Best and worst Chevy Sonic years — which to avoid | REREV (2024)

The Chevy Sonic replaced the Aveo as Chevrolet’s compact, affordable vehicle for the 2012 model year. The Sonic still has flaws despite coming from a reputable automaker, and transmission issues are the most common problem with this model. In this article, we will look at the Chevy Sonic years to avoid, problems common to this model, and the Chevy Sonic best years.

There were some issues with certain model years that you wouldn’t want to overlook, which is why we’ll give you all the essential details in this guide. We’ll focus on NHTSA complaints, driver satisfaction feedback, and other rating methods to determine which model years you should strive to get, and which ones to avoid.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Chevy Sonic years

While in the making of this guide, our team ranked the Chevy Sonic years on best and worst according to official traffic safety websites. We mostly used verified and double-checked information listed on NHTSA and IIHS to obtain the main details behind Chevy Sonic complaints and recalls.

Along with that, we also went through driver reviews on reputable sites like Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports to give you the details on the model’s reliability from the driver’s perspective, so here are the results.

Chevy Sonic GenerationBest Chevy Sonic YearsWorst Chevy Sonic Years
1st generation2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 20202012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Most common Chevy Sonic problems

The problems with certain model years could ultimately cost you thousands of dollars in maintenance and replacement costs. These are the main model-specific issues related to Chevy Sonic:

1. Reluctant gear shifting

Shift reluctance is the most frequent Sonic transmission issue. Although there is a Sonic model with a manual transmission, this issue only occurs with the automatic model. After 30,000 miles of driving, the problem becomes apparent.

To indicate that the computer in charge of shifting the gears is not functioning correctly and at the appropriate time, the vehicle will appear to be working harder than it should, either by accelerating up or slowing down.

2. Transmission failure from turbine shaft fracture

The turbine shaft is crucial for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels; if it breaks, the car can no longer function. Depending on whether the vehicle is in first through second gear or third through sixth gear, the Chevy Sonic’s turbine shaft fracture has two possible results. The first scenario is the less hazardous of the two since the automobile can no longer shift above the second gear, which causes it to slow down considerably and give the driver more time and engine power to avoid oncoming traffic.

If the turbine shaft fails when you are shifting between the third and sixth gear, the car quickly comes to a complete stop. After 70,000 miles of use, this issue usually manifests itself. Since the entire transmission must be replaced if this occurs, the repair costs between $3,000 and $4,000.

3. The shifter button becomes impossible or difficult to press

According to Sonic owners, the shifter button on the stickshift becomes stickier and more difficult to press with time, finally becoming unusable. This problem can result in the frustrating position of being unable to enter or exit reverse. This annoying issue is inexpensive to correct since the car’s more intricate and delicate mechanisms are not at fault. However, in severe circumstances, it might still make Sonic useless.

The sticky shifter button had the potential to be exceedingly dangerous in some situations since it would catch the stickshift mid-gear, which would allow the lever to be accidentally and quickly flung into reverse while the vehicle was traveling swiftly. This issue typically arises after 54,000 miles of driving and may be fixed for only $40. The 2012 Sonic exhibits it the most frequently.

4. Check engine light issues

There aren’t many immediate repercussions that could result from this issue, but if the check engine light loses its usefulness, many long-term problems could go undetected. When your automobile has been operating smoothly for some time, it can be tempting to ignore the check engine light, which is dangerous.

The check engine light on the 2012 Chevy Sonic frequently illuminates without apparent reason. This issue typically arises at 52,000 miles and may be fixed for only $100 to $200. In case the warning shows up for no obvious reason, it can be sorted out even for less with a trick to turn off the check engine light.

5. Engine stalling at random or not starting

Some 2014 Sonic owners have noted a pattern of stalling and power loss that isn’t related to the transmission. Drivers either encountered this issue when they tried to start their parked automobiles or were on the road and discovered that everything that needed power had abruptly shut off.

Some Sonic drivers discovered that the issue vanished temporarily or entirely, while others experienced a harsh awakening when it reappeared. The average cost to repair the Chevy Sonic’s stalling problem was $1,350, which often cropped up after 70,000 miles of driving.

6. Radiator leaking

A malfunctioning water pump, thermostat, hose, or coolant might cause a Chevy Sonic radiator leak. The radiator leak will cause your engine to run hot or overheat, and a cracked head or a faulty head gasket is just two long-term severe effects of overheating.

Worst Chevy Sonic years to avoid

Despite being reasonably priced and simple to operate, some Sonic models had more issues than others. So, are you wondering what are the worst Chevy Sonic years? The worst Chevy Sonic years are 2012 and 2013, but you should avoid all of the listed years:

  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015

We’ll also further discuss those model years and their persistent issues to make sure you understand why it’s essential to avoid them when buying one.

First-generation Sonic (2012-2015 model years)

The 2015 Chevy Sonic is the least problematic vehicle on the list of the worst years, but it received several complaints. Electrical issues with the car, including lights turning on and off, doors locking and unlocking, dash lights turning on and off, and loss of power steering, were common complaints. Numerous owners also complained of engine stalling, connected to antifreeze leaks.

The 2014 model had common issues like the passenger seat light coming on and off on its own, the vehicle starting on its own with no manual input, the car sporadically not responding to the fob, and the inability to get the key fob out of the ignition.

Engine issues were well-known to exist with the 2013 Chevy Sonic. A variety of problems, including coolant leaks, radiator fan failure, catalytic converter troubles, and thermostat failure, were reported by owners. There have been numerous reports of odometer problems, with owners claiming that the dashes on their Sonic’s odometer suddenly replaced the mileage reading. Also, owners frequently complained that their automobiles would blow hot air instead of cold due to air conditioning issues.

It should not be surprising that the 2012 model is the most problematic statistically because it was the first cheap car generation. Unintentional acceleration, abrupt jerking or shifting, and jammed gears were all reported by owners (unable to shift gears). This model was infamous for having a poor transmission prone to failing early.

What are the best Chevy Sonic years to buy?

The Sonic years listed below are the best options when purchasing a Sonic vehicle;

  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016

If you are going for one of these, we suggest you skip the early model years and go straight for one of the latter ones. The 2019 and 2020 Chevy Sonic models are pretty durable and remarkably efficient, as well as ranked as some of the best models.

2020 Chevy Sonic

The 2020 Sonic is undoubtedly the best model because it has the fewest issues and is also the most technologically sophisticated in terms of features and safety gear. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and has a built-in 4G LTE hotspot. Despite being a small vehicle, it has a roomy interior for its class and a powerful engine. In addition to removing the six-speed manual transmission, two new paint colors were added for 2020.

2019 Chevy Sonic

Another safe option is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. This model received very few complaints, partly attributed to its simplicity but also because many of the issues with earlier models had been fixed by the company. According to auto reviewers, this model has stylish aesthetics, a fast engine, and generous storage. The base 1.8-liter engine was dropped for 2019 in favor of the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as standard.

Additionally, Chevrolet discontinued the Fun and Sun package (17-inch alloy wheels, 1.4-liter turbo engine, sunroof), and the remote start was added as an option to the LT Convenience Package. The MyLink infotainment system was improved, and a second USB connection was added to the 2018 Sonic. Furthermore, it received high marks for crash test safety.

Is the Chevy Sonic worth buying?

Considering the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Sonic, the model is worth buying if you’re on a low budget.

Dive into our detailed articles like Chevy Spark years to avoid, Hyundai Accent years to avoid, and Kia Rio years to avoid that cut straight to the chase, linking you to the insights you need on each model. Find out which one ticks all your boxes for your next ride.

Are Chevy Sonics reliable cars?

Chevy Sonics are not the most reliable cars in the market and this is evident in their poor reliability ratings over the years.

How many miles is a Chevy Sonic good for?

According to various mileage figures, a Chevy Sonic may travel between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Even high-mileage Sonics with around 400,000 kilometers were discovered.

Which is better, Chevy Sonic or Spark?

The Spark is an excellent option if you only want to use your compact car for commuting and don’t require more passenger or baggage capacity. The Sonic is a better choice for those who frequently plan to transport both passengers and freight. Both vehicles are inexpensive for their class and offer the same level of dependability and quality as the Chevrolet brand.

Why did Chevy stop making Sonic?

Chevrolet sold 13,971 units in 2019, down significantly from 55,255 in 2016, highlighting the segment’s overall decline over the past ten years and the model’s year-to-year sales decline. This sales decline prompted the company to discontinue production.

Best and worst Chevy Sonic years — which to avoid | REREV (2024)

FAQs

Is a Chevrolet Sonic a reliable car? ›

According to RepairPal, the Chevy Sonic reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0. The Sonic requires repairs about five times a year, with an annual maintenance and repair cost averaging $536.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Sonic? ›

Cooling System Failures and Overheating

The Chevrolet Sonic is not immune to cooling system failures. These can lead to overheating, which can cause severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. Common cooling system issues include: Leaks in the cooling system causing low coolant levels.

How many miles is a Chevy Sonic good for? ›

Typical mileage for the Chevy Sonic is 150,000-200,000 miles. Thus, high mileage is around 130,000-140,000 miles. This is the point where the Sonic might start to encounter some more damaging issues and it's probably already experienced many minor ones that start to drive car owner's crazy in time.

Does a Chevy Sonic have a timing belt or timing chain? ›

Newer models use timing belts made of polyurethane and Kevlar for long life and durability. They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it's always a good idea to change it before then. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.

Are Chevy Sonics expensive to repair? ›

Chevrolet Sonic Maintenance Costs

A Chevrolet Sonic will cost about $6,190 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for popular hatchback models by $3,809. There is also a 18.17% chance that a Sonic will require a major repair during that time.

Why did Chevy discontinue the Sonic? ›

The new car is a larger version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which the plant currently produces alongside the Sonic. GM decided to axe the Sonic “due to declining demand,” according to Soule. Since selling nearly 100,000 Sonics in 2014, sales have declined every year by between 15% to more than %.

Is a Chevy Sonic expensive to insure? ›

The average annual premium for a Chevrolet Sonic auto policy is $1,770 for full and $946 for minimum coverage. To drive legally in your state, you must purchase auto insurance.

Do Chevy Sonics hold their value? ›

A Chevrolet Sonic will depreciate 38% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $11,718.

Are Chevy Sonics good on gas? ›

While the EPA estimates that the Sonic will return 34 mpg on the highway, we managed just 31 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel economy test; for comparison, the Rio managed 43 mpg and the Fit got 41 mpg when equipped with a manual transmission.

How long does the timing belt last on a Chevy Sonic? ›

How often do timing belts need to be replaced? Timing belts are replaced as part of scheduled maintenance, usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

What is the last year of the Chevy Sonic? ›

As previously mentioned, Chevy Sonic production ended at the GM Lake Orion plant in October 2020. The last Sonic ever manufactured was a sedan in LT form. Equipped with the RS package, this unit was painted in Mosaic Black Metallic paint and featured a Jet Black interior colorway.

Why is my Chevy Sonic shutting off while driving? ›

The most common reasons a Chevrolet Sonic engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.

Is Chevy Sonic good or bad? ›

According to repairpal.com, the Chevrolet Sonic has an average reliability rating of four out of five. Compared to 21 subcompact cars, it is ranked 14th overall. It's about the middle of the pack in terms of overall reliability.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Chevy Sonic? ›

The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).

Does a Chevy Sonic have a CVT transmission? ›

Cadillac: No modern Cadillac is equipped with a CVT. Chevrolet: The Bolt, Camaro, Corvette, Cruze, Impala, Sonic, Volt, Blazer, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax, Colorado and all Silverados are not equipped with CVTs.

Which is the most reliable car? ›

The most reliable car brands
  • Lexus. Reliability rating 98.3% ...
  • Toyota. Reliability rating 97.4% ...
  • Mini. Reliability rating 97.2% ...
  • Suzuki. Reliability rating 96.9% ...
  • Mitsubishi. Reliability rating 96.2% ...
  • Honda. Reliability rating 95.9% ...
  • Hyundai. Reliability rating 94.3% ...
  • Kia. Reliability rating 93.8%
Jun 1, 2024

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