2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

Pictured: a 2015 model; the 2016 may differ in details. Photo: 2015 Chevrolet Sonic by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How the 2016 compares

Average

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Average complaint count among 10 Sonic model years — 5th most.

2recalls

48complaints

8crashes

1fires

6injuries

48,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Electrical System

Jun 10, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy & notes

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical System

Apr 28, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy & notes

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine14

Electrical System11

Air Bags8

Unknown or other8

Fuel System5

Electronic Stability Control3

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2016 vs. other Chevrolet Sonic years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2016. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, the latest from Jun 10, 2016 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (14), electrical system (11), air bags (8). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.