2020 Chevrolet Sonic reliability
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has 10 complaints with NHTSA after 7 years, or 1 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.
10
1
0
7
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (6 of 10), then Powertrain (3) and Engine (2).
The 2019 Sonic has 8 complaints, 0 per year. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (10 total)
0
0
0
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic…"
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"Purchased from Carvana. Nine days after purchase came out to a dead battery took it to the authorized dealer and they said the battery was a bad cell battery. Replace the battery. Six days after they replaced the…"
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"1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position.…"
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"Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving."
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"1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB 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 | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 34 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 34 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has 10 complaints with NHTSA after 7 years, or 1 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (6 of 10), then Powertrain (3) and Engine (2).
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 Sonic has 8 complaints, 0 per year. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is 29 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.