2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine19
2. Air bags6
3. Electrical system5
4. Visibility/wiper4
5. Fuel/propulsion system4
6. Steering4
7. Unknown or other4
8. Vehicle speed control3
9. Electronic stability control (esc)3
10. Service brakes2

Latest complaints

• Apr 21, 2026NC
  Engine · Structure › 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

• Feb 6, 2026AZ55,000 mi
  Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › 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 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.

• Nov 4, 2025TXCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  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…

  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.

• Aug 17, 2025MD
  Electrical system · Engine

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

• Mar 5, 2025MD
  Engine

  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.

• Jul 18, 2024LA
  Electrical 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…

  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.

• Apr 26, 2024CA108,000 mi
  Engine
  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…

  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.

• Apr 2, 2024CA
  Engine · 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.

• Feb 12, 2024IL
  Unknown 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.

• Dec 19, 2023CA
  Electrical 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…

  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.

• Jul 15, 2023IL
  Engine
  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…

  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.

• Jun 28, 2023WA
  Engine
  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…

  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.

• Feb 16, 2023CA
  Engine · Vehicle speed control

  Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.

• Jul 9, 2022OK
  Engine · 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…

  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.

• Jul 5, 2022IL120,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  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…

  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.

• Mar 22, 2022AK
  Unknown 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…

  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.

• Jan 4, 2021WA54,136 miFire
  Engine
  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…

  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.

• Dec 12, 2020AZ45,000 mi
  Engine
  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…

  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

• Oct 5, 2020IL
  Engine

  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.

• Aug 7, 2020PA58,000 mi
  Engine

  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.

• Aug 4, 2020WV28,395 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system

  Lights come on after driving about 12 miles, the engine looses power bad , when you let up on gas foot it takes very long to get it going slow to build up power.regular roadway, no hills .lights go out when parked a while then come back on after 12 miles.

• Apr 2, 2020OH65,000 miCrash
  Air bags · Engine

  I was hit head on and the air bag did not deploy it could have been way worse than it was but it should have deployed and my engine IS junk. Having issues with it and its less than 70000 miles

• Jan 26, 2020FL
  Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system · Visibility/wiper
  Evap purge solenoid stuck open causing car to stall out while driving down the highway- streets. If stopped at a light or had to slow down it would cause the car to stall in mid intersection and put myself and family in danger of getting into an accident. Windshield washer unit stopped working…

  Evap purge solenoid stuck open causing car to stall out while driving down the highway- streets. If stopped at a light or had to slow down it would cause the car to stall in mid intersection and put myself and family in danger of getting into an accident. Windshield washer unit stopped working causing my windshield to impair my visibility not once but twice now. Dash lights keep dimming sometimes when I start the car and sometimes while im driving down the road causing it hard to tell the speed and fuel level but doesnt do it all the time it comes and goes.

• Jan 26, 2020NY50,000 mi
  Engine

  Car has gone through 4 valve covers in 5 moths. Its a known problem and gm has and will not extend warranty.

• Dec 27, 2019OK10 mi
  Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
  TL* the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet sonic. While driving 15 mph, the contact made a left turn and the front driver's side tire made an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to david stanley chevrolet (614 w interstate 240 service rd, oklahoma…

  TL* the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet sonic. While driving 15 mph, the contact made a left turn and the front driver's side tire made an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to david stanley chevrolet (614 w interstate 240 service rd, oklahoma city, ok 73139) where the front driver's side tire was replaced. After the tire was replaced, the vehicle failed to function while turning the steering wheel without warning. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was determined that the wheel bearings were defective. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
• 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
• 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
• 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
• 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
• 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
• 11011420This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
• 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
• 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
• 11010651This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
• 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
• 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
• 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
• 11010493This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
• 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
• 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
• 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
• 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
• 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
• 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
• 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
• 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
• 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
• 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
• 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
• 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
• 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
• 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
• 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
• 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
• 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
• 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
• 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
• 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
• 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
• 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
• 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
• 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
• 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
• 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.

Every Chevrolet Sonic model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.