Page 6 of 8 · complaints 251–300 of 354

2012 Chevrolet Sonic complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2012 record →

Power Train
Filed Dec 9, 201434,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AND HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VALVE, TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 8, 201438,286 milesTX

FIRST OF ALL THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINE KEEPS POPPING OF MY CAR NOT ALLOWING ME TO USE MY WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID SO THE TANK IS ALWAYS EMPTY. SECOND WHILE DRIVING MY CAR RADIO FLICKERS ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES COMPLETELY GOES BLACK NOT ONLY THAT MY CAR SPEEDOMETER IS ELECTRICAL AND AFTER 30 MIN OF DRIVING SAYS IM GOING 20/34/WHATEVER MPH IT WANTS TO READ WHEN IM REALLY GOING THE HWY SPEED LIMIT AND I HAVE OFTEN HAD TO MESS WITH THE WIRES THAT RUN TO MY BATTERY TO TURN MY CAR BACK ON SINCE ITS THE WIRES(ELECTRICAL WORK AND NOT THE BATTERY) MY BATTERY HAS BEEN TESTED MANY TIMES. FINALLY THIRD THE LITTLE SHIFT BUTTON ON MY CAR KEEPS STICKING AND WONT ALLOW FOR MY CAR TO PROPERLY SHIFT CAUSING MY CAR TO OVER REV AND NOT WANT TO DRIVE. IM NOW AT 115,000 MILES AND EVERY TIME I GO TO A DEALERSHIP THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR WHEN I KNOW THERE IS SINCE I HAVE BEEN THE ONE DRIVING IT AND THEN THEY JUST GIVE IT BACK TO ME WHICH STILL COSTS ME MONEY WITH NO SOLUTION MY CARS STATE HAS JUST BEEN GETTING WORSE AND WORSE AND DUE TO LIMITED INCOME I CANT AFFORD TO GET A NEW ONE AT THIS TIME OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE ALREADY TRADED THIS CHEVY POS IN. I ALSO CALLED CHEVROLET'S CORPORATE OFFICE WHERE THE LADY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND NEVER CALLED ME BACK LIKE SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH HER SHE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING SHE COULD DO FOR MY CAR SINCE MY CAR WASN'T A RECALL BUT I FIND IT ODD THAT MY CAR WAS MADE ON FEBRUARY 28, 2012 WHICH FALLS BETWEEN TWO MAJOR

Power Train
Filed Dec 1, 2014MD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Power Train
Filed Nov 28, 201450,300 milesCT

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT FELT LIKE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING . WE HAVE A 6 SPEED MANUAL TURBO CHEVY SONIC. WHILE THE CAR WAS UNDER THE 36000 WARRANTY AN ENGINE FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. I BELIEVE THEY SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH TURBO ? THEY REPAIRED THE FAULT AND NOW AT 50000 MILES IT APPEARS THE TRANSMISSION HAS LET GO AND/OR CLUTCH ? RECALL 14234 APPEARS TO BE WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR VEHICLE OR THE AFOREMENTIONED TURBO PROBLEM THEY WORKED ON AND WANT US TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT MAYBE A RECALL ITEM OR FAULTY WORKMANSHIP DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 25, 201453,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH OFF AND ON. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND MAY NOT DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 18, 201463,000 milesTN

MY CAR WAS LOSING SPEED EVEN UPON PRESSING THE GAS, IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE RPM'S WENT ALL THE WAY TO 7 AND THEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND THEY WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN. THEN IT FINALLY STARTED REGAIN SPEED. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE CODE WAS PERTAINING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM , I AM VERY FURIOUS DUE TO THE FACT THAT ME AND MY CHILDREN RIDE IN THIS CAR DAILY AND THIS HAPPENED I UNDERSTAND PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES BUT I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE A CALL IN THIS MATTER BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED THE TOLL FREE NUMBER TWICE AND THEY ARE GIVING ME NO INFORMATION AS FAR AS WHO I CAN REACH OUT TO GET THIS FIXED BEFORE THERE IS SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN. I DON'T PAY FOR SOMETHING TO PUT MINE AND MY CHILDREN'S LIFE IN DANGER. WEATHER OR NOT THIS IS A RECALL IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT . THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 17, 201460,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE SHIFT LEVER BECAME LODGED IN ONE GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED DAILY AND NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 201416,000 milesOH

WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE BRAKE FRONT PADS DON'T CATCH ALL THE WAY SOME TIMES EVEN THE ROADS ARE DRY. IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE IF I'M DRIVING OVER A BUMPY ROAD AND APPLY THE BRAKES YOU CAN FEEL THE SKIPPING OF THE BRAKES NOT CATCHING. HAD BRAKES INSPECTED THEY ARE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH LIFE STILL ON THEM. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE BRAKES THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG. I MADE A COMPLAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE UNSAFENESS I FEEL DRIVING. I ONLY DRIVE ON THE STREET TO WORK AND HOME. I STILL HAVE THE SKIPPING IN THE BRAKING. I'M ALWAYS CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL OF SOMEKIND ON THIS CAR PART. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 201454,000 milesIN

BUTTON ON SHIFTER KNOB THAT ALLOWS CAR TO BE PUT INTO GEAR GETS STUCK AND EVENTUALLY BREAKS. THIS ALLOWS THE CAR TO ACCIDENTALLY BE PUT INTO GEAR. THIS PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO REMOVE YOUR KEY FROM THE IGNITION, FORCING YOU TO LEAVE YOUR KEY IN THE IGNITION IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 28, 201424,543 milesKY

I WAS DRIVING WITH TRAFFIC AT CORRECT SPEED DOWN MAIN ROAD. WHEN SUDDENLY A LADY THAT DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT AWAY PULLED OUT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. SHE HIT THE SIDE OF MY CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE AREA OF MY FRONT WHEEL. THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD THAT MY CAR WAS PUSHED ACROSS TURNING LANE IN MIDDLE, ACROSS A LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND PART OF CAR WAS IN THE EMERGENCY LANE WHEN IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. SINCE SHE WAS TURNING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC ON HER SIDE OF THE STREET WHEN SHE STRUCK ME HER SVC WENT FROM MY FRONT WHEEL DOWN ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF MY CAR. MY CONCERN THAT DURING THIS ENTIRE ACCIDENT AND MY 2012 BEING TOTALED OVER $12,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE AND I WAS HURT, NOT ONE SINGLE AIRBAG OUT OF THE 10 IN MY 2012 SONIC DEPLOYED. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 19, 201447,740 milesTX

BEGINNING FROM THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. APPROX. 28,000 MI. AT COLD START THERE IS A RATTLE NOISE LIKE METAL ON METAL. THEN WILL DISAPPEAR RIGHT AFTER. HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE/ LOUDER. HARD SHIFTS, LOSS OF POWER. NOW AS OF LAST NIGHT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE CAR RUNS ROUGH. HIGH IDLE, STALLS, KNOCKING NOISES FROM ENGINE. FAULT CODE. P0011? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 201451,611 milesCA

1. TOOK CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP IN AUG FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND COOLANT IS LOW, CAR OVERHEATS. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS (P/U SEPT 5TH). THEY REPL. RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, SEPT 10 CAR STALLS AT MAJOR STOP LIGHT AND AGAIN AT A STOP SIGN. ENGINE STARTS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND RUNS ROUGH. KEEPS STALLING AT IDLE. TAKE CAR BACK TO DEALER NEXT DAY SEPT 11. THEY HAVE THE CAR FOR 3 WEEKS. P/U OCT 7TH AFTER THEY REPL THE ENGINE AND SOME BOLTS. SALES AGENT ASSURES ME THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE PROBLEMS ITS FIXED. 5 MINS ON THE FWY AT 70MPH IN FAST LANE AT LUNCH HOUR CAR JUST TURNS OFF ALMOST HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET OVER FOUR LANES. STOPS COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF SLOW LANE BY ON-RAMP ALMOST WAS HIT TWICE STARTED THE KEY AND IT TURNED ON GOT OFF FWY AND TOOK DIRECTLY BACK TO DEALER WHO CALLED ME THREE DAYS LATER AND STATED THAT A CONNECTOR WAS BAD AND THATS WHY IT TURNED OFF AND THEY ORDERED THE PART AND THAT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM P/U CAR IN THREE DAYS. SALES AGENT CALLED BACK DAY I WAS TO P/U AND SAID THEY WERE STILL WORKING ON IT AND I TOLD HIM I WANT TO TALK WITH A SUPERVISOR I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR OFF LOT, COME TO FIND OUT THAT DAY ON THE FWY THAT IT HAD NEVER BEEN TEST DRIVEN. CONTACTING BUSINESS BUREAU AND ATTORNEY AT THIS POINT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 16, 2014WI

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TRANSMISSION RECALL. *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED. *JB

Power Train
Filed Oct 15, 2014WV

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS A COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE SERVICE RECEIVED FOR A SAFETY RECALL. *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. RECALL # 14V315000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE DONE. HOWEVER, EIGHT DAYS WAS TOO LONG TO HAVE THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE RECALL STATED IT WOULD TAKE 10 HOURS AND 20 MINUTES. UPDATED 12/10/14

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2014PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Power Train
Filed Oct 9, 201469,860 milesOH

MY CAR HESITATES TO SHIFT GEARS BETWEEN 18-27 MPH AND SOMETIMES WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN GOING DOWN AN INCLINE THE CAR ACTS LIKE ITS NOT IN GEAR TO DRIVE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 201438,000 milesIL

PULLED INTO MY WORK PARKING LOT AND GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. AFTER TRYING MULTIPLE TIMES AND BEATING ON IT I FINALLY GOT IT INTO PARK BUT KEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF OR COME OUT OF IGNITION. PUT BACK INTO DRIVE AND WENT THROUGH ALL GEARS (NEUTRAL, REVERSE AND DRIVE) BEFORE I COULD FINALLY PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN OFF THE KEY AND TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION. HAPPENED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING WEEK, HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. HE COULD NOT TOW IT WITHOUT GETTING IT INTO NEUTRAL. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE SHIFTER IN ORDER FOR ME TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE NEW SHIFTER CAME IN. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE WITHOUT CHARGE. SO, I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE SHIFTER EVERY THREE YEARS TO THE TUNE OF $400.00. ALSO, AIR INTAKE HOSE HAS BROKEN AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. CAN ONLY ORDER THROUGH DEALER. DUCK TAPED IT UNTIL YOU RECALL IT FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN DEFECT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THIS HOSE EVERY THREE YEARS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 1, 2014MD

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL CONCERNING THE TURBINE SHAFT. *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL # 14V315000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, IT TOOK A NUMBER OF DAYS FOR THE DEALER TO CORRECT AN OUTSIDE WATER LEAK ON THE RIGHT, FRONT PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Sep 22, 201430,000 milesAZ

AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN IN AN INTERSECTION AT 5:30AM MY REAR GLASS WINDOW BURST AND ALL THE GLASS SHATTERED LEAVING GLASS ON THE FOUR SIDES ONLY. INEXPLICABLE HOW IT HAPPENED, MY FIRST REACTION WAS TOO LOOK BACK AND SEE IF ANYBODY HAD HIT US, BUT WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR/SIDE MIRRORS THERE WAS NO CARS BEHIND US OR NEAR US. THE SAME MORNING I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOWED MY VEHICLE TO THE SHOP FOR A TRANSMISSION RECALL, PER THE DEALER THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY DUE TO GENERAL MOTORS HAD NO OTHER VEHICLES REPORTING THE SAME INCIDENT. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BECAUSE I'M SURE MANY 2012 CHEVY SONICS HAVE IT AS A DEFECT. WITH SO MANY RECALLS I WOULDN'T DOUBT THAT THE WINDOWS ARE BEING RECALLED AS WELL. *TR

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Sep 16, 201445,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RELAY BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 15, 201432,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND GEAR BOX WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, REVERSE, OR PARK. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS WERE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTAKE DUCT AND BOOT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 8, 201425,000 milesPA

SHIFTER BUTTON GETS STUCK AND CAN'T TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION! ITS BEEN REPLACED BEFORE AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME! DEALER WONT REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY! *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 20143,000 milesMO

WHEN I AM SLOWING AND THERE IS A GRATE IN THE STREET, MY VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS BRAKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES EVERY TIME I AM ON A GRATE, WHICH IS FAIRLY COMMON IN THE CITY. I TOLD [XXX] AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES (THEY WERE DOING AN OIL CHANGE AND SAID THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES). WHEN I DRIVE OVER ICE, IT MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM BRAKING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *DT .....UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF

Power Train
Filed Sep 5, 2014GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 2014FL

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE METAL GRINDING NOISES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. *SMD

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2014ME

I'M EXPERIENCING SOME ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR WHICH IS IN RED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. SAME DESCRIPTION OF THE AIRBAG RECALL MADE ON THE CHEVROLET SONIC, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I DID RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION, BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT AIRBAGS IS A LIFE HAZARD FOR ANY DRIVER. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE, WAS TOLD NO RECALLS ON MY MODEL, BUT NOT INTEREST SHOWN IN FINDING OUT ABOUT THOSE ISSUES. TO BE HONEST THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT FOR NOW I'M INTEREST IN MAKING SURE MY AIRBAG IS WORKING AND I'M MORE SECURE ON THE TIME OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 26, 2014AR

I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IT WAS WARM OUTSIDE.....SO BUGS CAKED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN THE BUGS CAKED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD I TRIED TO USE MY WINDSHIELD CLEANER AND NOTHING WOULD COME OUT AND I ENDED UP SMEARING THE BUGS. I ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT SEE....SO I MADE IT TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION AND CHECKED THE RESERVOIR TO FIND IT EMPTY. I WENT INTO THE GAS STATION AND BOUGHT A CHEAP BOTTLE OF CLEAN AND PUT IT INTO THE RESERVOIR, AND AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN A PUDDLE DRAINED FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I FOUND THAT THE RESERVOIR COULD NOT HOLD THE LIQUID AND I FIGURED THAT A HOSE MUST BE LOOSE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 201411,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ABOUT HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED A STRONG PERSISTENT ODOR OF FUEL COMING THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, FUEL PUMP, AND CALIPER PINS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 201437,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND IT BECAME HARDER TO SHIFT GEARS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CABIN FILTER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THIRD GEAR. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 20, 201469,200 milesTX

ALL TEN (10) AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN MY CAR WAS STRUCK BY A DRIVER ATTEMPTING TO PASS ME ON THE LEFT AS I WAS TURNING LEFT. THAT DRIVER WAS SPEEDING, CROSSED THE DOUBLE-YELLOW LINE TO PASS, DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE NOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE. MY DRIVER'S DOOR TOOK THE INITIAL IMPACT STRIKE AND WAS DEEPLY CREASED AS THE OTHER CAR CONTINUED FORWARD INTO MINE, THEN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WAS STRUCK; THE WHEEL AND A ROD CONNECTED FLEW OFF, MY FENDER WAS OBLITERATED, ENGINE COMPONENTS WERE SMASHED, AND MY CAR SPUN AROUND AT LEAST 200 DEGREES. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS GOING SO FAST, IT CONTINUED FORWARD MORE THAN 150 FEET BEFORE THE DRIVER COULD GET HIS VEHICLE TO STOP AFTER STRIKING MY CAR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED MY CAR A TOTAL LOSS. DURING THE ACCIDENT, MY HEAD VIOLENTLY STRUCK THE DOOR FRAME AND I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. IT IS A MIRACLE FROM GOD THAT I WASN'T KILLED! MY HUSBAND IS LIVID TO THINK I COULD HAVE DIED... AND TO THINK THAT THE 10 AIRBAGS WERE A BIG SELLING POINT FOR US WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. WE THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A SAFE VEHICLE. WE FEEL LIED TO AND ABUSED AS THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS--SO SAYS AN ATTORNEY--SINCE I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED NOR KILLED. AFTER MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAYS, I'LL STILL OWE ABOUT $4000 ON MY NEW-ISH CHEVY SONIC, AND I AM STILL REQUIRED TO PAY THE BALANCE TO ALLY (HOLDING THE LOAN FOR THIS GM CAR) FOR A PRODUCT THAT DIDN'T PERFORM AS IT SHOULD HAVE TO KEEP ME SAFE. HOW IS THIS NOT A CRIME? ISN'T THIS ROBBERY? GM SH

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 19, 201420,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THE CORRECT GEAR CAUSING THE ENGINE RPM TO SUDDENLY INCREASE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 201413,500 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY CONNECTION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500. UPDATED 10/14/14*LJ UPDATED 3/31/2015 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 201465,000 milesGA

THE SHIFTER BUTTON/KNOB ALWAYS GETS STUCK. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE PRIOR RECALL REGARDING THE SHIFTER. THE CAR RADIO TURNS ON BY ITSELF AFTER I HAVE REMOVED BY CAR KEY AND LOCKED THE DOORS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CHEVY DEALER SAID THAT REPLACING THE SHIFTER "MAY" CORRECT THE ISSUE WITH THE RADIO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE SHIFTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF USE. I HAVE HAD MUCH OLDER CARS WITH FAR LESS ISSUES AND NEVER NEEDED TO HAVE A SHIFTER REPLACED. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED YET. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 201436,000 milesCA

WHILE ENGAGING THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY INTO GEAR, THE BUTTON ON THE ASSEMBLY BECOMES STUCK. THE CAR CAN THEN BE MOVED FROM PARK INTO ANY GEAR BY ACCIDENT. ALSO CAUSING THE KEY TO BE STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 8, 20141,200 milesFL

CURRENT MILEAGE IS 26,985 1. CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AND HESITATES (ALMOST SHUTTING DOWN), IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AND IS NOW HAPPENING MORE AND MORE OFTEN. IT' VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS OR MAKING A RIGHT ON RED AND ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY. 2. REAR SUSPENSION MAKES STRANGE NOISES UPON BACKING UP/STOPPING; 3. VERY BAD ODOR COMING FROM A/C VENTS....DISGUSTING, ALMOST SMELLS LIKE PLASTIC BURNING OR BURNING ROTTEN EGGS; 4. I HEAR STRANGE NOISES IN THE BACK BRAKES, NOT CONSTANT BUT RANDOM AND GETTING LOUDER WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN; 5. WIPER FLUID NOT WORKING, I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE; 6. THE AUTOMATIC DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING, MOST ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WIPERS ON/OFF. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF YOU'RE IN COMPLETE DARKNESS OR DAYLIGHT. 7. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT LOCK UNTIL YOU PUT THE KEY BACK IN THE IGNITION, RESTART THE CAR, TAKE IT OUT OF PARK AND PUT IT BACK IN PARK. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO DO THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES, EACH TIME GETTING BACK OUT OF THE CAR TO TRY TO LOCK IT. 8. STEERING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS DIFFICULT...THE CAR SWERVES AND IF IT'S A WINDY DAY IT'S BEYOND DIFFICULT TO KEEP THIS CAR IN THE LANE. VERY DANGEROUS. 9. THE RADIO TURNS ITSELF ON AND OFF AS IT PLEASES. IT TOOK ME YEARS TO BE ABLE TO FINALLY PURCHASE A NEW CAR AND NOW THERE ARE NOT ONLY 6 RECALLS ON THE CAR BUT I ALSO HAVE ALL THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS LISTED ABOVE. THERE'S

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2014CT

AUTOMATIC SHIFTER BUTTON STICKS WHICH DOESN'T LET THE KEY TO COME OUT. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING WHILE THE BUTTON IS STUCK IN. YOU CAN BUMP THE SHIFTER N IT'LL TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR DUE TO THE SHIFTER BUTTON STICKING N NOT POPPING OUT. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 201422,000 milesAZ

VEHICLE HAS NO POWER ON ACCELERATION SO I LOSE POWER IN INTERSECTIONS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 5, 201438,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THIRTY TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 2, 201451,000 milesWA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 7% GRADE GOING DOWN HILL AT 50 MILES AN HOUR MY CAR SHUT OFF, STEERING LOCKED AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK THE ONLY THING I COULD USE WAS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IF I WASN'T CALM AND USED MY HEAD ME AND MY SON WOULD HAVE DIED. MY CAR NOW IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND SHAKING AFTER IT WARMS UP. MY SHIFTER GETS STUCK AND I CANT PARK OR TAKE MY KEY OUT. EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR IS AN ALARM FOR DANGER OR DEATH. I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DON'T RETURN MY CALLS. I FINALLY GOT A HOLD OF THEM AND THEY SAID I CAN BRING IT IN BUT ITS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR REPAIRS LIKE THIS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 31, 201440,000 milesNC

WAS DRIVING AND CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING...HAD JUST ENOUGH POWER TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC...CAR WAS RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. DID EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL STATED IF THE TRANSMISSION TURBINE SHAFT FRACTURE OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN THE FIRST OR SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT UPSHIFT TO THE THIRD THRU SIXTH GEARS LIMITING THE VEHICLES SPEED... *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 201448,000 milesFL

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. IN JANUARY I VISITED THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY HEATER WAS NOT WORKING. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY SOON THAT IT HAD SOME LEAKING ACID. THREE WEEKS LATER I REPLACE THE BATTERY. AT THAT TIME THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IVE SPENT THOUSANDS SINCE THEN REPAIRING WHAT THE DEALERSHIP DESCRIBED AS A ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE. I ALSO HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES THAT THERE ARE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. I INSISTED THEY DRIVE WITH ME AND ALTHOUGH THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES HAVE BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED, THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN BUSY REPAIRING THE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE OF THE BATTERY, THE HAVE NEVER TOUCHED MY TRANSMISSION. I STILL HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. MY CAR HESITATES AND DOESN'T ACCELERATE CAUSING ME TO ALMOST WRECK SEVERAL TIMES. I ALSO HAVE HAD SEVERAL IGNITION PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. ONE OCCASION MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION BUT THE CAR REMAINED RUNNING FOR SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. ANTHER OCCASION I WAS PUMPING GAS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND THE CAR STARTED CRANKING ITSELF. IT ATTEMPTED TO START THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. MY CAR STALLS AT RED LIGHTS AND WILL DECELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVE TRAFFIC. I AM FRIGHTENED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AND FEAR FOR ME AND MY CHILDRENS SAFETY. I HAVE CONTACTED GM SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR NUMEROUS TIMES. MY SALESPERSON ADVIS

Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 201431,000 milesAZ

THE BATTERY GO'S DEAD WHEN NOT STARTED FOR MORE THEN2 DAYS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 9, 20148,000 milesNJ

THE SHIFTER MECHANISM GETS STUCK & THE CAR CANNOT BE PUT INTO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS MANY TIMES-ESPECIALLY DURING THE COLDER MONTHS, WHEN THE CAR CANNOT BE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE & I AM LEFT STRANDED IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER. ADDITIONALLY, GM REFUSES TO ADMIT THE SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE & REFUSES TO BUY THE CAR BACK, AS I AM JUST A STUDENT IN COLLEGE WORKING A PART-TIME JOB. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I NEEDED A DEPENDABLE CAR TO GET ME BACK & FOURTH TO COLLEGE & MY PART-TIME JOB...BECAUSE OF THE CARS DEFECTS, I AM OFTEN LATE FOR SCHOOL & OR WORK. PLUS, MY SISTER ALSO HAS A CHEVY 2006 AVEO SHE WAS GIVEN, BUT THIS CAR ALSO HAS THE VERY SAME ISSUE'S WITH THE SHIFTER...THEREFORE, WHEN GM CEO [XXX] TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS AND TELLS CONGRESS THAT GM IS NOT HIDING OR COVERING-UP ANY ADDITIONAL CAR PROBLEMS...SHE IS A LIAR & I AM STUCK WITH THIS PRETTY MUCH USELESS CAR, THAT GM HAS MY MONEY & I DON'T HAVE A DEPENDABLE CAR & I/WE ARE WILLING TO OFFER BOTH CARS SO THAT AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT MECHANIC CAN EVALUATE BOTH CARS TO PROVE THAT GM INDEED KNEW ABOUT THESE SHIFTER MECHANISM DEFECTS GOING BACK TO AT LEAST 2006 AVEO MODEL, BUT CONTINUED TO SELL THESE TIME-BOMBS TO THE YOUNG ADULTS OF THIS COUNTRY, WHO ARE SCRAPPING BY TO MAKE ENDS-MEAT & TRY TO GET AN EDUCATION...THEN WE BUY A CAR FROM AN ARROGANT, RUTHLESS, EVIL, LYING COMPANY & WE HAVE NOWHERE TO TURN...I TIRED AN NJ LEMON LAW ATTORNEY, BUT I DETERMINED THAT HE WAS ACTUALLY I BED WITH GM & THE OTHER GM ATTORNEY. I WANT GM TO TAKE THIS C

Suspension
Filed Jul 6, 20141,500 milesFL

THE CAR HAS A POPPING NOISE WHEN BACKING OVER A CURB OR TURNING SLOWLY. FERMAN DEALERSHIP IN BRANDON, FL. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. 2012 SONICS HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE POPPING NOISE UNDER CAR. SEEMS TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. DEALER SAID THEY HAVE NOT HEARD ANY COMPLAINTS. THEY ARE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH. *JS

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2014NY

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALLS AND VEHICLE REPAIRS ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE KNOCK SENSOR AND LOWER TRANSMISSION MOUNT WERE REPLACED. *JB

Engine
Filed Jun 7, 201457,000 milesMD

FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW EVERYTIME I GO TO PARK MY CAR MY SHIFTER GET STUCK AND I AM UNABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK OR TAKE THE KEY OUT. I WENT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND I WAS TOLD I COULD SPEND $150 TO GET IT LOOKED AT & THEN SPEND HOW EVERY MUCH MONEY IT WOULD BE TO FIX IT. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR THAT AT THE MOMENT BUT NOW ITS TO THE POINT WHERE I CANT EVEN DRIVE MY CAR AT ALL BECAUSE THE SHIFTER ALWAYS GETS STUCK AND I CANT GET MY KEY OUT TO PARK OR PUT IT IN PARK DRIVE REVERSE ETC...... ! ! ! I HAVE SEEN THAT A COUPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM SO ITS NOT JUST MY CAR. BUT SINCE IT GETS SUCK I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT THE SHIFTER BY ACCIDENT AND IT WILL MOVE THE CAR INTO ANOTHER POSITION BECAUSE IT DOESN'T CLICK WITCH MEANS I CAN GO FROM DRIVING TO IT BEING THROWN INTO PARK OR REVERSE IN SECONDS. THAT'S GOING TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT! I NEED THIS FIXED I DRIVE WITH KIDS IN MY CAR ON A DAILY BASIS .......... THEIR IS SOMETHING WRONG IN THE SHIFTER. *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 201434,000 milesCA

A BAD SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS, KEEPS COMING OUT OF THE AC/C VENTS AND THE ENGINE OF THE CAR. I CHANGED THE AIR FILTER AND EVERYTHING BUT NOTHING HAPPEN THE SMELL DOES NOT GO AWAY. *TR

Fuel System, GasolineCrash
Filed May 28, 201455,200 milesGA

MY MOTHER STATED THAT SHE WAS SITTING STILL AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR IT TO TURN GREEN WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD CAUSING HER TO STRIKE THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT OF HER. SHE MANAGED TO STEERING AROUND THAT CAR AND BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. SHE AND MY SISTER TOLD ME THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS STANDING STILL AND HER FEET WERE ON THE BRAKES.UPDATED 06/03/14 *BF *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed May 9, 2014GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR BOX BECAME STUCK ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO INSPECT, DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Apr 9, 20148,500 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,500.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic → · Every Sonic year → · How the figures are calculated →