Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
330–25K
1725–50K
3550–75K
1775–100K
9100–150K
1150K+
112 reports with mileage · 38 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports4 fire reports5 injury reports
What owners actually said
150 reports
50,000 miles · Apr 16, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
A FEW YEARS AGO MY POWER STEERING WENT ON. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET REPLACED RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. CURRENTLY MY AC IS BROKEN AND I'VE SPENT A GOOD BIT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT; YET IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. NOW MY CAR WON'T START. I'VE RELPALCE…
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A FEW YEARS AGO MY POWER STEERING WENT ON. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET REPLACED RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. CURRENTLY MY AC IS BROKEN AND I'VE SPENT A GOOD BIT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT; YET IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. NOW MY CAR WON'T START. I'VE RELPALCED THE BATTERY A COUPLE YEARS AGO BECAUSE MY CAR KEPT DYING. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAN NEW AND IT HAD CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT FINANCIAL ISSUES. I TRIED CONTACTING CHEVY ABOUT HIS CAR A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. EXPLAINING THAT THESE ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF MY CAR IT'S NOT LIKE I'M COMPLAINING ABOUT CHANGING MY TIRES OR NEW BRAKES YOU NOW NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES WITH A NEW CAR. I KNOW IT'S 5 YEAS OLD NOW BUT THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS I STILL OWE $3800 ON MY CAR AND HAVE DEALT WITH DUMPING MONEY INTO A VEHICLE THAT SHOULDN'T OF HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST PLACE. THIS HAS CAUSED UNESSASACRY STRESS IN MY LIFE. ALSO TWO OF MY WINDOWS DON'T WORK. SO MY AC IS BROKE AND I CAN'T EVEN ROLL DOWN TWO WINDOWS IT'S A DEATH SENTENCE. I'VE HAD A HEAT STROKE IN MY CAR BECAUSE OF IT. LEGITIMATELY SCARED ME.
NHTSA ODI #11196751
96,000 miles · Mar 26, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPUTTER AND SMELL LIKE FUEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #11191730
80,000 miles · Mar 26, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DYER CHEVROLET (4200 US-1, FORT, FLORIDA 34982, (772) 242-3116) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM RETUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DYER CHEVROLET (4200 US-1, FORT, FLORIDA 34982, (772) 242-3116) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM RETURN UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RADIO SOFTWARE SYSTEM FAILED AND DID NOT ALERT HIM WHEN THE TIRES WERE LOW. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR ALSO FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V257000 (EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11191645
75,000 miles · Mar 26, 2019
Engine
THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ONE OF THE ENGINE COOLANT OUTLETS WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRUMBLED INTO PIECES WHERE THE HOSE CONNECTS TO IT. THE BOLTS WERE ALSO BROKEN OFF INTO THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THIS REPAIR COST $1,200 AND WAS DONE TWICE WITHIN 2 MONTHS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11191642
80,000 miles · Mar 26, 2019
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT INDICATE WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS SPORADIC AND ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT.
NHTSA ODI #11191634
10 miles · Mar 8, 2019
Air BagsEngine
AIR BAGS ON &OFF (DRIVING) THERMOSTAT NOT WORKING CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT ON
NHTSA ODI #11185061
69,084 miles · Mar 3, 2019
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON I CALL ON STAR AND THEY SAY ITS A DEFECT IN DEPLOY DIAGNOSTIC CODE B0081 AND WHEN I TAKE IT IN THE LIGHT IS OFF. I DONT WANT TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND THEN THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOY
NHTSA ODI #11183797
37,365 miles · Mar 1, 2019
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FELIX CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 3330 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007, (213) 290-1925) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FELIX CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 3330 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007, (213) 290-1925) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INTERNAL SENSOR HAD A SHORTAGE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5085721017. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,365.
NHTSA ODI #11183559
70,100 miles · Feb 27, 2019
Engine
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SONIC WITH 70,000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN DROPPING COOLANT WHILE STATIONARY OVERNIGHT AFTER BEING DRIVEN DURING THE DAY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. AFTER THE REPAIR, IT STARTED TO LEAK AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF A…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SONIC WITH 70,000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN DROPPING COOLANT WHILE STATIONARY OVERNIGHT AFTER BEING DRIVEN DURING THE DAY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. AFTER THE REPAIR, IT STARTED TO LEAK AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF A LEAK, DESPITE MY SHOWING EVIDENCE OF A LEAK (PHOTOS AND COLLECTED COOLANT). SEVERAL INTERNET POSTINGS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES INDICATED POSSIBLE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DEXCOOL COOLANT SPECIFIED BY GENERAL MOTORS. MY OWN MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING THIS COOLANT BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #11182727
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System
ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. ENGINE RANDOMS SHUTS OFF. CAR WONT START AFTER FILLING CAR UP. T/C COMES ON RANDOMLY AND CAR STARTS SHAKING. LIGHTS OF CAR DIM WHEN YOU ACCELERATE.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
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."
Consequence: 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
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."
Consequence: 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.
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 instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2014 Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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