2017 Chevrolet Sonic

37 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Apr 21, 2026Failure Mar 2, 2026Winston-Salem, NCEngine, 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
2. Filed Feb 6, 2026Failure Jun 6, 202255,000 milesPhoenix, AZEngine, Turbo/supercharger, 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
3. Filed Nov 4, 2025Failure Nov 4, 2025Fort Worth, TXAir bagsCrash1 injured

   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
4. Filed Aug 17, 2025Failure Aug 17, 2025Hagerstown, MDElectrical system, Engine

   Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds

   NHTSA complaint 11681189
5. Filed Mar 5, 2025Failure Mar 5, 2025Hagerstown, MDEngine

   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
6. Filed Jul 18, 2024Failure Jun 28, 2023Destrehan, LAElectrical system, Steering, 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
7. Filed Apr 26, 2024Failure Apr 15, 2024108,000 milesSan Bruno, CAEngine

   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
8. Filed Apr 2, 2024Failure May 27, 2022Oxnard, CAEngine, 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
9. Filed Feb 12, 2024Failure Jan 25, 2024Nikes, ILUnknown 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
10. Filed Dec 19, 2023Failure Sep 23, 2023Oxnard, CAElectrical system, Engine, 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
11. Filed Jul 15, 2023Failure Jun 26, 2023Oak Lawn, ILEngine

    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
12. Filed Jun 28, 2023Failure Jun 27, 2023Spokane, WAEngine

    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
13. Filed Feb 16, 2023Failure Feb 9, 2023Chico, CAEngine, Vehicle speed control

    Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11507717
14. Filed Jul 9, 2022Failure Jul 9, 2022Oklahoma City, OKEngine, 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
15. Filed Jul 5, 2022Failure Jul 2, 2022120,000 milesChicago, ILAir bagsCrash1 injured

    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
16. Filed Mar 22, 2022Failure Mar 14, 2022Wasilla, AKUnknown or other

    The thermostat has gone out in this vehicle 4 times in the past 14 months. Luckily for me I had the vehicle repaired at a shop that offers a warranty on the thermostat. But I still have to pay out of pocket every single time for a rental car in order for this vehicle to get repaired. I now have to put it back into the shop for the 5th time in 14 months for the thermostat to be replaced yet again because it went out. I am not happy with this as I live in Alaska and it keeps going out in the winter months.

    NHTSA complaint 11457901
17. Filed Jan 4, 2021Failure Jan 2, 202154,136 milesVancover, WAEngineFire

    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
18. Filed Dec 12, 2020Failure Nov 26, 202045,000 milesGlendale, AZEngine

    MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON , SO I HAD IT RAN FOR A TEST WHICH P2076 HAS CAME UP AS 1 OF THE CODES. PRIOR TO FINDING THIS OUT MY CAR HAS CUT OFF ON ME 3 TIMES JUST BEING STROPPED AT A RED LIGHT. LAST TIME WAS ON THANKSGIVING 2020, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, BUT IT DID CUT BACK ON. THE OTHER 2 TIMES THAT MY CAR SUDDENLY CUT OFF ON ME, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT VISIBLE AT THE TIME WHICH IS VERY SCARY IF A CAR IS CUTTING OFF

    NHTSA complaint 11383134
19. Filed Oct 5, 2020Failure Oct 1, 2020Berkeley, ILEngine

    THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED IT FROM. IT'S ONLY BEING FIVE MONTHS AND I AM HAVING THESE ERRORS AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE COOLANT HAS LEAKED OUT AND I HAD TO REFILL THE COOLANT.

    NHTSA complaint 11362828
20. Filed Aug 7, 2020Failure Aug 7, 202058,000 milesLansdale, PAEngine

    MY COOLANT HAS CONTINUOUSLY LEAKED SINCE I GOT THE CAR. IT MAY BE A HOSE ISSUE, BUT MY "ENGINE OVERHEATING- IDLE ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, AND MY COOLANT RESERVOIR KEEPS EMPTYING QUICKLY. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR INSTANCES WITH THIS PARTICULAR YEAR OF THE CHEVY SONIC. MY AIR ALSO GETS WARM VERY OFTEN, WHICH IS LINKED TO THE COOLANT ISSUE. MY CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS LIGHT COMES ON.

    NHTSA complaint 11343977