IllustrationYESTERDAY 9-9-2018, I STARTED CAR, DROVE IT ONE BLOCK AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. CAR HAS 30K MILES, NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND NEVER HAD ANY SAFETY PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS IT WENT OUT OF WARRANTY 5-26-2018........
2015 Chevrolet Sonic
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sonic years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 42.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sonic years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
2325–50K
1350–75K
875–100K
4100–150K
2150K+
79 reports with mileage · 35 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 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
114 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WALDORF CHEVROLET CADILLAC, 2298 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V41600…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WALDORF CHEVROLET CADILLAC, 2298 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V416000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,600.
STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE LOCK BAR WILL NOT LOCK THE STEERING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO DROP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. AN INSPECTOR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CRUCIAL ABS FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,603. *TT
CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND THE RADIATOR IS RUSTED/CORRODED. THIS KIND OF CORROSION SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. I KEPT SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SO I STARTED MONITORING THE COOLANT LEVELS. I WAS ADDING MORE THAN A GALLON OF COOLANT EACH MONTH.
VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN BRAKING, WHILE IN MOTION. IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES BURRS ON IGNITION KEYS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH
BRAKE DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE TO AVOID COLLIDING INTO GARAGE DOOR WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK CAR.
VEHICLE ALARM SOUNDING. WITH ALL DOORS SHUT PROPERLY. I PUSH THE LOCK DOOR CONTROL ON THE KEY 2X TO ENABLE THE HORN TO SOUND INDICATING THE VEHICLE IS LOCKED AND SECURED WITH ALARM AS IT SHOULD. AS OF 28 OCT 2015 I DO THE SAME AND NOW ALARM IS GOING OFF AS IF A DOOR IS OPEN OR SOMEONE IS BREAKING IN. ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED …
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VEHICLE ALARM SOUNDING. WITH ALL DOORS SHUT PROPERLY. I PUSH THE LOCK DOOR CONTROL ON THE KEY 2X TO ENABLE THE HORN TO SOUND INDICATING THE VEHICLE IS LOCKED AND SECURED WITH ALARM AS IT SHOULD. AS OF 28 OCT 2015 I DO THE SAME AND NOW ALARM IS GOING OFF AS IF A DOOR IS OPEN OR SOMEONE IS BREAKING IN. ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE GOOD. VEHICLE IS PARKED IN GARAGE ON LEVEL SURFACE. CHECKED WITH BOTH CAR KEYS TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T A KEY ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE RED SIGNAL LIGHT IN THE CAR INDICATING ALARM IS ON FLASHES MORE BRIGHTLY THAN USUAL. I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO SECURE MY VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME.
SHIFT BUTTON STICKS. CAN NOT REMOVE KEY, CAN NOT SHIFT VEHICLE INTO PARK. SHIFT BUTTON WAS REDESIGNED BY GENERAL MOTORS PART # 42423234 BUT THEY WILL NOT RECALL! THIS HAPPENS TO EVERY CHEVROLET SONIC.
CAR HAS ROUGH IDLE AND WHEN PARKED RUNNING THE CAR IT STALLS OUT. ALSO AFTER PUTTING GAS IN THE GAS TANK THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW TOO. THE CAR WANTS TO STALL AT INTERSECTIONS AND IN TRAFFIC.
Official recalls
316V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jun 10, 2016
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
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."
Consequence: 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
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."
Consequence: 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.
16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Apr 28, 2016
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.
15V416000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jun 30, 2015
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.