Chevrolet Sonic Transmission & Steering Problems On The Rise
Are you having Transmission & Steering Problems with your Chevy?
We have previously discussed the starting problems experienced by Chevrolet Sonic drivers, however that is not the only problem Sonic drivers are experiencing. We are getting a number of calls to the 1800 LEMON LAW hotline from Sonic drivers and although the defects and complaints vary, we notice a strong pattern from clients complaining of major Chevrolet Sonic transmission shifting issues, as well as instability and swaying on the highway. Both of these conditions present major safety hazards and we don’t think GM has a fix at this time.
One of our recent Sonic clients just purchased her car seven months ago. The car was already returned for three ineffective repairs for severe transmission issues as well as four times for bad swaying and instability on the highway.
To repair the Chevrolet Sonic transmission issue, first the GM Dealership tried to blame slightly over-filled fluid which is drained and refilled (not the cause). Next the dealer performed a PCM (power control module) shift adapt relearn (not the cause). Next, once the dealer and GM realized they couldn’t fix the issue, they declared the shifting “normal.”
For the instability and swaying on the highway, the Chevrolet Dealership first removed a belly pan to evaluate for wobble but failed to indicate its findings or repairs made. Next, the dealership service manager compared the Sonic to another identical one and determined our client’s feels “loose.” The client returned for another visit and steering stabilizer links were replaced along with upper strut mounts and a strut. When this doesn’t fix the issue, a fourth repair visit for instability on the highway was scheduled and now GM declares the very condition its own dealer finds as “loose” on the highway as “normal.”
Sadly, the Sonic claims continue to mount and it does not appear that General Motors has any idea on how to address the transmission or steering problems. If your Chevrolet Sonic has been in the shop either repeatedly or for an extended period of time, it’s important you look into your Lemon Law rights. Feel free to fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form so we can assess the situation and figure out if and how we can help.
November 28th, 2012 at 11:39 am
i am having the same problem with my vehicle swaying on the highway gm is trying to help me. my vehicle is unsafe i am terrified to go on the highway with my car.the dealer where i purchased the car are horrible will not address my issue at all .i have filed complaints with all goverment agencies
December 20th, 2012 at 10:41 am
Sonic hatchback LT 2012, 6 sp auto transmission slipping bad between 2nd and 3rd when warmed up. Mechanic said there is no solution to problem but would check transmission fluid for being burnt and reset module. He also said I had a 5 yr 100000 mi warranty on the transmission. So if something happens it will be taken care of. It is frustrating driving this car this way.. What is chevy going to do about it?
December 20th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Kent: It is an uphill battle but you must keep taking the car back. Even if they cannot fix it, if you can prove the issue is occurring you may have a strong claim.
January 10th, 2013 at 10:38 am
i got sick of this piece of junk car and traded it in i hope the new owner is safe
January 12th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
I’ve been having transmission hessitation problems a few months after I purchased my sonic and I’ve repeatedly taken it in for service, only to have the service manager say that there aren’t any “codes” and they can’t “duplicate” the problem… EVERY… TIME… I… TAKE… IT… IN!! It’s been a very frustrating battle that has now urged me to take it up with Lemon Law Lawyers. Now I have to “prove” that there IS in fact an issue with the transmission hessitation in shifting, which makes this issue even more stressful. I’ve only just recently been able to get some comparison photos of the RPMs revving when trying to shift and RPMs at normal opperation… But I am still about ready to just throw this car off a cliff and leave it there to burn. I have never had any issues with any other vehicle I’ve had, not even my 1996 Ford Explorer gives me as much grief as this BRAND-NEW car does!!!
January 15th, 2013 at 9:29 am
Chris: I would look into filing a claim. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law lawyer in your state.
April 26th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Had transmission problems on my 2012 Sonic just two days ago. Dealership just called to tell me that my transmission reservoir was a quart low on fluid, yet there was no leak. Whatever. Three recalls in one year, and now the transmission screw-up … time to start shopping, I’m thinkin’.
May 2nd, 2013 at 2:53 pm
I just took my 2013 Sonic to the dealer today because of the shifting on the transmission, but they called the issue¨Normal¨, now I don´t know what I can do… there is only 2500 miles on it!!!!
June 11th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Same issue, unstability at 100-120km/h
Shifting is extremely strange and uncomfortable, slow reaction with the gas pedal, always seems to be when u need it most,
Gm should send everyone black cruze’s with tinted windows,
July 5th, 2013 at 7:35 pm
My Chevy sonic 2012 started off nice, little rough with shifting gears. I’ve taken the car into chevy 5 times, 3 for the nock sensor problems, 1 for the heat regulator failure, and just today for a unknown reason at the moment. Before I turned in the car the last time, I tried accelerating after sitting at a red light and the car didnt move, after stalling for a few seconds it moved super low then jerked hard and sped up as if I have my food heavily on the gas. Every time I talk about these problems they said it was normal. I had the transmission check the first time I took it in for the engine light and they said stated that the transmission problems was a cause of the engine light being on, that it was normal. I am super unpleased with this car. Dont get it!
August 15th, 2013 at 12:04 am
I just purchased a sonic 2013 a month ago, i have taken it 3timesback to the dealer, now, it just turned on the temperature light, is there more problems with this car that i should be worried about it, they told me before i can exchanged i need to male at least 3 bill payments, but what if there is something else with my car, what can i do? Please answer my email… Thanks
August 19th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
@Visente: I have NEVER heard of a dealer telling you that you must make three payments before they fix your car. It’s time to talk to a lemon law lawyer. Click here https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find one in your state.
September 11th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
That’s why you should always test drive the vehicle. I purchase my sonic lt 2013 on Jan of this year and my only problem its given me is the tire pressure
September 16th, 2013 at 5:17 pm
I posted above (in April) with transmission trouble. Had it again – my car was in the shop three times in a two-week period … and they just couldn’t seem to fix it. Finally ditched the car yesterday, and opted for a new car (different dealer, different make, etc.). A friend asked me if I was sad to see the Sonic go: not a fraction of a chance. The thing was a piece of crap … period.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
It would be helpful to know what size tires are on the Sonics with the highway wander issue. It’s possible that 16 inch tires won’t have the issue but the 15s do.
September 19th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
I have had my car for a year now and the following items are still an issue and the similar responses as noted in this blog are what I am receiving from the dealership (shocking) as well:
– Rough idle and acceleration hesitation.
> The car idles rough and rougher when in gear and stopped.
> Acceleration hesitation has caused me to almost get T-Boned twice.
– Very rough and abrupt shifting on occasion as well as slipping.
– Gas mileage is approximately 5 or more miles off from what the gauges are showing. I am on average between 28 – 32 mpg. Gauge continues to show 35 mpg.
– Noise coming from the rear passenger wheel. Havent documented that with the dealership yet, as I am more concerned about the rough idle and the acceleration issues.
Very unhappy with the car at this point and would just like to see a class action suit happen.
September 24th, 2013 at 11:32 am
@Dino: A class action suit will not help you as much as an individual lemon law claim could. Please fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form at https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html and we will be glad to evaluate your situation at no cost.
October 9th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
I just purchase a SONIC LTZ & it’s been great actually no worries till today the only two things is the tire problem. I have taking the tires to get check 3 time & the tell me there’s no air leak. the other little worry I have is the shifting gears. I do not like the GM tranni-gears at all, feels like it’s skipping gears, but I did my research & GM transmissions are made that way, that to me it doesn’t make sense. Rather than that I LOVE THE CAR RUNNS SMOOTH & LOOKS GREAT INSIDE & OUTSIDE.
October 18th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I have a 2013 sonic rs with the automatic. I experienced alittle swaying issue on the hyw once. Soon after my tps light went on. I did a visual of the wheels, then checked the pressures- they were at 35 psi. I usually run 40 in all the tires. When I did that, problem solved. I experience the tranny shifting erratic every now and then, but that’s when the car isn’t fully warmed up. It like hangs btw gears or something then it don’t do it for the rest of the drive. And my turbo psi only goes to 14, but being I have a bullydog programmer hooked up to it (40415), the little car is much livelier. Especially when I put the k&n airfilter in. Those 40 extra ponies wake it up. I think it’s a decent little car for commuting. And I wish it didn’t run so hot.
October 23rd, 2013 at 4:39 pm
10/11
Got my 2012 Sonic Turbo back from the dealership after being at the shop for 2 weeks. They replaced the 1,2,3,4 gearing (so they said) and it now seems to shift better…both in manual and in auto.
However, sitting at a stop with the car in gear, the vehicle after having warmed up for a few minutes, acts like it wants to go, a thrusting forward while the brake is applied and the car is in gear.
I have a call in to the dealership to take it back again. This is extremely frustrating, I bought the car for the gas mileage and lack of hassle to get it repaired constantly, like I do with my 1990 Toyota 4×4. Little did I know that my new car would be in the shop more than my Toyota truck.
I am in the midst of a suit with GM over this and after it is settled, will take the Sonic in to a dealership for trade in. I am done with this piece.
I will never buy another Chevy. No wonder so many people buy Imports.
October 29th, 2013 at 8:03 pm
I have a lot of the same issues. We just bought a 2013 Sonic LT with turbo and we are having a transmission issues. After getting up to speed and u let off gas car seems to downshift or slip slightly. Dealership says the is normal per manufacture. They showed me a bulletin that says it is normal no issues with transmission. We have taken it twice to dealer in the week since buying it. We had 3 different people from dealership in it seen same problem with them but still say it is normal. I am waiting on dealership again. Car only has 570 miles on it. Not sure what to do. Will be back at dealership tomorrow I guess
November 5th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
@David: It’s time to look into your rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law lawyer in your state who can help.
November 5th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
@ David: sorry to hear you’re having trouble. As I read your post I was reliving the nightmare of a time I had with the same exact trouble with my Sonic. I don’t miss that car at all. Definitely get in touch with a lemon law lawyer.
November 12th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
After taking my car back into the dealer for repairs on the lunging forward issue, they deemed the car operating to spec. They stated that they drove 2 other Sonics and they did the same thing.
I asked the Service Manager at the Harnish dealer in Puyallup, if they are telling me that this is a design feature?…Since the other Sonics are doing the same.
He simply replied, its to spec. GM should man up and fix the issue with a recall, rather than skirt the issue with LIES!
I believe the issue to still be transmission related.
Take the car back as often as you can and get everything the service associate or anyone else at the dealership says, on the service record. Do not leave until it is 100% accurate and addressing every issue you went in for. Keep copies of all information gathered.
@ David and all others…I feel your pain.
November 12th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Side note I left out in the previous post:
– The service associate and the service manager both experienced the issue I described and the technician “did not”.
That information is on my service record, but wasn’t when I went to pick up the vehicle.
November 16th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Currently have the 2012 LTZ 5 Door Hatchback. Overall I am pleased with the car, however I do have concerns about the intermittent throttle engine delayed reaction as far as starting out/takeoff from a stop is concerned, I never know when its going to happen. Sometimes when sitting at a stop the engine begins to run rough like it has lost a cylinder and again you never know why or when its going to happen. I have no handling problems what so ever. I drive it around 70 miles a day and most always drive between 60 – 80 MPH on the interstate, but when on our country curvy roads I am fairly aggressive and the car handles fine. The left or right rear wheels will if driven hard enough come off the ground in aggressive turning and if your throttling in properly and the engine performs as it should you can power the tail end back down. I converted all tires to Nitrogen at 37#’s and rotate at every 7000 mile oil change. Oil used is Mobil Synthetic 5-30 Extended wear coupled with a can of BG MOA, as soon as it is out of Factory Warranty I plan on doing a complete Trans circulation flush with new fluid being BG Synthetic Trans fluid to see if that will cure the lazy shifting when not at full operating temperature. The only time I have any shifting issues is when it is not at full operating temperature so I have learned to remote start and let it run for at least 10 minutes before engaging full operation. My BMW Z4 is the exact same way. I have a full 5 year 100K warranty so I am not to worried about it, but it is still irritating to never know when it may fail you performance wise.
If the trans circulation flush does cure some of its ills I will report back with the results.
November 29th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Hi I have a 2013 Chevy sonic which I bought brand new in November of this year and I also am experience transmission and steering problems I have an appointment next week with the dealership on these issues and I’ll keep you informed how it turns out
December 3rd, 2013 at 2:12 pm
A month after I bought the car I felt something was wrong with how it drove. I called to schedule a appt. and had them look at it. They told me it was normal just how it shifted. So I went on my way but not really happy with the answer. As I went on the problem became worse, the whole car would jerk violently for a minute as I was driving. I took it back numerous times and every time they would tell me we cannot find anything wrong. I even had the manager drive with me and still he said nothing wrong. the final time was when my reverse went out completely. kids in the car heading home from the park. I was pissed. brought it in and oh there it was they had to order me a whole new transmission from GM factory. A week later I got my car and it drove better. The real crappy part it my husband and I bought the same type of cars and now his is starting the same thing. What a bad purchase for us it was our 1st new cars.
December 9th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
I recently started experiencing slippage between 2nd & 3rd and was getting concerned, called the dealer, was told no issues had been reported and it was nothing to worry about. I wasn’t comfortable with that answer, so I took my 2012 Sonic LTZ (auto) to my independent Goodyear dealer and had them do a BG full 16 quart circulation with cleaners and finished it off with the addition of conditioners. I was present at the machine doing the circulation and was astounded that at 31000 miles my Trans fluid was black as night in other words, burnt to a crisp!! My dealer had told me the trans didn’t need a flush until 50K-60K and that is the wrong answer. Turns out these transmissions seem to be following a European design and have a tendency to run very hot which in turn burns the trans fluid up and it quits functioning as intended. Upon completion of the Trans circulation BG flush we took it for a test drive and talk about a difference, no slippage experience, not even a hint of slippage and there seemed to be a more solid launch as well. I thought I might of been playing mind games with myself so I have waited 3 weeks before reporting this on the Lemon Law site, and there is still NO hesitation or slippage with the transmission between any gear.
I look forward to your comments and experiences.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:23 am
I purchased a 2013 chevy sonic in July of this year the transmission shifts hard and overrevs. Also a problem with the front end the car drifts to the left have had 4 alignments done on it theres only 7200 miles on it. Each time it has been way out of alignment, they put new bolts in the front end didnt correct problem. The dealership and GM say it is in specs theres nothing they can do about it, it needs another alignment now the tires are wearing. They say the transmission is normal.
December 26th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I have a 2012 Chevy sonic that has been back to the dealer 3 times for recalls and 3 or 4 times for issues. After having it towed in (only had it 8 months)because it would not start. They replaced the anti theft sensor. It is at the dealers now because it does not want to start again but now the check engine light is on and the gear shift was making a clicking noise ‚ when I stopped at a stop sign it didn’t want to go.and the D (d for drive) blinks on and off. Don’t know what is going on with it now but getting real tired of this. I should never have brought this car.
December 27th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
@Amanda: It is time to look into your lemon law rights. Please visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html to fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form so we can assess your situaiton and if/how we can help.
December 28th, 2013 at 7:57 am
My sonic got stuck in third gear on Thursday took it to the dealer because they told me to get it there ASAP and all they know it the transmission is acting up not what is causing and how to fix it…
December 28th, 2013 at 8:08 am
It’s a 2012 had is since August of 2012 work fine till then…
January 9th, 2014 at 3:54 pm
I purchased a Chevy Sonis 20122 years ago in February. Drove the car for maybe a month but then was using another vehicle and didnt start driving it until september of this year.The car was well maintained and driven at least once a week to ensure nothing would happen. Now when I finally need to drive it again I have gone through hell and back. The car needed inspected in October. I took the car in at this time the check engine light had come on. They told me the gas cap was loose(i paid for a new one) and that my tires and wiper blades needed replaced. After finishing this the dealership instructed me that before putting new stickers on my car I had to drive it for 100 miles. So in my attempt to do so, the light came back on and I lost all heat in my car.. I had to take my car back 6 TIMES for the same continuing check engine light and heat problems. They replaced the gas lines, the wiper blades,the thermostat, the coolant and the gas cap 3 times!!!!!SO I caused a scene at the dealership, made the manager come out… and wouldn’t ya know, they felt at that time my car “qualified” for inspection. The car began lurching forwarding and stalling while driving after the stickers were on. I called the dealership and took it back in for the 7TH TIME. I paid over a $220.00 for $20/day insurance on a rental in total of how many rental cars I had to have (4 total) I received my car back. The dealership informed me that I must have been over filling the gas tank, which caused the engine light to come on, and that the stalling and lurching was just part of the transmission and the way the engine is built. I was assured by them that I wouldn’t have another problem…. now the check engine light is on for the 8TH TIME. I just sent the dealership (North Star Chevrolet. Robinson,PA) a very unpleasant email and called again to talk to a technician. This car is an absolute PIECE OF SHIT! but Im at least glad to know Im not alone.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:30 pm
I also have a 2012 Chevy Sonic.overall I am happy with my car. I have noticed it idling rough from time to time. I figure it needs a tune up. The bad thing is I have also had issues with the steering on the highway, but it only happens when it is windy. If anyone has any thoughts on that I would love to hear them. I am going to call the nearest Chevy dealership tomorrow.
January 22nd, 2014 at 10:13 pm
WE JUST BAUGHT OUR 2013 CHEVY SONIC IN SEPT OF 2013 AND OUR TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT GO OUT OF PASSING GEAR,,WE ALSO ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE REMOTE STARTER NOT TURNING ON ALL THE TIME,,ALSO JUST FOUND OUT THE BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE,,I WANT A NEW CAR!!!!
January 26th, 2014 at 9:05 am
2013 Chevy Sonic, while the car is in park and I step on the brake you can hear a noise and feel a thud in the shifter!
February 11th, 2014 at 4:33 am
The steering problem I found in my sonic is the power steering shaft because it is electronic I am told it needs to be re-calibrated and to do so that it’s all electronic so it’s not like it is an easy plug in and go. So basically I’m driving around with little to no return power steering and causes my hands to be raw and long trips to be a long hassle. Already replaced lower control arm on drivers side which I may add was cheap but to fix the big problem would be at what cost? This is a shame .
February 27th, 2014 at 2:49 pm
I have a slightly different issue with my 2013 Sonic LT Turbo (1.4L). I purchased it in 9/2012 and I have 28,012 miles on it. We drove it for over 12 hours straight I haven’t discovered any of the other issues addressed.
I have taken it in repeatedly (4th or 5th time now) for having a vibration at the idle while in drive that disappears in neutral or park. Seems like the service techs only test what items I suggest rather than trying to fix the problem directly (ie – figure it out). I keep being told the transmission is fine and they cannot recreate the vibration I have EVERY DAY and almost every stoplight. Now I have it in for parts hanging down from the under-carriage, overheating to the point that the indicator came on with a massive beeping noise (in 55 degree weather, rain & 45mph minimum speeds) along with my always present idle issue.
Anyone else have any of these problems?
February 27th, 2014 at 3:07 pm
@Dino,
regarding the lunging on the sonic. I have this problem too, most commonly shows as a vibration at the idle but if my foot isn’t on the brake enough it does “lunge”. Did they fix this? I’m also thinking about trading it once I get it back if it is still doing this problem, especially with my warrenty less than 2k miles from expiring (30k miles) and this never having been fixed from the day I bought it. So frustrating when the tech only check the transmission when I say maybe its in the transmission since its only at that time. Now after talking to people, could be the oxy sensor. Shouldn’t a trained mechanic know to check this too??? It’s always “per specs” on the transmission computer.
March 17th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
@Nicole – No fixes or recalls to date that I am aware of and all the dealers in my area are aware of the issues and won’t give me anything near what it is “worth” as a trade in, so I am completely upside down in the piece of junk.
Are you hearing a knocking near the engine compartment (firewall) that is louder than it should be?
I also have a rattling noise from the rear when I go over a semi rough road.
Sorry to hear that you bought a Sonic, or maybe I should say a Chevy…and that because Chevy/GM is not owning up to all of the problems on these Sonics.
March 21st, 2014 at 1:45 pm
I just got a chevy sonic 2014…. so far its been in repair for the battery… but yet they say nothing is drawing from the battery when car is off but yet its still goes dead. Two different dealers later finally the next dealership loomed a little further into it and says there is over 30 codes. Still waiting to hear back anyone elts have this issue also the radio likes to shut off on its own
March 26th, 2014 at 2:54 pm
UGH. I bought my 2013 Sonic (brand new) in December 2013 (Canada). It started to leak red fluid last week and I could smell a hint of antifreeze. Its at the dealership right now and they called to say they ordered parts for my transmission. NOT IMPRESSED. Should have stuck with Ford.
April 1st, 2014 at 11:23 am
@Dino – Just got my car back after 4 weeks at my dealership. 1 cylinder had to be re-machined (cause of overheating & internal heater not working) and they replaced 4 clutch plates which has stopped my lunging & vibrations. No abnormal noise in the engine compartment. I’m just happy I finally got a mechanic that knew what they were doing since the other times it went in the transmission “performed to specs”. I’m counting myself pretty lucky with the issues being fixed and having a running car again. I do love my sonic and I’m thankful I didn’t have other “bigger” issues.
@Kylena- when I remote started the radio would randomly shut off but I haven’t tried it since I got my car back (3 days ago). Mine was intermittent and never happened when it was in the dealership.
April 2nd, 2014 at 9:48 am
My 2013 sonic with. 5 speed man transmission leeks fluid from the transmission was told ove flow valve then bad seals then bad gasket still leaks dealer has had the car 51 days no resolution in sight the dealership has also put an additional 300 miles on my vehicle in test drives to replicate the leak.
April 2nd, 2014 at 2:45 pm
@Donnie: it’s time to file a claim. Please review your rights by clicking here: https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/
April 2nd, 2014 at 2:51 pm
@Nicole: Your car was out of service for four weeks? You could still be entitled to rememdy even if you wanted to keep your car. Please visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/ to read about your State Lemon Law rights.
May 1st, 2014 at 6:16 pm
My sonic feels normal. The way it shifts is great. It feels like it’s slipping but it’s not. The way it shifts it makes my mpg awesome and performance is great. It’s like a automatic stick shift. I’m able to take off pretty fast and beat a lot of cars in a race I always check the fluids and all checks out. I run it on full synthetic castrol 5w-30 oil and drained the transmission and filled it with B&M Trick Shift Transmission Oil. As for steering it was swaying but after driving and putting so many miles in it, it really doesn’t sway anymore.
May 3rd, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Hey- I am from Canada, so we do not have a lemon law here, and overall, I have been pleased w my 2013 Sonic Hatchback LT model. However, I am having to replace the temperature gauge, since when the heater goes up on levels 1 and 2, there is an annoying ticking noise. Tonight I was waiting at a stop light, and the radio and signal were off- the signal light was flashing, but not ticking, and the radio was completely off (didn’t show the date or anything…) I am taking it to the dealer on Monday, but has anyone else has this problem? I drive automatic, so I don’t have issues with changing gears. I also drive a major highway every day to get to work, and it seems fairly stable- I did take it for 3 test drives before hand to be sure of this!
Appreciate any feedback! 🙂
Thanks!
May 16th, 2014 at 8:25 pm
Getting sick and tired of these problems with this P.O.S. This will be the 10th time taking my Sonic in to the dealer, this time I only had it back for 2 days before I turned right back around and the check engine light was on again. Not starting and the transmission is still jacked up.
So they give me a rental car….those bastards at Enterprise put me in a F&*%ING SONIC!!!!!! WTF????? I AM CURSED!!!!
May 21st, 2014 at 12:32 am
@Katie I have had the same problem with my radio so many times I’ve lost count. It’s been in the shop probably 6-7 times for this issue. Literally started with 7 miles on it. The last 2 times the radio has quit it completely killed my battery. The 1st time I had it towed and they replaced the battery said it was the battery the whole time. My sonic is a 2012 and this was about 6 months ago. The last time(about 1 month later) it did jump off and the radio was working. They said bring it in if it happens again. Now as of today my key and ignition got extremely hot and now I’m even more nervous about problems to come.
May 22nd, 2014 at 11:34 am
@Melissa: You need to look into your rights. Drop us a line at https://www.lemonlaw.com/mail.html and we will connect you with someone who may be able to help you.
May 22nd, 2014 at 6:32 pm
@Melissa that is crazy! When I took it to the dealer, they said all the fuses and all that were exactly the same as another sonic! From what I have been reading, that doesn’t give me much comfort! That said, it hasn’t happened since! A good majority of my driving is highway, so I am afraid that it will break down and I will be SOL until roadside comes! In Canada, no one has posted any problems w their sonics! I can’t believe it!! Other than a few things, it’s a great little car, but it’s not even a year old! Annoying!! 🙁
May 25th, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Bought my 2013 Sonic LtZ manual turbo in January with a hundred miles on it.. Here I am, right now sitting on the side on the freeway waiting for a tow truck.. Transmission won’t seem to shift out of first.. Rpm’s just run high and smells like transmission is burnt up. 5919 miles on it… P.O.S….
May 31st, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Live in Toronto and have a 2012 Sonic LT
I have been complaining about a vibration
all the time and have taken it into the
dealer so many times with no success
the service manger felt the vibration
but had no clue where it was coming from
the steering was loose they tightened
that still had the problem my radio turns
off by its self for no reason now my son
was driving went into the movies came out
wouldn’t start just clicking I noticed when
Iam merging onto the highway it’s not shifting
Into the next gear so I have to let off the gas
then press down fast to get it to shift
the engine lights always going on and off
for no reason I also had to get the thermostat
replaced what’s next
June 9th, 2014 at 5:44 am
@Michael
I’ve had the same problem with my LtZ. Gearbox failed on me after just 7000miles!
June 19th, 2014 at 4:15 pm
Thank goodness for this site! This is my story, I bought the Chevy Sonic 2012 in 2012. About a week later, the steering wheel acted up and froze on me on the road while driving to work! I panicked offcourse but I pulled over and waited. The car would not start so I sat there for 15 minutes waiting. Then I was able to start the car. Buuuut! While pulling in to my works parking lot the steering wheel froze again!!!!! I called the dealership and they took care of it. Steering wheel was working and still is until today. I know I did ask them for a copy of what happened and what they did in 2012-2013, they never mailed me one. 2014, I stopped asking but now I have a new problem. I drive a automatic Sonic and it sounds like its not shifting!! Its making this noise like when you drive a manual and it stays on one shift..What is going on!!!! I dont drive the car anymore I am scared something may happen to me on the freeway..I called the dealership again and they cant see me until 2-3 weeks later..someone help me.. THANKS!
June 20th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
@Jezebel: Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law firm in your state who can help you.
June 20th, 2014 at 2:33 pm
@ Jezebel:
I havent experienced the steering problems, but certainly a ton of transmission, cruise control and other problems. One suggestion crossed my mind while reading your post and this is blatantly obvious to me, but maybe not to others. My car came equipped with a manual mode. When you are shifting into drive, does the dash show an M# or something else?
July 2nd, 2014 at 11:52 pm
So I’ve called Chevrolet directly cause I can get no where with the dealership here. Now just a little over a month since my last post I have new problems. When I put my car in gear, it’s an automatic, the button on the gear shifter gets stuck. When I put it in park my key won’t come out. Sometimes the button pops out in its own sometimes I literally have to hit the shifter to get the button out. My newest problem is my ac!!! I live in south Alabama and it’s hot. Today the heat index was 104° Noticed the ac wasn’t blowing as cold as before a week ago. Called and since I have 40k miles on the car I’m over my bumper to bumper warranty I have to pay $160+ to even have it looked at and was then told there is no reason my car should be losing freon (? Spelling) Bought the freon my self and had the hubby put it in. The gauge on the bottle said NO freon in it. This was just a few days after I noticed it wasn’t cooling like it should. Then yesterday 5 days after the freon was put in it was blowing hot. Hubby checked it today and once again NO freon in it. I’ve called Chevrolet back again to complain and should be having my call returned by Monday. Not holding my breath
July 14th, 2014 at 2:59 pm
@Melissa – If its normal GMAC ways, they will tell you it is to spec and send you packin or tell you your out of warranty and you will have to pay for it, even though a car should not have AC issues with only 40k on the engine.
I can almost guarantee you, that they will NOT cooperate…they have you locked into a contract and clearly don’t care if your screwed over or not.
I have been complaining of transmission/engine issues, almost since day one of owning the car and have received 2 years or run around. They run you in circles until your warranty expires, then tell you good luck.
Keep us posted on your outcome. Sorry your experiencing issues.
Dino
July 16th, 2014 at 1:11 pm
I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic I liked ot because of the good gas mileage and room. It started to make a clunking sound and they fixed it while it was under warranty a year ago. Now I am back at the dealership again with another clunking sound. The shifter was stuck and was very difficult to put in drive and take key out.
The button you oress to put in drive got stuck and was difficult to take key out. They ordered new part and acted like it has never happened before. The shifting on the car has never been good but I was told it’s because of the good gas mileage it gets. The shifting is worse now and the engine revs and difficult to switch gears now and then. It’s difficult to yield on the highway since it doesn’t have much power. It’s only 2 years old and will never buy a new Chevy again.
July 23rd, 2014 at 4:29 pm
@Dino: That is why you need to look into the law. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state that can help.
July 30th, 2014 at 4:37 pm
I bought my 2013 sonic Lt in April last year. I have noticed the trans leak since about 15k miles as I’m currently at 39k. I took it once and they told me they couldn’t tell where it was coming from. My car only shifts hard from 3rd to 4th, and only when the car is cold.
August 14th, 2014 at 8:32 pm
I’ve never had a moments problem from the time I bought my Sonic in 2012, mine was manufatured late enough to have missed all the previous recalls, so I got lucky. The shfiting on my Sonic did get rouch, but I took it to the dealer and they had to download a specific code into the car’s computer and that fixed it immediatly! Never an issue with the swaying either, but never had that on any car I’ve owned.
August 16th, 2014 at 3:55 pm
There’s now an official recall for the transmission issue for the 2012 Sonic. Just go to recalls-dot-gm-dot-com (link no longer valid, removed) and put in your VIN. It’s recall# N140234
August 27th, 2014 at 11:37 am
Purchased a new 2012 Sonic for my 16 year old daughter. Three months later the power steering went out as she was driving on the freeway. The window washing system has been replaced, the transmission has been “repaird” and just last week the engine light came on and dealer replaced the shocks, did something to the bearings and the tire pins had fallen out so the tire was rubbing agains something.
Called GM and they assigned it a case # and was advised to take to a local dealer for a complete review of the car. Review came back that everything was good so drove the car 90 miles back to my dauther at college and during the drive the engine light came on again.
Waiting for the district speciailist from GM to call back. However car is sitting as I will not let my daughter drive it again. Only has 28k mileage and the worst car I ever bought.
September 9th, 2014 at 7:48 pm
I purchase my 2012 chevy sonic on march 14,2014. I were so excited with my car at first then in may my check engine light came on i freaked out. I took my car in for service i were told that i needed to make sure my gas cap is tight. Each time i put gas i double check to make sure my gas cap is tight. So 2 months went bu my check engine light came on again i took the car back to universal city nissan where oi purchase the car. I were told that the technician input some codes and they didn’t see anything wrong.The check engine light went off by another month the light is back on again i dont know what to do. I am so frustrated i thought when i purchase a new car i wouldn’t have to worry about car problems for a long time.I call universal city nissan i took the car back again for the 3rd time i only had this car for 5 months. I were advice by universal city Nissan to take my car to the chevy dealer because my car is under warranty and universal city Nissan were unable to find out why the check engine light keeps coming on.I took the car to Martin Chevrolet in Torrance California, i were told by the Technician at Martin Chevrolet that i needed to pay $111.00 dollars to have a diagnostic check done on the car. I said to the technician i have warranty he said well, he would have to check to see if i have warranty. I just said to him i will take the car and notify universal city nissan to make sure my warranty is covered cause i’m not about to pay $111.00 for a car i just purchase 5 months ago. I am so frustrated. I took the car to Martin Chevrolet because their were a recall on these 2012 chevy sonic so i took the car in to have a part replaced something to do with the air bag.Not a happy customer.
September 9th, 2014 at 7:53 pm
well, at least i’m not alone these 2012 chevy sonic has problems and They need to recall these cars.
September 11th, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Molly,
Get used to the “we cant find anything wrong” comments. That seems to be Chevy’s response to everything wrong on these cars. Believe me when I tell you, “YOU ARE STUCK WITH A LEMON”.
I dont curse, but this car combined with GM’s response, makes me want to curse like a drunk sailor. Buy import next time. At least they make good on their issues.
September 11th, 2014 at 1:37 pm
@ Shifflav: My Sonic clearly has a tranny problem, but no recall. SHOCKING!
Good luck with your recall though.
September 12th, 2014 at 8:33 am
@Dino and @Molly: I respectfully disagree. You are not stuck. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law lawyer in your state to discuss your matter.
September 17th, 2014 at 10:32 pm
This is ridiculous when everyone is having these issues with practically brand new cars. My sister just got a brand new 2014 Chevy Sonic 3 weeks ago and she had to take it to the dealership yesterday. Her Sonic got stuck in 3rd gear wouldn’t shift up or down. They replaced the shift speed input sensor. Let’s see how long this lasts after reading what everyone is going through. It’s a shame. You think if you buy a new car it will be more reliable but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. 3 weeks 1200 miles and they had to replace something on this “new” car. I’m disgusted. I wish all of you the best of luck.
October 1st, 2014 at 3:41 pm
Final Post:
Hello all GM / Sonic owners – As a final post, I wanted to provide everyone an update on the final status of my 2012 Chevy Sonic. NEW CAR BUYERS BEWARE!
After endless attempts from dealing with multiple dealerships and contacting GM directly, my issues are still not resolved. The final answer on all attempts is that the transmission lunging is “To Spec”. This after a Service manager and Service Associate experienced the issues I was complaining about, in MY CAR and said “This is not right, let me have my Sr Tech take a look”. The Senior Tech stated that he drove other Sonics on the lot and they do the same thing, indicating that the lunging while sitting at a stop light is a “Feature” (I am interpreting his comment on Its to Spec”.
I have finally taken my car to a Toyota dealer and after much research, found that my $24,000.00 car, 2 years later is only worth $8500.00. I am upside down $7,500.00…in only 2 years. So pissed!
I have traded this hunk of junk in for a 2005 Toyota 4Runner and couldnt be happier I did.
I asked the dealer to go over the car before taking it home and they did a thorough inspection and found some issues and are fixing ALL issues before I pick the vehicle up…to include some major engine work. Keep in mind the 4Runner has 100k. They didnt turn the Check Engine light off and wait until I drove off the lot and then tell me its to spec. They owned up and fixed the issue on the spot. Superior Customer Service on Toyota’s part and incredibly horrible Customer Service on GM’s part.
I would recommend to those who own a Sonic, get out of it, upside down or not! The longer you keep it, the worse it gets. Good luck everyone and I hope each of you experience something far better with GM than I did.
Toyota Thanks You GM.
As much as I want to support American made, I am now a committed Foreign made car buyer. No more American for me.
Sincerely,
Thrilled Toyota Owner
October 10th, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Dino: Couldn’t agree more! I unloaded (at quite a loss, I might add) my 2012 Sonic after having it for a little under two years – one headache after another, that thing. Furthermore, I also traded in for a Toyota (2013 Prius C) … smartest thing I ever did.
October 17th, 2014 at 4:08 pm
2013 s0onic (30,000 miles)is at the dealership for a new shifter. (automatic trans) the button in the shifter gets stuck and easily glides between gears! very dangerous!!! I can’t get the key out! Dealer is replacing the shifter and gave me a loaner car.
October 23rd, 2014 at 9:04 am
Well heres my story. I purchased my 2012 sonic back in july of 2012 with only 6 miles on it. Well since about nov of 2012 its been a headache. Its had a problem with the gears and now in august of 2014 in was in the shop till oct 2014 for 9 weeks due to a recall of the transmission turbine shaft. I got the car back for one day and took it back. It was making a horrible knocking noise. Well they called me and told me my alternator was going on. Keep in mind I havent had my car nearly 3 months from being in the shop due to the recall. They say its fixed now and im going to get it back today. But im beyond terrified to drive it anymore. It was the worst mistake in buying that junk. Im waiting on gm to call me and get this tooking care of if not I guess ill finda third party to get involved.
Angry piece of crap sonic owner
sara
October 24th, 2014 at 12:40 pm
@Sara: I would not wait. I think it’s time to reach out to a lemon law lawyer to understand your rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state.
October 29th, 2014 at 9:11 am
I purchased my 2012 Chevy Sonic in late June. It was suppose to be a Certified-Like New still under the original 36,000 mile warranty. I had to take it back for repairs after the first 24 hours of owning it. The button that you press to release gear shaft stuck and would not release my key. I was told it was a recall. I have trouble shifting between gears, car losing power while driving, knocking in the engine. My check engine light has been on for over 2 months. The first service department in FL told me as long as the light wasn’t blinking I was good, He reset the light, said it was the gas cap not on tight enough and if it happened again to let him know. The next morning I called and said it was back on. Once again he said as long as the check engine light wasn’t blinking I was good. When the car actually lost power and I was almost in a major accident, I called to get an appointment and the head service manager laughed at me and said there was no way that could be happening. I took it to another dealer and they fixed the problem… or so they thought. After bringing my car home, the light came back on and I smelled wires burning and engine still lost power while driving. Brought it back again and now they say there is a hole in the gas tank. I got a call this morning saying there is an engine defect that caused a cracked head. Then I received another call saying.. wrong customer… So… frustrated and unsure of what to do now. My warranty is almost up and they don’t seem to really have a clue. Is there a possibility of the head being cracked on mine too? He said it was a defect, not recall. How do I research that?
November 5th, 2014 at 8:37 am
I’ve had my sonic since August of 2012 and have not had one single problem with it.
November 10th, 2014 at 10:53 pm
Owner of 2012 sonic LT auto … Got car spanking brand new … So far repairs have been: faulty intake assembly, transmission shaft ( recall ), engine running( lean ), transmission control module replaced, knocking sound originating from rear brakes, awkward sounding horn, and recently transmission was weighing the car down, was having a hard time reaching highway speeds … Took in car for this today … They had no ” code ” so they wanted to bill me $49.00 … Mind car only has 49,000 miles … Shouldn’t this still be covered under 5yr/100,000 mile warranty? … I refused to pay the way … This car stinks, i would not recommend this car to anyone, unless you can afford the repairs …
December 22nd, 2014 at 12:58 pm
I bought a 2015 sonic ltz (mexican version) a month ago and yesterday i took it for its first road trip, from Hermosillo Sonora to Tucson Arizona. During the 5 hour trip, transmission was behaving weird… sometimes it simply didn’t shifted up so i had to release the accel pedal and push it again. I have been very happy with my sonic until yesterday and now i found this website so it seems to be a common issue. In the future, I’m gonna video record my car dashboard so the technician believes me theres something wrong with the car.
December 28th, 2014 at 6:03 pm
my husband bought me a 2014 chevy sonic i have since september 2014 and i took it in for a routine oil change 3 days later had to take back for a cam shaft leak a week later i pick it up and its tapping so its back at the dealership for what they tell me a timing belt tensionor?? not happy
January 1st, 2015 at 11:35 am
I purchased a 2013 Chevy Sonic a year and a half ago, brought it in for a oil change and the techs discovered a leak. The leak turned out to be the transmission, had it fixed, a month later my engine light is coming on and the MPG seems to have dropped below 30 from around 35, haven’t been able to have it looked at yet. I originally had issues with instability on the highway, and in the winter experienced very hairy driving, but I got new tires and that seemed to fix that issue. I have also noticed that when I use my GPS it gives me a different speed by one mile an hour under what the gage says I’m doing and it also shows the same thing when approaching a radar speed sign, have not addresed this issue yet either. I like the car, seems to ride nice for a small car, I just hope these problems don’t continue to come up.
January 29th, 2015 at 6:17 pm
I bought my 2014 sonic in September I have had in the shop three different times for three different things..first my radio shorted out, then the rpm went really high and it just cut off and then it just came back on then it done it again two min later and just two days ago I couldn’t get into it with my keyless entry I had to manually open but with the key and then it didn’t want to start..after turning the key about five times it finally started but the radio and everything was like the batterie had been taken out.. Every time I take it in I get the same thing there are no codes showing up… I’m so over this car and feel like I have totally been ripped off….
February 9th, 2015 at 10:57 am
I have a 2012 sonic lt we bought in February of that year. It has been a great little car. It now has 98xxx miles on it. We have the manual transmission and it is very sporty with the 1.4 turbo. Have not experienced any problems with the transmission at all, appears to be the automatic only. The wheel size is the 15 inch and at the manufactures air pressure experienced sway on the highway. Inflated tires to 40 pounds and that seemed to take care of the problem. Had a thunking and rattling from sway bars or something but recall took care of that problem.
February 14th, 2015 at 12:34 pm
i bought my 2013 Sonic in August of last year. it was ok, at first. soon after, i was constantly having tire pressure problems, the light would come on all the time. i would bring it in, and they would check the pressure, and say the pressure is fine, that perhaps it was a bulb issue, or something. that finally got fixed. the other problem i have, is, i think the fuel gauge isn’t working right. it’ll say i have half a tank of gas, then fluctuate, saying i only have a quarter tank. i haven’t brought that issue up, yet. the other issue i have, is, here in North Dakota, as cold as it gets, my car seems to get frost build up INSIDE the car, not on the outside. i’m thinking it’s bad window seals, which i don’t have the money to fix. also, the gas mileage isn’t anywhere near what was advertised. i’m lucky if i get 26-28 miles to the gallon, when it was advertised at 35+. i’m thinking i just need to trade this car in and buy an import. the last import i had, i NEVER had any problems with it. the only time it went in the shop was for basic stuff, like a lube, oil & filter, but never any other issues, and my import ran for nearly 200,000 miles before i decided to trade it in. it was just time. i should’ve steered clear of the Sonic. now, i’m looking at another import. if i can trade this car in, i’ll be glad to see it go!
February 20th, 2015 at 1:36 pm
2012 Sonic LT 144000 miles (sales rep) I had the jerky crazy transmission problem until recently. I noticed my air filter hose to the engine had a tear in it when I replaced the air filter. After I relaced the hose my transmission problem was cured. I hypothesize that the mass airflow sensor was giving false information to the drivetrain because the motor was getting more air from the leak. That being said I had the problem since day 1 which means it’s a factory issue. Wonder what an air leak after the air filter does to a motor and if the factory is the cause every motor needs replacing.
February 25th, 2015 at 11:01 pm
3 months after I got my 2012 Chevy Sonic hatchback LT, The car all of a sudden wouldn’t turn on. I got it checked out. They really didn’t know what was wrong. They said something like my battery. It stopped my remote start and it has never worked since. My service engine light always turns off right after check up but comes right back on. Exactly 3 months to the date of my first fixing, the same problem started. This time they take didn’t know. Again same small excuse. Then exactly 3 months after the 2nd fix, it did the same thing. This time they told me the glue that they use to install the fuses, got hot and steeped into my electrical box??? To cause my car to repeatedly not turn on at all. My engine light can on 3 days later. The dealership that fixed it has a policy if they fix your car and you have the same problem within 12 months they would fix it no charge. Now since my car is able to stay on now I’m having issues with changing gears. If I’m elevated on a hill and slowly release from the gas, my car will hesitate to move then it will jerk. Anytime I’m changing the first 3 gears my car jerks till i get to a steady speed more than 20mph. Then…. When I’m stopped or parked my RPMs will rev up and down by itself. IM SOOO SICK OF THIS CAR. It sucks because this was my first buying experience and I got this box of rocks! (Pun intended) I NEED HELP!!! PLEASE!!!
April 4th, 2015 at 10:30 am
Well I bought my 2014 Sonic Lt 3 months ago and I haven’t found anything wrong with it yet. But will keep you posted.
April 12th, 2015 at 11:09 am
Purchased a Chevy Sonic LT Turbo sedan in Albuquerque. The car ran fine when first purchased shortly after it developed a loud ticking from motor. The car also completely ran out of antifreeze and heater quit working. Took to dealer after putting almost a whole jug of antifreeze in the car, the dealer said its fine. Coolant is slowly seeping from some where. I smell a hint of coolant when i drive and the coolant has been slowly disappearing. Topping coolant each month. The transmission has a vibrating buzzing noise at 3000 rpm passenger side floor. The transmission failed yesterday leaving my wife stranded(32000 miles). The AC i suspect is also going bad. The Ac does not blow cold air unless you are driving. This car is definitely a lemon. I have owned it for a little over a year and nothing but problems. I can’t believe chevy is selling lemons on a new car lot. My old car only needed a fuel pump had 60,000 mile and never gave me any problems. Dealer hasn’t been much help at all. Even with the bumper to bumper warranty. Chevy went down hill. If you are looking to buy a chevy sonic don’t. These car are a disaster waiting to happen. Me and my family have been without a car for over several weeks due to shop repairs or dropping my car off only to be told its fine. Its not they are just waiting for stuff to go and using the stalling method. My wife has been wanting to go visit her mom in Arizona and I have refused because I told her I don’t trust the car and worried about be stranded in the desert with my 2 year old son. I feel for everyone on this forum and think chevy has turned into a rotten apple. My family cannot afford to go buy new cars because the new car we bought from chevy was lemon for sure.I have school my wife has school and works and struggling for reliable transportation for my family. Taking the bus every month or every other month is ludicrous. It took 5 weeks to get a new blower put in my heater because it was whistling bad after running car for 30 min or so. I had to call chevy headquarters to get this replaced. The dealer said they could hear anything. Really I thought what are you hard of hearing get somewhat can hear to listen to the whistle.What a nightmare driving around listening to high pitched whistles for months and having to call headquarters to get the blower unit replaced. All my friends have new cars forien of course and they have got nothing but five star service. They all laugh and said I told you not to buy American. At least the word is getting out. We have told most of are friends at the college about these car and my family is also getting the word out to coworkers and friends so they don’t make a 20000 dollars mistake and get robbed by chevy.
April 12th, 2015 at 11:15 am
If chevy wants to save their reputation then they better start paying out lemon law claims and discontinued the chevy sonic from its lineup. These critters might need a government bail out.
April 13th, 2015 at 12:12 pm
Update. Yes I am happy they are fixing my water pump so no more coolant leak and the transmission was a error cod click to the tranny. It makes sense and matches the symptoms I experienced. I think the dealer is making right for me. I am not going to give up on american auto makers or chevy.
April 17th, 2015 at 11:02 am
I bought a salvage 2012 Chevrolet Hatchback Sonic LT. It had been doing well but about 6 months ago the engine started making a weird noise. I took it to the dealership and they fixes it plus took care of a recall on it. Two days ago while driving the car started slowing down. Turned it off then back on and it would start but then slowly would loose power. I just took it to th he dealership and they said it need a part in the transmission replaced. I looked up recall #14234 and it’s the same effect that my car is doing but they said my car doesn’t have that recall #. The cost to fix it will be $1,095.00. Can someone help me?
May 26th, 2015 at 12:18 pm
We after 2 weeks of leasing car, the check engine light was on they could find no issues, its return when excel-rating from a sitting or stopping position it hesitates and pulls. It has no get up and go same as entering expressway from ramp. Its like its in wrong gear but isn’t. Just 2 days ago car came to a stall. They want to charge me 79.00 if it’s not under warranty.
June 13th, 2015 at 6:43 pm
I’ve owned my car since the end of january 2015 and have had the swaying on the highway really bad. Sometimes I feel like my car won’t even go in a straight line even though I’ve got new tires and had my allignment checked along with all components. Everyones stumped and I’m thinking it’s a problem with the speed sensitive electrical steering or something. I love my sonic but it’s tough to enjoy it as much as I want to with an issue like this. I also have a whining/howling noise that the dealer can’t figure out and its been in the shop 3 times for that. They said it was tires so I got new tires and same noise is there. Just frustrated but I love my sonic 🙁
June 30th, 2015 at 2:08 pm
When I first bought my Sonic in 2013 it came right from the factory brand spanking new. But soon realized the car would jerk and pull real hard when I drove home from work. So my husband drove it and it didn’t do it. So I had him drive it back from my work and what do you know it pulled and jerk come to find out the crappy cheap narrow tires that came stock on the car would follow any and all dips in the road so I invested in larger and wider tires and problem fixed with the jerking. Then I found masssive amounts of water on my passenger floor multiple times. I took it to the dealer they fixed it and it rained again and again water on my floor enough to make a small fish pond Lol. Took it back to the dealer with the water still in it and they kept it for a week trying to fix it correctly. Now after of course my 3600 mile warranty is up my back driver side wheel bearing went out already. The cost to fix it 150.00 even though it has weird issues here and there I’m still very happy with my car. We just drove it to west Palm beach Florida from Gladwin MI and it cost us 125.00 for gas so the mileage was great for us.
July 3rd, 2015 at 8:53 am
@Jamie: How many times were you in for the water leak? You still may have a a potential claim. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law firm in your state to discuss your matter.
July 10th, 2015 at 6:35 pm
I have to say from doing some research and speaking with other sonic owners the swaying, wandering, steering issues seem to be caused by the 15 inch rims on the suv type stance of the sonic. Everyone I’ve spoke to who owns a sonic base model with these size rims are having the issue. Time to size up to 16-17 inch rims!
July 12th, 2015 at 3:55 pm
I bought my 2012 Chevy Sonic 1.4 Turbo Hatchback 6 speed manual trans in August of 2012. I have just over 19,000 miles on the car. Just had it in to dealership for driver’s side door seal wore out, a loud clunking coming from the passenger side making you feel and hear ever little abnormality in the road (dealership said loose sway and after tightening it still did it so replaced it) and loss of power going up slight inclines forcing me to downshift to gain power to maintain 55mph on highway. They’ve completely ignored this last one. Also told them something was leaking (probably coolant) but they said they found no leaks. I pick it up tomorrow but if it’s not fixed its staying there till it is. My 3/36 runs out end of next month and I will not let them get away with wasting time till my warranty runs out…
July 17th, 2015 at 2:39 am
I don’t even know were to begin with my 2012 Chevy Sonic. Since we have had the car, we have had nothing but problems. I’ve had to replace windows, interior, tires, axels, brakes, engine, cooling, car was heating up, the stickshift etc..the list goes on.. they basically have taken the whole front end of the car out and still its just problem after problem… and the car is maybe a lil over 2 years old. I’m now out of warranty and have had to pay out of pocket for repairs and its just extremely ridiculous. Currently my car has a code 84 on it just happend today..yayy us! We just spent 500 dollars paying off the last list of problems that have happend and now this. So any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
July 24th, 2015 at 11:02 pm
I never had a single issue with my sonic. Most of what people complained about were covered under the sections with explanations as to what the different things meant when they happened (like when the Eco part of the battery saver saving kicks on the lights may dim just a second). I bought my 2012 LT late enough in the year that I missed every other recall and problem that seems to have been involved with them except the last one with the transmission. I never had a single problem whatsoever with my car in anyway and I was even rear ended while sitting stopped at a red light by a Ford Edge going full speed- my damage was a scratch from the bolt on their license plate while they lost the next bumper, radiator, lights and completely totaled that vehicle. I had been impressed with performance, the safety and gas mileage. Until the transmission recall was done. Not long after I got occasional slips lick fluid was low when pulling out, but of course no way to check the fluids on this car yourself to know the real trouble, so to the dealer over and over to be told it’s fine nothing wrong. Then the state requires emissions testing I go have one ran and pass. As soon as I pull off the lot afterwards my check engine light comes on and the shifting got worse. Now no one can find a problem the codes showed gas cap seal, replaced it, reset it and still continues. But the rough shifting I’m convinced is the transmission which gets worse but they refuse to say their technician messed it up even though they have “checked” the fluids and the code scanner says the same thing each time but the repair never fixes it or makes the light go off even when reset. I blame the emissions check and the recall work for the problems that did not exist before they got their hands on it
July 31st, 2015 at 3:13 pm
@Leah: I would look at all the invoices from repairs prior to the warranty expiring. If you have been in repeatedly for any one issue under warranty, there may be the potential for a claim. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/ to read about your State’s laws.
August 17th, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Your Sonic has a 5 year/100k mile powertrain warranty. If you plan to keep a vehicle after 36k miles, buy the extended warranty. It doesn’t matter if you buy a $80k Lexus, always get the warranty because you never know what could happen. And, by the way, if you buy a salvage vehicle, it has been in a serious accident and no way can you blame GM for future issues.
October 2nd, 2015 at 3:53 pm
My 2014 Chevy sonic would not shift on highway. Rpm was stuck on 4 and engine sounded revd up. I had to pull over and reset computer. Has happened 3 more times since but eventually shifts just hesitated. Car also sways on highway. I thought it was the wind. Feels very unsafe. There had always been a horrible alcohol smell coming from air conditioner. Dealership could not find anything wrong with either transmission or ac. Today ac quit getting cold. The car also constantly tells me the tire pressure is low. I go to air pump once a week but it never looks low. Very frustrated.I’ve only had car7months and it only has18000 miles.
October 6th, 2015 at 10:56 am
Same issues along with a few of you, jerked like it wants to cut off while I’m driving several times since I’ve had the 2014 sonic, the radio info disappear almost every other week. One time I tried opening the door with keyless entry and nothing happened. I had to manually open the door with the key, I’ve gotten so spoiled with the keyless entry that I almost forgot that I could open it with the key, anyway when I tried to crank it, it wouldn’t start. My warranty is out 38,000 miles and I have no money to take it to the shop. This morning it hesitated on cranking and all the dashboard lights went out. Had to turn the car off and turn it back on for some kind of warming light to go off. Speechless, because I didn’t think 2014 could react like a 1990 model.
October 14th, 2015 at 8:13 am
I bought my 2013 Chevy Sonic last year in July and have been into the shop now 3 times. First was a month after I bought the car the check engine light comes on. Called up the dealership and they said the gas cap just needs to be on tight. When that didn’t fix the problem I took it in and they said there were no codes and couldn’t find anything wrong. The light would come on and off randomly. This car has stalled while stopped at a light 5 times and about 80% of the time I’m stopped at a light I’m afraid that it will stall because I hear the engine lose power and the light dim. Second time I took the car in because the check engine light wouldn’t turn off. They said there was a heating element that was out and had to replace that. Thankfully the warranty hadn’t run out yet and covered that. About 2 weeks later I go out at 5:30 in the morning to start the car and… nothing! Car wouldn’t start at all. A few times I had noticed that the car wouldn’t start on the first key turn, but then would, however this time the car wasn’t even turning over or anything. Finally my wife started it about noon and I took it in to a Chevy dealer. They said my battery was dead. Okay. Well this morning, a month later. I can’t start my car again! After 5 mins of trying to start it starts and I find on my way to work that it’s stuck in 3rd gear. Won’t shift down or up. Even when I try to manually shift it’s stuck in 3rd gear. Luckily I was able to make it to work. Now the check engine light is on and it starts and is in gear normally. This car is a POS.
November 12th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
Bought 2013 sonic 4 door new after HHR was totaled by a hit and run driver. after about 30k miles the transmission quit shifting and car died on the road. Dealership said issue was caused by engine and not covered by warranty, wanted 4 to 5 grand to replace engine. i had engine replaced and everything seemed fine for almost a year. mechanic got it running but wasn’t able to diagnose the problem, thinks the ECM is the issue. So far I’ve spent about half the sticker price in repairs and still stuck at square one. have changed oil regularly using the expensive synthetic oil and premium gas. i don’t have the cash to keep paying mechanics.
-matt
November 14th, 2015 at 10:16 pm
Bought a new 2014 Sonic LS Sedan 12 months ago.
The only issue I had while still under warranty (I’m at 25,000 miles) was the glove compartment latch breaking, and was repaired in a couple hours.
Almost instantaneously after my warranty expired I’ve noticed an awful “clunk” when shifting into reverse after parked. Sometimes have the same issue when shifting from reverse to drive.
Another issue that came about around the same time is how the the steering wheel is turned a few degrees to the right when driving in a straight line.
One other thing I should note about the vehicle, you can’t update the Mylink software. When I switched from having an iPhone to an Android phone, some of the features either don’t work at all or don’t work properly. Mylink isn’t fully compatible with this version of the Mylink system. If you want navigation, you also have to dedicateat a good chunk of your phone memory for maps.
Everything else about the car is great. Gas mileage, comfortable, throttle response is a little laggy but the turbo makes up for that to an extent, handles pretty well also. I compared the Ford Fiesta, Dodge Dart and the Chevy Cruze after buying and I’m pretty satisfied in the choice I’ve made.
December 10th, 2015 at 9:34 pm
Our leftover 2014 Chevy Sonic has a “cracking” noise when turning sharply and some other times. Had it in twice and they haven’t found the cause. Kind of sounds like metal snapping over something in it’s way. We’ve had the car around six months and the noise isn’t as frequent, but still happening and not normal sounding. Any thoughts?
December 11th, 2015 at 1:05 pm
@Linda: I would take it to another GM dealer to get a second pair of eyes reviewing the situation. I am hopeful you are keeping track of your repair invoices. If you are, make sure you look into your State and Federal rights following that third repair.
December 30th, 2015 at 8:08 pm
I brought a 2013 sonic LT Turbo in May 2015. I have taken it in for them to replace 4 cluches and rebuild the transmassion, and they had it for like a month. And not it is making a real loud vibration nose and some kind of nose now. ( and it only does it when it’s stopped) then when I’m trying to get on the highway I have notice a decrease in the acceleration and as I’m driving it either shifting or jerking really hard. So it’s going to the shop tomorrow
January 4th, 2016 at 11:51 am
I hate my car. Its a 2013 that i purchased in September of 2013. Along with everyone else I notice the car will idle very roughly and shake on occasion. My main issue is the the paint on my trunk keeps chipping in several spots where it’s hitting the bumper and taillights. It’s been “repaired” a total of 7 times now between 2 different dealerships. On the second repair attempt the dealership crashed my car causing $2500 worth of damage to the front corner. That no longer fits together properly and they’ve basically told me Oh well and the car will never be perfect again. I will be taking it back to that dealership for a chevy rep to look at the trunk for a second time. I’ve dealt with everyone at the dealership including their GM and now he won’t even return my phone calls. I called chevy directly and they don’t even have a record of my car being touched!! I’ve heard of this issue happening, was told that they put out a bulletin on these cars saying it’s a known issue…..if the owner slams the trunk, but the chevy rep claims he can’t find any info what so ever about this happening to another sonic. Yet I told him about this bulletin and that the assistant manager at the dealership has had another sonic come in with the same issue. Does anyone know if this trunk issue is covered under the lemon law?
January 13th, 2016 at 11:08 am
We have 2013 Sonic with 60,000 miles. took it to the dealership for its 60,000 mile service and as soon as we got it back it was making a whine noise which was not there before. Less than a week later the transmission crapped out completely. The dealership practically had to rebulid the transmission, something broke and tore up the inside. Everything was covered under the 100,000 powertrain warranty.
January 13th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
A very very very bad experience… I bought my chvey sonic in the end of August 2015… during 4 months today is my 7th time that my chevy sonic is at the dealership to fix it…. every time spend some money and the extended warranty sucks…. everytime i need to pay and warranty not works as i thought…. this is not cover that is not cover, thou I have Platinum coverage…. Be honest think it was one the worst decision I made to bought an American Car…. For the First time I bought an american Car and it will be the last time… I feel like Chinese Made cars are better than American cars…..They need to start making Standard cars Like japanese,German,Englis, Italy…I am telling everyone… Never ever buy American Car…. better to pay the same money and buy the quality car…
January 13th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
@Kinzy: You should certainly look into your rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law lawyer in your state.
January 19th, 2016 at 5:03 pm
Hello I got my Chevy sonic September 2012, I was overly excited because it had 15 miles on the car and she moved like no other. About 2 years of having the car I got a code which meant for me to change the thermostat as well as the sensor. Once that was replaced 327.99 dollars later she was good for about a month. Right before I moved my car started reving up and shutting off on its own, then I experienced the car hesitating when I put my foot on the gas which has been scary. Especially when you are on a busy highway and you are only going 20 in a 70. I contacted the dealership and they stated my car no longer had bumper to bumper coverage that it only lasted up till 36,000 miles and I was at 36,500 miles at that time. No I have extra corrosion on my battery and the car wont start anymore when I called the dealership they said they can put it on the machine for 150.00 just to tell me whats wrong with it. I really dont have the money to be wasting on the dealership telling me whats wrong and not being able to fix the car. I am also mad because I had to take a pay cut to keep my job and now I cant even trade the car in because I will owe more than what is being offered to by the car. I no longer have reliable transportation and this all happen once I moved out the city where I could still catch the bus or the train. Does anyone know what I should do.
February 4th, 2016 at 10:38 am
I have 2015 Sonic LT, and my Shift Gear just stuck on me yesterday for the first time and as I have researched I am not the only one.. it seems it is normal for these types of cars..why I do not know. But I am upset that it has not been corrected since 2012 when it seem to have started…..I should have to pay for this problem when it should have been a recalled and redone correctly…..
March 14th, 2016 at 5:47 am
Where to begin.. I bought my Sonic sedan LT in February of 2012 brand new with 8 miles. There were a couple of early recall/safety issues that I had to fix in the first couple of months (nothing major), but a few issues have been unusual. The very first thing I noticed is how badly the brakes sounded. They made an awful noise when I slowed down the car. The dealership team said my brakes were just dirty…. For 2 years straight. I quit going back to the dealership for numerous reasons. They treat me like an idiot. Four years later and I have been dealing with the issue. I’ve had my brakes done twice, and finally, a guy at Just Brakes said it was the actual shoes making the noise. He shower me the shoes, and they wore on the front end to a thin layer of metal, while the back end was thicker. He said it was a design flaw, and $300 later I replaced them (they went right back to that god awful noise two weeks later). Aside from that, I had the thermostat error come on and off, an E82 error, and E84. In the first year, I got the run-around from the dealership. First they said my error code E82 was an air valve leak, due to my gas cap not being tight enough. “Design error, it’s fine” they said, until I was out of warranty and suddenly they said it needed to be dealt with, but it wouldn’t be covered. That was my last straw with them, and I took my business elsewhere for the next two years. When the check engine light came on in Jan2016, I went back. I was unable to accelerate, and it was getting dangerous. Problem was, the error code would come on as it pleased. The day I took it in for my appointment, the code didn’t come on, and the very rude service man at the dealership said he couldn’t do a thing without the code. He said “Oh, but you haven’t been here for two years..” And basically argued with everything I said, trying to make me feel like it was my fault. He had an excuse for everything, and basically blamed me for “not taking care of the car”. Finally I was able to take it in WITH the code. It was the accelerator pedal. They “had never seen that before”, and $300 later, they replaced it, along with 3 leaks that they discovered (luckily the leaks were under warranty). They had my car for a week. Turns out, they lied about not ever seeing that issue. When the service guy left the room to charge my card, I grabbed his paperwork on my car. There was and entire list of issues the car had BEFORE I bought it- including the pedal was replaced TWICE. I did not have any of that in my paperwork, so I took a picture of it. I’m not sure what to do with the information at this point. Now, the check engine light is on again, and the dealership is always “a day behind” so they basically have to keep my car overnight. I am hesitant to take it in because they charge $150 just to look at it. Aside from these issues, the car rattled terrible. So badly that I can’t even use the overhead mirror when parked. It sways horribly on the freeway. The dealership is of course no help, and they have an excuse for EVERYTHING. They did not document all of the previous issues I have brought to their attention, either. I had my oil changed 3 times with them, and all three times, I told them about the E82 and brakes. They reset the E82 error and said the brakes were just dirty- all three times. The service man I told this to recently said that they don’t record complaints or concerns when doing oil changes, yet I do have ONE oil change receipt where the guy input my brake complaint. Like I said, they try to blame me and make me feel like it’s my fault. It’s a brand new car, four years old with 75,000 miles now. I don’t think a new car is suppose to have this many issues! I’m at a lost on what to do!
March 14th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
@Michelle: While I understand you may dislike your dealer, by not going and having the issue continuously examined, you killed the case. Your warranty allows you to go to any authorized GM dealer. You also need to remember that the key to a strong case is repeated invoices to illustrate the non conformity is continuing.
April 26th, 2016 at 12:55 pm
I have 2015 chevy sonic. Only had it for about 6 months. My first problem was the sensor that controls the radio and dashboard went out. Np they fixed it right away but now I’m driving down the road and the car literally turns itself off. Lights, unlocked doors everything just completely shuts down. Sometimes it will turn itself back on others just sits there in traffic. My car has me scared to death. I refuse to put my kids in it. Service center says theta nothing they can do because it’s not throwing up any codes just that they’ll drove it and see if it happens to them. They act like I’m lying to them. Idk what to do
May 3rd, 2016 at 12:33 am
For anyone having the thrusting while in gear after it warms up it is NOT a transmission problem. It’s the air cleaner tube intake. Turbo,or n/a it has the same intake tube. It breaks and causes un filtered unregistered air into your engine. This causes it to “jump” “thrust” do not replace it with the factory intake tube it will just do the same thing. K&N AIR INTAKE SYSTEM 69-4525TS part number for n/a vehicles will stop this from happening. It costs 279.99 plus saves you fuel if you don’t stay on it. Gain 5.3hp from factory also. The intake tube is aluminum not plastic. It’s worth it. I have a 2013LS sonic 1.8l 104000 miles on it. I top off the transmission fluid once, getting ready to flush it. Most issues are maintenance issues. I work on it and have fixed most issues myself on mine. Reply to me I’ll help anyone if I can.
May 25th, 2016 at 10:33 am
I WAS DRIVING A 2015 SONIC DEALERSHIP CAR BECAUSE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR THE WEEKEND, A CAR WAS ABOUT TO HIT ME AND ALL DID WAS I STEPPED ON BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND RAN ME INTO A POLE. I WAS EVEN GOING 15 MILES.
May 30th, 2016 at 12:31 am
I have absolutely no idea what you people are complaining about this have never happened to my 2012 Sonic 1.6, the only problem I have is the fact that my Sonic loses a lot of water even after the water bottle was replaced and there are nothing indicating a leak anywere. Can anybody maybe tell me what causes this if they have expirenced this problem. Thank You
July 1st, 2016 at 7:27 pm
I own a 2012 sonic I bought brand new July of 2012. There was a recall for the transmission. I hadn’t had any problems but took it in to have the transmission replaced. Yesterday, June 30th my power steering went out on my way home from work. I stopped at Auto Zone to see if they could help me. I turned the car on & the power steering was working again. I drove it home without any problems. I drove it to work, no problem. After work I was driving it for about 10 minutes & steering went out! I’m going to call the dealer tomorrow & make an appt to have it fixed. I’m pretty sure my warranty is up!
July 29th, 2016 at 10:57 am
my problem is a little different, I bought a 2016 Chevrolet sonic, I am hearing some minor noise, that is not my problem, my problem is mice getting in the interior of the car, there is an opening somewhere they are coming in. I am seeing droppings all over the seats, the dash, inside the glove box, in the cup holders, everywhere. Morgan-McClure Chevrolet in Castlewood Va. said they will look at it but its not covered under warranty because its not a mechanical problem, so I will have to pay them to see if they can find out where the mice are coming in at if mice can get in so can carbon monoxide, they can eat at the wiring which could cause a fire or an accident if the car suddenly shuts down I feel disgusted driving this car, I don’t want to go to McDonalds and eat in the car. the dealers service manager said kill the mice and hung up on me, very good business to earn repeat sales
August 11th, 2016 at 9:11 pm
I think the problem alot of people are having with there tire issue is that the tires are not wide enough. I own a 2016 Chevy sonic with a 1.8 and a 6speed auto with almost 9000miles on it.The only problem I have is with the tires. They are not wide enough. I have 195/70/16s on it. These tires really suck because they catch every groove on the road. Going to replace the tires as soon as possible with 195/60/16 tires.
September 17th, 2016 at 11:12 pm
I bought my 2012 Sonic LT in March of 2014. I just had it in the shop again yesterday because I thought the transmisson wasn’t shifting right and making noise. The service manager rode with me and drove it. he said I was hearing highway noise not the tranny. But i’ve had some of the same problems that others on here have had. I have started out from a stop sign and when I step on the gas the car just stalled, I shoved the gas all the way down and nothing it wouldn’t move. Then all of a sudden it jumped ahead and then took off like a dragster. It’s done numerous times. Plus now they tell me I need a new left front sway bar & a left front wheel bearing. I only have 54,000 miles on the car. The 100,000 mile drive train warrenty is still in effect. But I was told none of those things are covered by it. I am ready to just park it by the curb with a free sign on it.
October 25th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
can i still submit for lemon law if my car is 2 yrs old been having a problem with the transmission and swaying and other problems piece of junk since i got it had it in multiple times to dealership and like everyone else is saying cant find any problems and there not nice like its my fault! shake my head anyways the manager also told had 100000 miles warranty on transmission now what if the transmission goes out finally after that im screwed im so done with this car if my credit was not so messed up id been out of this car! never buying a chevy again
October 27th, 2016 at 2:07 pm
@Heather: Yes, you may very well still have a claim. Please visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state to help you.
November 3rd, 2016 at 3:12 am
I bought a 2012 Sonic Preowned. It had 14000 miles on it. When I first had the car I noticed the transmission shifted a bit harsh into reverse but not severe enough for me to believe there was a problem. It was the first year the sonic was produced. I brought the vehicle in to my local dealer (where I made the purchase Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet in Southern California) for the scheduled maintenance twice. I never really mentioned anything about the transmission and now I have amassed well over 130k miles–we drive a lot! We don’t abuse our vehicles and I performed the services myself after the free services had run out. I worked for a GM dealership in the past and know how to service my own vehicles. Well recently, the transmission started to shift really hard into reverse and would have a delay shift into third. Meanwhile, the engine rpm would increase rather high before the transmission engaged. I checked the fluid level and found it to be correct. GM states that my vehicle is out of warranty and that I would have to pay to have the repairs made. The dealer said it found metal shavings in the fluid but they need to tear down the transmission for them to tell me the cause of failure. I explained to GM that transmissions don’t just go bad! I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota with well over 200,000 miles and my transmission is still working perfectly! The vehicle is a piece of junk! It is a bait and switch because the engine is not even a GM product! I never thought I would say this, but (and I hope GM is listening) I am going to buy a Ford focus! GM basically told me in so many words to go stick it! Well GM, I will speak badly of you to all my friends and relatives who for a super long time I have recommended your products to–not anymore!
November 3rd, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Hi,
I have a 2012 Sonic that has 69K miles. For the last yr. I have been hearing a “puff” sound when excelerating in 1st gear from a complete stop. I have a 5 speed manual transmission. I have had it to the dealership on several occasions and they do not get any codes nor is it anything to do with the airbox etc. They have no idea what it is.
Any thoughts?
January 11th, 2017 at 12:46 am
I bought my 2013 chevy sonic Lt through hertz rent-a-car in may of 2014. It was 1 year old and had exactly 19 thousand miles. I’ve had to replace the battery just once recently. But first the engine light went off. I took it to two different auto shops and they couldn’t find a problem. Now as time has continued it came back on and stays on. My tire light has come on and stayed on, have gotten all of them checked and there is no issue with the tires. The car Jerks and idles at stop lights about 20 percent of the time. And now it takes a couple of tries to turn over the car in the morning and sometimes randomly in the afternoon. The car only has 44 thousand miles on it, and I commute to school. Can anyone offer any suggestions??!
March 14th, 2017 at 9:34 pm
I have a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic that has been a nightmare for me. The transmission locked up at around 60,000 miles causing the engine block to malfunction and I ended up with a crack in the head of the engine. The dealership reluctantly put a new engine in the car and just repaired the transmission, after telling me that it would require a new transmission. I have drove about 8,000 miles and now the transmission is making the same racket it did before the first transmission locked up. The dealership is trying to say everything is ok and ignoring the problems and I don’t know what to do anymore.
March 23rd, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Rough shake during idle and a very rocky transmission on my 2014 Sonic. Traded it for a 2013 Jetta before it killed me. If you need me as a witness I still have a photocopy of my old ownership!
April 21st, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Seth – If you’re still on here, could you reply to me? I picked up a certified used 2014 Chevy Sonic and when I first got it, it was extremely responsive (local & highway). Now, local roads, it runs sluggishly, highway, it doesn’t seem to have a problem. My email is rbdg63@gmail.com. Hopefully, you’re still on here. Thanks!
May 10th, 2017 at 9:28 pm
I traded my daughters 2012 Jeep liberty in for a 2015 Sonic LTZ, it had 14,000 miles was rated a really good car, was pre-certified, really cute, white, with leather interior, drove great. We shipped it out to Arizona while she is in College at ASU, Arizona State University). Just recently in March of 2017 the car started to over heat. It was taken to the dealer they replaced some hoses, and a Thermostat. In late April early May the lights on the dash board started to all light up, engine check lights, everything. My daughter brought it back to the dealer the 1st week of May 2017. I was told today that they have done everything to fix the air pressure cylinder or something like that,but the car is not passing all the tests still.he further stated that it seems like they might have no choice but to replace the whole engine. In my mind this car was made wrong from the manufacture with horrible crappy parts. I’m so glad it’s under warranty because were older parents, retired and wouldn’t have the finances to replace or fix it. We suggested to our daughter when she graduates in two years to trade it in and get rid of it. Not happy with this cars repair history at all, be careful of this year,2015 LTZ.
June 10th, 2017 at 12:47 am
2012 sonic under 40k miles transmission dealer says it was fixed by previous owner at dealership, transmission just went out after stuck in 3rd a week before drove home next day fine…going to call dealer tomorrow… But they already pre bullshitted me… GM isn’t what they used to be. They don’t deserve those awards they must pay for them their customer service and quality do not live up to the old standards.
June 16th, 2017 at 8:17 am
2013 sonic has sway bar link problems since 20k. Replaced with OEM part but re-occurred shortly after. Found out through internet that an all steel replacement is available (not plastic POC). Turned out to be a part from the cobalt! Dealer refuses to use them as replacement, and refuses to replace the OEM part that went out since it only has a 90 day warranty! They are replacing the clean air motor duct for 120k or 10 years. It was the source of hesitation, bad idle, poor mileage, etc. and all this with no check engine light for nearly 30k miles! Must have wasted hundreds of dollars in excessive fuel costs. Someone should tell the EPA to institute a class action to repay Sonic owners!
July 6th, 2017 at 10:32 am
I have a 2014. Chevy sonic I ha e had in the repair shop one week today.I have to have a engine oil cooler replaced and the coolant fan modulate this has 69000 .I have had new Senor’s replace. This car should be under the lemon law
August 5th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
I have a 2013 Sonic Hatchback with 1.4 turbo. No issues here, good handling and ride. Thirty-five mpg on gas mileage. Maybe most of the complaints are people looking for an excuse to trade.
August 8th, 2017 at 12:53 pm
I have 2014 Chevy Sonic LS. I bought it with a rebuilt title. It only had 3000 miles on it. it has 54000 miles now and now it has the engine light and says an o2 sensor is out, but it idles really rough, and the traction control light will come on while idling, and the acceleration is very hesitant. Then when I put it in park it over revs and I have to shut it off very quickly to stop it from blowing the motor. The dealer said there is nothing they can do for me because the rebuilt title voids my warranty. Does it also void the lemon law too?
September 22nd, 2017 at 9:57 am
I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic, 4dr and have had my share of issues. The last issue was you could put the car in gear when turn off, it won’t release the key and easily knock out of gear while driving now, when driving the car with the AC on, the cabin temp increases. As soon as I turn the car off about 2-3 minutes the temp decreases. There its any smoke blowing from underneath the hood or any senors indicating that something is wrong. What could be the cause of this issue?
October 24th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Just purchased 2017 Sonic with only 11 miles on it when I noticed that the car would drift to the left. I wasn’t sure at first because it only seemed to happen at long steady speeds (hard to notice in short distances around town). Took back to dealer and after initially trying to make me think it was normal, they found the front left castor out of alignment by 3.6 degrees! I drove away hoping for a much better ride but I couldn’t believe the car was still drifting to the left. I have an appointment to bring it back in as they also told me they would have to have their service manager test drive it and also drive another Chevy Sonic to see if its supposed to drive that way! Are they kidding me? What manufacture purposely wants their new vehicles to drift into oncoming traffic?
December 6th, 2017 at 5:12 pm
I’ve had my 2013 Chevy Sonic for 4 years now. I’ve recently hit an armodilla in April of this year and it made my ac stop working completely and I had a rattling noise, sound like on my passenger side. I brought it to the shop for them to fix my ac and whatever else needs to be fixed. Not even a month that my car has been out of the shop, my car doesn’t reverse, it barely goes whenever you press the gas and when it shifts gears, it jerks like my engine wants to fall. The mechanic tells me that I need a new transmission and radiator! Come to find out the coils on the pipe that goes from my radiator to my transmission is striped, so I have some type of fluid leaking from that pipe. I’ve always had problems with this car!
June 12th, 2018 at 2:30 pm
Go figure, my transmission is having the exact same issue with shifting that is covered under the recall, but the manufacture date although a couple months out of range is not included. This car is one pmt from being paid off. Im getting another brand new car, but I will never buy Chevy again.
September 17th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
I bought my 2013 Chevy Sonic used in January, 2017. The car has given me no problem until May of this year. The dang thing ran hot, the overheat indicator did not come on and now I need to put another motor in my car. The shop where it is at told me that some coolant part failed.
December 19th, 2018 at 1:44 am
I own a 2012 sonic, 6 speed manual, that I bought brand new in 2012. I had numerous safety recalls to include the airbags 3 times and the sway bars replaced twice. At 22k miles I only had 1st, a grinding second and 6th gear. I went in and had the dealership take a look and the first guy said it was fine. I told them to have another guy look at it, which was their transmission tech, he took it out and came back with a baffled look. He walked away and came back a short time later with keys to a loaner. After 4 days I got my car back and the service people really didn’t want to tell me that they had to replace the transmission. After that it has not acted right on the highway. I’ve had my normal “mom and pop” mechanics look at it and tell me that there is a lot of suspension issues with my car that the dealership didn’t want to tell me. Now of course I’m out of warranty and the dealership wants $$$$ to even look at the car and I’m sick of putting money into it.
February 7th, 2019 at 9:00 am
I own a 2014 chevy sonic turbo. Had the same issue with the car getting stuck in what felt like second gear. It wouldn’t and couldn’t accelerate. Thought it was a transmission issue and it ended up being the coil pack.
My sonic is now having an electronic issue. It just wont turn on, unless you close the passenger door, or open the drivers side door, or open the hood of the car and close it. I’ve been reading about people having water issues corroding wiring due to the sunroof, but I’ve never had water in my car.
I have had my car completely turn off on the freeway. Had to thrown it in neutral and restart mid coast. Dangerous part is is the power steering goes out. This car is a piece of crap.
Taking it to the dealership today.
March 30th, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 Turbo with a 6-spd manual transmission. IT grinds and pops when shifting from any gear.
Sometimes when shifting into 1st gear the engine will shut off too.
Do not buy this car.
Definitely not worth a headache.
August 19th, 2019 at 7:11 pm
I just purchased a 2019 chevy sonic in july and already had an issue with it. At 1600 miles check engine light blinking so I took it back to the dealership and they told me it could be a gas issue. I changed my gas and same issue. So at 3200 miles I took it back for the same thing and then they said the history showed cylinder 2 misfire. So they changed #2 plug and put a new coil on it. But I still experience a little jerking when cruising around 55 to 60 mph. Could this be a transmission issue? If I continue to have problems with it I will definitely take it back.
September 17th, 2019 at 1:35 pm
My 2015 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ is having serious issues to. Several Chevrolet service departments just say the have to replace the radiator or the coolant. Yes, that light is on but I believe it is a side effect. I even got a letter in the mail saying there is a transmission warranty extension due to problems with these transmissions. 2 service places have avoided checking for me and go straight to the radiator… a known side effect for this transmission issue. I asked OnStar to stop harassing me and they disabled their device causing my console screen to have issues and the audio controls on the right side of my stearing wheel have been disabled. NEVER CHEVROLET AGAIN!!
April 15th, 2021 at 12:46 am
Oil mixed in with my coolant and now the steering has become unmanuevarable. This is the worst car ever, I regret buying this Sonic (2017)