2018 Chevrolet Sonic

Recalls

1 recall names the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. Newest first.

• Seats

  May 27, 2018NHTSA 18V34200071 vehicles

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy

  GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system6
2. Engine4
3. Seats2
4. Unknown or other2
5. Wheels2
6. Seat belts1
7. Steering1
8. Visibility/wiper1
9. Parking brake1
10. Exterior lighting1

Latest complaints

• Oct 14, 2026CA
  Electrical system
  My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove…

  My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove the infotainment fuse to prevent battery drain. On October 10, 2026, after a three-day trip, the vehicle was completely dead. My 2,000-amp portable jump starter could not start it. Another running vehicle had to supply power before it would start. The vehicle then operated and restarted normally for approximately three days. On October 13, 2026, after several successful starts, I parked at 10 AM. By 4 PM, the vehicle produced rapid clicking sounds, then lost all electrical power. My jump starter again failed. Another person had to help push the car into the street and connect jumper cables to a running vehicle before it could start. AutoZone testing initially showed battery failure, but subsequent tests passed. The alternator and starter reportedly passed. I purchased a replacement battery on October 13 for approximately $135. The vehicle started normally afterward, but the underlying infotainment malfunction remains unresolved. GM Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-048 documents unwanted radio activation and possible continuous parasitic battery drain in certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The bulletin identifies a possible manufacturing-related cause. Whether this specific defect affects my vehicle has not been confirmed. I am a disabled woman with chronic illness and limited mobility. Being unexpectedly stranded creates serious safety risks because I cannot necessarily walk for assistance or tolerate prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this is a broader safety-related electrical defect and determine whether a manufacturer safety recall is warranted.

• Jul 22, 2025IL
  Engine
  Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring…

  Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no additional actionable codes. Vehicle also displayed a change oil warning, likely triggered by overheating. This vehicle has a known history of turbocharger and coolant system defects, which have been acknowledged in GM technical service bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Programs. I have reason to believe this situation qualifies for one of those programs. Despite paying $730 for a prior repair, the vehicle is now exhibiting the same safety-related malfunction, putting my son at risk of engine damage and breakdown. We have also taken the car to Mike Anderson Chevrolet twice for inspection and they reported finding nothing. I am respectfully requesting the following: A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire cooling system and turbocharger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

• May 15, 2025OH85,000 mi
  Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
  The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel.…

  The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

• Nov 6, 2022TX
  Unknown or other

  My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should report it.

• Jun 28, 2022FL15,000 mi
  Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

  The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.

• Apr 30, 2022MS
  Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system

  The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while other are behind you going 70 mph which can cause a wreck

• Oct 12, 2021OH28,000 mi
  Engine · Parking brake · Seats
  The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The…

  The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.

• Mar 3, 2021FL96,000 mi
  Electrical system · Wheels

  My radio turns off and on, on its own. Also when I have my bluetooth turned on for my phone, it gets stuck after I hang up the phone after a call. I was driving home from work on a state road. my right wheel bearing went out and I had to replace it last year.

• Sep 1, 2020AL39,000 mi
  Seat belts

  The passenger seat belt does not clip or will come undone at any given time. I made the dealership aware of the concern when the vehicle had approximately 39,000 miles. They stated that since it was out of warranty it did not qualify for production defect. This IS a safety concern that could endanger the life of a person if west belt fails during a crash.

• Mar 5, 2020FL
  Electrical system · Engine · Visibility/wiper
  Today I'm writing in behalf of carite of oakland park I had a email chat with brian mccoy the branch owner of the company, I was told by him that the car was put in as repo status, due to me giving the car back. I feel my life was put in danger numerous of times and due to the negligence of the…

  Today I'm writing in behalf of carite of oakland park I had a email chat with brian mccoy the branch owner of the company, I was told by him that the car was put in as repo status, due to me giving the car back. I feel my life was put in danger numerous of times and due to the negligence of the company I was not given a reliable vehicle nor was I treated as a valued customer... good day, I've made all attempts regarding this situation with carite I'm the time allowed.. I'm requesting a full refund of my money I've made it clear and I don't want nothing else from these people at this company. I've told the owner not to have the car delivered on today 2/8/20 he still insist the driver greg to do so, I've rejected to receive the vehicle instead of honoring my request I'm getting phone calls from other parties at carite I guess to reconsider! No, I want my money my life will not be in danger due to they're negligence.. Thank you,the items submitted are receipts of payments also, the day of 1/20/20 I drove to fort lauderdale on the accept ion of getting the ac repaired and the windshield. Nothing took place for being there for 6 hours only to head back home exhausted�� and to finally get 50 miles home the car started to blow white exhaust from the vents, I immediately called carite and spoke with kim, who's in responsible for repair and maintenance. I told her what was going on and that I've had enough. I get home, wake up the next day to go to a dr appointment only for the car to not star! I lift the hood so my neighbor could give me a jump and this IS what I find under the hood.. ( the pliers next to the battery that was left there and I drove home with it on the car that's alone it's enough puts my life in danger...

• Dec 26, 2019KY22,000 mi
  Electrical system
  Having an issue with the radio itself, its went black a few times on me as I was driving. And also when I was parked. No response on it at all. Im afraid if something happens like when im in a wreck and when I try to call onstar while its not working im afraid of it not connecting, and also ive had…

  Having an issue with the radio itself, its went black a few times on me as I was driving. And also when I was parked. No response on it at all. Im afraid if something happens like when im in a wreck and when I try to call onstar while its not working im afraid of it not connecting, and also ive had issues with the window switches not rolling up or down the windows no clicking noises when I push on the switch all four have done it, acting like its not getting a electric signal to the switches, what I usually do when that happens IS pull the car over turn off the iginition and let the car sit for 30 seconds then start the car and it usually works. Ive also checked to make sure the safety switch aint on and it isnt.

• Sep 16, 2019MD26,950 mi
  Electrical system

  My 2018 chevrolet sonic radio screen went black without warning while I was driving. I lost all functions through the radio screen. This happened a second time in route to work within a few days. I'm concerned that the radio may go black during an emergency when I need to use on star.

• Feb 19, 2019IL
  Steering · Unknown or other · Wheels

  The 2018 sonic IS not safe to drive in the snow. It has no traction to start from a stopped position, no traction to stop and no ability to control steering or turning.

• Nov 16, 2018NC
  Exterior lighting
  During night operation, the backlight of the center screen IS so bright it causes difficulty seeing the road. the instrument cluster IS at an acceptable level (as adjusted by the switch to the left of the steering wheel), but the center screen IS still too bright. a simple floating software…

  During night operation, the backlight of the center screen IS so bright it causes difficulty seeing the road. the instrument cluster IS at an acceptable level (as adjusted by the switch to the left of the steering wheel), but the center screen IS still too bright. a simple floating software button allowing a display off function would address issue. as it IS, the display off function IS hidden in a submenu requiring inattention to the road to activate. *tr

• Nov 14, 2018CA15,000 mi
  Seats

  My driver seat drops a level while I drive . Very dangerous and hazardous.

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.
• 11007777This Preliminary information communicates that the radio remaining on for 11 minutes after RAP is canceled willresolve itself after a few drive cycles.
• 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.

Every Chevrolet Sonic model year

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