Owners have filed 59 complaints
about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Sonic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 82
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Chevrolet Sonic
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
39.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
412.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
516.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
722.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1032.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
26.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2016peak 5Apr 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fort Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11697488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChicago, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 30 mph, the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a head laceration and right and left knee injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11472334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,136 milesVancover, WAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, A FELLOW MOTORIST HAD HONKED AT HER AS SHE NOTICED FLAMES FORMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE RADIO INSIDE HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER INITIALLY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A CUP OF WATER BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THEN CALLED THE AUTHORITIES WHO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. HER DAUGHTER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ALAN WEBB CHEVROLET( 3712 NE 66TH AVE, VANCOUVER, WA 98661) TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR A DEFECTIVE PURGE VALVE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,136.
NHTSA complaint #11386453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRacine, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
I WAS HIT HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IT COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE THAN IT WAS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND MY ENGINE IS JUNK. HAVING ISSUES WITH IT AND ITS LESS THAN 70000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11320007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRacine, OHCrash
ENGINE
I WAS HIT HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IT COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE THAN IT WAS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND MY ENGINE IS JUNK. HAVING ISSUES WITH IT AND ITS LESS THAN 70000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11320007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesKings Mountain, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH , AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON RECIRCULATE I BLACKED OUT AND TOTALED THE CAR . HOSPITAL RAN A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST AND IT WAS HIGH ,WAS THE CAUSE OF BLACKOUT. NOW HAVE MEMORY PROBLEMS AND SEVERE BACK PAIN
NHTSA complaint #11121759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Winston-Salem, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
NHTSA complaint #11732795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston-Salem, NC
ENGINE
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
NHTSA complaint #11732795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11697488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hagerstown, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
NHTSA complaint #11681189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hagerstown, MD
ENGINE
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
NHTSA complaint #11681189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hagerstown, MD
ENGINE
I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11646466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Destrehan, LA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
NHTSA complaint #11603088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Destrehan, LA
STEERING
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
NHTSA complaint #11603088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Destrehan, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
NHTSA complaint #11603088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesSan Bruno, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminished; however, when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to gain forward momentum while attempting to merge into traffic or ascend a grade in the road. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
STEERING
Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11580683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
ENGINE
Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11580683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nikes, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof molding is coming unglued on both sides of the vehicle, possible that it may fly off while traveling on highway or streets .My Dads Santa Cruz was recalled for what is happening to my Sonic. I noticed this after going through a car wash and the dryer made it flop around.
NHTSA complaint #11571376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
STEERING
steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.
NHTSA complaint #11560907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.
NHTSA complaint #11560907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
ENGINE
steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.
NHTSA complaint #11560907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Lawn, IL
ENGINE
Vehicle has 53k miles. I have had the error code p0011 (camshaft, vvt bank 1 too advanced) for most of the time I've had this car. Spend thousands at a certified dealership to get this issue fixed, only for it to pop up again. I was told the solution for this code is a new engine. This was after I spend thousands and my power train warranty expired. Oil changes and Routine maintenance were all done in timely manner. This engine was built to fail.
NHTSA complaint #11532519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
ENGINE
The heating and cooling system has failed numerous times. The water outlet has been defective causing the engine to overheat along with the thermostat housing. The water outlet failed within a month of buying the car. It wasn't even 3 years old and only had 60 000 miles on it. Last month it failed. Just last week the thermostat housing failed. Now today the water outlet failed again. This car really needs investigated and have parts recalled. It's not fair to have a car for this short of time to have these issues. Each time it's been repaired by a certified mechanic.
NHTSA complaint #11529262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11507717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CA
ENGINE
Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11507717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE
Purchased this vehicle in February 2022 with 105,000 miles. Oil sticker indicated recent oil change and oil color was light and clear. The day after purchase the check engine light came on. Diagnostic scan indicated bad thermostat assembly and 2 oil sensors needed replacement. Radiator fluid was low. AC didn't cool. Repairs completed almost $900. The check engine light came on again the next day. The check engine and check oil lights/alarms need to be actual gauges. The vehicle overheated 3 times due to low coolant and faulty fan sensor fuse. Where is all the coolant going? A leaky hose was replaced but it didn't fix the coolant leak. Of course the car will easily overheat so I keep coolant with me to avoid being disabled during rush hour traffic on the Interstate in 105 degree temperatures. The engine continues to run hot and the check engine light stays on. The oil light/alarm is something new that started last Monday after driving 20 miles to Yukon, OK. No warning of any problem until I exited onto the service road to wait for a green light. The oil alarm/light turned off upon acceleration but returned again when the idle RPM went below 1000. Repairs were estimated at over $2200 for a new oil pump. I requested an engine flush and oil change instead since an oil pump could NOT be located. The oil filter was found to have collapsed but a new oil filter did not fix the low oil pressure at idle. So many defects with this vehicle!!! What the heck???? Odometer reading today is 107,364. It seems Chevy has manufactured a car that will barely make it past 100,000 miles and repair parts aren't available? Something isn't right with this picture. This car isn't safe to drive. Sincerely, NOT-Okay in OKC, OK.
NHTSA complaint #11473132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Purchased this vehicle in February 2022 with 105,000 miles. Oil sticker indicated recent oil change and oil color was light and clear. The day after purchase the check engine light came on. Diagnostic scan indicated bad thermostat assembly and 2 oil sensors needed replacement. Radiator fluid was low. AC didn't cool. Repairs completed almost $900. The check engine light came on again the next day. The check engine and check oil lights/alarms need to be actual gauges. The vehicle overheated 3 times due to low coolant and faulty fan sensor fuse. Where is all the coolant going? A leaky hose was replaced but it didn't fix the coolant leak. Of course the car will easily overheat so I keep coolant with me to avoid being disabled during rush hour traffic on the Interstate in 105 degree temperatures. The engine continues to run hot and the check engine light stays on. The oil light/alarm is something new that started last Monday after driving 20 miles to Yukon, OK. No warning of any problem until I exited onto the service road to wait for a green light. The oil alarm/light turned off upon acceleration but returned again when the idle RPM went below 1000. Repairs were estimated at over $2200 for a new oil pump. I requested an engine flush and oil change instead since an oil pump could NOT be located. The oil filter was found to have collapsed but a new oil filter did not fix the low oil pressure at idle. So many defects with this vehicle!!! What the heck???? Odometer reading today is 107,364. It seems Chevy has manufactured a car that will barely make it past 100,000 miles and repair parts aren't available? Something isn't right with this picture. This car isn't safe to drive. Sincerely, NOT-Okay in OKC, OK.
NHTSA complaint #11473132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.