Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid and best years
Newer Chevrolet Sonic years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 35 (354 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2018 at 2 (from 14 complaints). On the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 106 of 354 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
Chevrolet Sonic reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Chevrolet Sonic. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 → Fewest | 1 | 10 | 0 | Electrical system | 29 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 0 | 8 | 0 | Engine and engine cooling | 29.5 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 2 | 14 | 1 | Electrical system | 29.8 |
| 2017 → | 4 | 37 | 0 | Engine | 29.5 |
| 2016 → | 5 | 48 | 2 | Air bags | 29.3 |
| 2015 → | 13 | 114 | 3 | Air bags | 29.3 |
| 2014 → | 14 | 150 | 4 | Electrical system | 29.3 |
| 2013 → | 22 | 217 | 6 | Engine | 29.5 |
| 2012 → Most | 35 | 354 | 7 | Powertrain | 29.8 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15, 205/55R16, 205/50R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 16V-257 covers certain 2013-2016 Sonic vehicles (and Trax/Spark models named in the campaign) with Bring Your Own Media radios: the radio may fail to sound the key-in-ignition warning chime. Dealers update radio software. Recall 16V-422 covers certain 2015-2016 Sonic vehicles with the same radio type: the radio may fail to chime for an unfastened seat belt; dealers update software. Recall 18V-342 covers certain 2018 Sonic vehicles: a joint in the driver seat-back frame may not be properly welded; dealers replace the seat-back.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Sonic years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 10 complaints), and 2018 at 2 (from 14 complaints).
Which Chevrolet Sonic year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 35 (354 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. On the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 106 of 354 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Chevrolet Sonic owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Chevrolet Sonic years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What generation is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
1st generation (2012-2020) for the US years this site tracks.
What oil does a Chevrolet Sonic take?
US notes list 5W-30 for all temperatures, with 0W-30 as an alternative below -29°C.
What tire sizes does a Chevrolet Sonic use?
Common US sizes include 195/65R15, 205/55R16, and 205/50R17 depending on trim.