2013 Chevrolet Sonic

Above average

Owners filed 217 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

163 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System37
101
Engine36
020
Unknown or Other30
110
Power Train30
101
Air Bags25
17017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)12
100
Service Brakes10
100
Suspension5
000
Steering5
000
Visibility/Wiper4
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module23V516000
Filed Jul 27, 2023767 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Electrical System › Software16V257000
Filed Apr 28, 2016317,572 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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."

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 number for this recall is 17130.

Equipment › Electrical14V417000
Filed Jul 2, 20142,990 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

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 customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting13V464000
Filed Sep 26, 20131,558 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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 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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights13V220000
Filed May 24, 201310,210 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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 vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

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 crash.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal12V454000
Filed Sep 17, 20124,716 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jan 8, 2026134,000 milesMI

The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic pulled over to the side of the road. The incident occurred near the mechanic's shop. The contact stated that the workers of a nearby recreation center extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 2025CA

Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 17, 2025NC

On 7-27-2023 General Motors issued a recall on 2013 models of Sonic, my VIN was not included in this recall. However on 4-16-2025 my sonic was involved in a impact incident in which the air bags should have deployed, and did not. It is my opinion that Chevy, knowing of the issues with the model of car, should have issued a recall for my vehicle as well, but did not. As a result I suffered additional strain and injury during my impact as no airbags deployed.

Power Train
Filed Mar 27, 2025126,419 milesOH

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the ignition key remained stuck in the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact noticed that the gear shift indicator was indicating that the transmission was in park(P) and in drive(D) simultaneously. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter in and out of park(P) several times, and shifting back to park(P), the contact was able to release the key. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gear shifter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,419.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Feb 2, 2025AZ

UNKNOWN. Our car caught fire but I'm not sure what actually caused it, it was in perfect working condition before. I saw articles online saying there was a voluntary recall due to faulty welding in the fuel tank so it could be that. I believe it's a dangerous defect and should be an official recall. My family and I almost lost our lives because of it

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 23, 2024IL

The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 23, 2024MO

Unable to shift to park from drive due to internal mechanism broke.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 22, 2024OH

Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the CEL came back with P2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.

Steering
Filed Apr 27, 2024CA

Last week when I was driving my car on the street, and wanted to make a left the steering wheel was very hard to turn. And the next day It happened again , steering hard to turn and it’s been intermittent but not driving my car right now, thanks for your attention

Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2024CO

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 14371B; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2023112,401 milesNJ

Car accident November 3, 2023. A dear ran in front car while traveling 55mps. As the impact took place causing front and of the car to be smashed Air bags in the car did not deployed. Causing head to hit steering wheel.

Power Train
Filed Oct 9, 2023OK

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8 L , fuel system lean ,mass airflow sensor, in limp mode preventing acceleration, gas tank when added gas....shuts down after start up-fuel system/gasoline; may cause possible fuel leak and could combust, alarm system and locks don't properly function - electric system equipment, insufficient welds...around fuel tank and front of vehicle on bottom by driver's side could also cause combustion, bcm codes that came up were communication, electrical, fuel, windows, and airbags! AutoZone codes were po171 and co561-77,I looked up recalls , several came up for my make and model but weren't specific to my vin# however my vehicle is doing everything pertaining to them! And I looked up if there was any special coverage on it and said there is...before 120k miles or ten years time. And I was never notified of it & never received anything in the mail ...

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 22, 2023CA

Car was taken to a mechanic. The diagnosis is that the 16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage. This forces the car to keep stalling. Upon further research, certain models had this recall. I called GM and they said my car is not one of the ones that had the recall how ever it has the same failure that the other recalls do.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System1 injured
Filed Dec 27, 2022125,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the rear windshield suddenly imploded, causing glass shards to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded as if a shotgun had been fired. As a result of the implosion, the contact sustained injuries to the left eye. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that there was an abnormal electrical humming sound coming from the rear windshield prior to the failure. The contact stated that the defroster was not activated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that there was prior electrical shortage failures with the vehicle. Additionally, there was melted solder present at the rear window defroster electrical connection. An unknown local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that he had a Police Report for the failure. The contact stated that a field investigator was sent to the residence to inspect the vehicle; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 1, 2022PA

My Odometer miles was erased about 9 months ago and I cannot retrieve it. A Chevy dealership associate looked at it this week (October 31, 2022) and manually could not recover the miles. A GM parts online website suggested it could be a speed sensor (blown fuse) or dash cluster. To diagnose the problem, the dealership wants to perform a diagnostic which costs $120-140 plus parts and labor. This is unjustified: GM and dealerships should be aware of this problem since it is prevalent in Chevy Sonics. GM should back this repair either partially or fully.

Wheels
Filed Sep 29, 2022150,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear wheels of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard clicking sounds while making turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to her residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2022KY

I purchased a 2013 Chevy Sonic in October 2021.it has been in the repair shop twice since then. They replaced a sensor that it probably didn’t need. Now they tell me that it needs a new catalytic converter.. I have a warranty on this car . Please help ! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 2022TX

The air conditioner instead of blowing cold air, it blows hot air. I have taken it from Miami to a 3rd party mechanic where it did not helped much. Nobody knew what was the problem. I move to Texas and in summer over 100 degrees and having a baby sweat is not good. The temperature as “weather shows -15 degrees. When right now is 99 degrees at 7:10 am central time

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2022FL

Multiple parts in my engine have malfunctioned in the past year, the most recent being a tube bursting and getting coolant everywhere. Other problems have been with valves, temperature gauges and even the radiator. It’s like something new breaks every month. I have had every issue fixed and usually I don’t get a warning lamp until I’m broken down on the side of the road.

Engine
Filed May 8, 2022FL

Boniface hiers Chevrolet dealer in Melbourne Florida said they did a full inspection before selling this vehicle. 2 days later after purchase the Radiator fan stop working even tho they put a new one, missing thermostat, code 3rd gear malfunction.

20 of 217 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202010000Routine
20198000Routine
201814100Routine
201737010Routine
201648210Routine
2015114331Fatalities reported
2014150440Routine
2013 — this page217640Above average
2012354751Fatalities reported
20111000Routine

Compare every Sonic year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 27, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.