OF DASHBOARD READINGS

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11282854 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2019 · ODI 11241239Details +

CAME TO A STOP AT A CONTROLLED SIGNAL LIGHT AND MY CAR DIED AND REFUSED TO START. I HAD TO GET HELP TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF THE TRAFFIC. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES AND 30 MINUTES LATER THE CAR STARTED. AT LEAST 40 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME ISSUE TO CAR COMPLAINTS.COM AND LEMON LAWS.COM

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11241239 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2019 · ODI 11184372Details +

VEHICLE CHIME CHANGES IN SOUND AFTER CALLING ONSTAR FROM VEHICLE, ALSO SPEAKERS CRACKLE AFTER CALLING ONSTAR FROM VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESOLVE.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11184372 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 2018 · ODI 11152794Details +

CHEVY SONIC 42,000 MILES 1 1/2 YEARS OLD HAD TO REPLACE EVAP SOLENOID THAT REGULATES AIR AND FUEL. $513 MOSTLY LABOR GM WILL NOT COVER ANY COST AT ALL. DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. 1ST TIME AND LAST TIME I EVER BUY A CHEVY!!!!!!

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11152794 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2018 · ODI 11121759 · crashDetails +

WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH , AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON RECIRCULATE I BLACKED OUT AND TOTALED THE CAR . HOSPITAL RAN A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST AND IT WAS HIGH ,WAS THE CAUSE OF BLACKOUT. NOW HAVE MEMORY PROBLEMS AND SEVERE BACK PAIN

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11121759 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2018 · ODI 11119428Details +

MASTER CYLINDER AND POWER BREAK BOOSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 42800 MILES.

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11119428 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2018 · ODI 11111313 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT A FEW DAYS AGO INVOLVING A REAR END COLLISION WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP. SHE DIDN'T NOTICE THE CARS IN FRONT HAD STOPPED SUDDENLY AND HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT HER FRONT PROXIMITY SIGNAL DIDN'T SOUND OFF WARNING SHE WAS TOO CLOSE AND AFTER THE IMPACT HER AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT LEASTT 35 MPH. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY WITH THE CAR NOW AND IF IT'S REPAIRABLE WE WILL STILL SELL AS MY CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS GONE

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11111313 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2018 · ODI 11103355Details +

WHEN STARTING OUR 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES THAT ARE VERY STRONG THAT EVEN MAKE IT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE EXHAUST WHEN IDLING WILL HAVE A LOUD RATTLE AND WILL BOTH ACCOMPANY THE EXHAUST FUMES AND AT TIMES WHEN THERE ISN'T THE STRONG EXHAUST FUMES. WE HAVE ALSO RECENTLY HAD TO START TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND WATCHING TO MAKE SURE IT STAYS OFF BECAUSE IT WILL RANDOMLY ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND WE WILL HAVE TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL OR IT WILL JERK THE VEHICLE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED CAR ACCIDENTS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCCASIONS.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11103355 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2018 · ODI 11101714 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT WARNING. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEMICAL BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11101714 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2017 · ODI 11057324Details +

MY 2017 CHEVY SONIC HAS A BRAKE PROBLEM . BRAKES SOMETIMES FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLIED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MOVING AND COMING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAIDED THEY ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM GM.

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11057324 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMay 2017 · ODI 10985973Details +

PASSENGER SIDE WIPER HAS GAP BETWEEN DRIVER SIDE WATER RUNS DOWN WINDSHIELD IN A STREAM ON ALL WIPER SPEEDS. DISTRACTS VISIBILTY. REPORTED TO DEALER AND CHEVROLET.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
Mar 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10985973 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2016 · ODI 10914414Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND WITH THE WINDOW DEFROSTER ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ACTIVATED, IT WOULD REMAIN FOGGED AND WOULD NOT DEFROST. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30.

Reported
Oct 2016
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10914414 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

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

2017 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2017 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 Drive253328
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

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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.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owners filed 37 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine (30% of complaints) and air bags (14%).

How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic between 28 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.