Verdict
2018 Chevrolet Sonic: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most hatchback.
Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 76% of 2018 hatchbacks. Electrical System leads the reports (36%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2018 hatchbacks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
14
Reports to NHTSA, 2018
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
29.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 76% of 2018 hatchbacks
The bar is this car's percentile among 2018 hatchbacks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (36% of 14 reports), followed by air bags (7%).
+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 14 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11462831, ODI 11398829, ODI 11316425, ODI 11291401, ODI 11255556.
Recalls(1)
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.
Seats · 18V342000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Risk: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
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
2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 28 | 37 | 32 |
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 34 | 28 |
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.
These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.
Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic — fewer complaints than 76% of comparable 2018 hatchbacks, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (36% of complaints) and air bags (7%).
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, covering components such as seats. 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 2018 Chevrolet Sonic get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic between 28 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.