Car Recall Facts

Makes › Chevrolet

Chevrolet Sonic: recalls and fuel economy

16recall campaigns (model years 2010+)
0with a "do not drive" advisory
0with a "park outside" advisory

Counts come from NHTSA's recall file and include every version NHTSA lists under this model family (see how we group models). To see whether your car still needs a repair, check its VIN or use NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Recall campaigns by model year

20127
20136
20144
20153
20162
20181

Recalls by component

Air Bags5
Equipment4
Electrical System4
Exterior Lighting2
Seats1
Power Train1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Visibility1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

EPA fuel economy and yearly fuel cost

Model yearFuelCombinedEPA yearly fuel costVersions
2012Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,4008
2013Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,40010
2014Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,40012
2015Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,40012
2016Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,40012
2017Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,4008
2018Regular Gasoline28–32 MPG$2,100–$2,4008
2019Regular Gasoline29–31 MPG$2,150–$2,3004
2020Regular Gasoline29 MPG$2,3002

Ranges cover the engine, drivetrain and trim versions EPA rates for that year. Yearly fuel cost is EPA's own estimate, based on 15,000 miles a year and EPA's projected fuel price; your cost will differ.

All recall campaigns, newest first

NHTSA 23V516000 · reported 2023-07-27 · model years 2013

Air Bags · about 767 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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.…

NHTSA 18V342000 · reported 2018-05-27 · model years 2018

Seats · about 71 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

NHTSA 16V422000 · reported 2016-06-10 · model years 2015–2016

Electrical System, Equipment · about 18,780 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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.

NHTSA 16V257000 · reported 2016-04-28 · model years 2013–2016

Electrical System, Equipment · about 317,572 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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…

NHTSA 15V416000 · reported 2015-06-30 · model years 2015

Equipment · about 45,785 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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…

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…

NHTSA 14V543000 · reported 2014-09-09 · model years 2014

Air Bags · about 304 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only…

Risk: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet…

NHTSA 14V417000 · reported 2014-07-02 · model years 2012–2014

Equipment · about 2,990 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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…

NHTSA 14V315000 · reported 2014-06-12 · model years 2012

Power Train · about 21,567 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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

Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs…

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

NHTSA 14V300000 · reported 2014-06-06 · model years 2012

Air Bags · about 31,520 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles…

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

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at…

NHTSA 13V464000 · reported 2013-09-26 · model years 2013–2014

Fuel System, Gasoline · about 1,558 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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…

NHTSA 13V220000 · reported 2013-05-24 · model years 2013

Electrical System, Exterior Lighting · about 10,210 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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…

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…

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.

NHTSA 13V023000 · reported 2013-01-24 · model years 2012

Air Bags · about 4,167 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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

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

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

NHTSA 12V522000 · reported 2012-10-31 · model years 2012

Air Bags · about 2,949 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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

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

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

NHTSA 12V454000 · reported 2012-09-17 · model years 2013

Electrical System, Exterior Lighting · about 4,716 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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.…

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.

NHTSA 12V408000 · reported 2012-08-20 · model years 2012

Visibility · about 44,668 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles…

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

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

NHTSA 11V599000 · reported 2011-12-28 · model years 2012

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · about 4,296 vehicles in the whole campaign (all models)

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

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

Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS…

Summaries are NHTSA's own text, shortened. Read the full notice on NHTSA's site via the campaign number.