2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliability
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 37 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 4 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Sonic years here — under the median of the other years, which is 9. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
37
4
0
10
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (19 of 37), then Air bags (6) and Electrical system (5). Those filings include 6 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
The 2016 Sonic has 48 complaints, 5 per year, and the 2018 has 14 complaints, 2 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2016. The 2017 has more complaints per year than the 2018.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (37 total)
Show 6 more Show less
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"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"
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds"
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"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 crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Manual 5-speed | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 33 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Sonic | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 28 | 38 | 32 MPG | $2050 |
| Sonic | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 36 | 30 MPG | $2150 |
| Sonic | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 34 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 36 | 30 MPG | $2150 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Manual 5-speed | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 33 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 28 | 38 | 32 MPG | $2050 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 34 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 37 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 4 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Sonic years here — under the median of the other years, which is 9. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (19 of 37), then Air bags (6) and Electrical system (5). Those filings include 6 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2016 Sonic has 48 complaints, 5 per year, and the 2018 has 14 complaints, 2 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2016. The 2017 has more complaints per year than the 2018.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is 29.5 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.