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2014 Chevrolet Sonic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sonic years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 42.5.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 38 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports4 fire reports5 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

49 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2026
Electrical SystemFire

A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct polarity, both terminals tight and free of corrosion, hold-down secured. The car ran normally for about eight weeks, with no warning…

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A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct polarity, both terminals tight and free of corrosion, hold-down secured. The car ran normally for about eight weeks, with no warning lights or electrical symptoms. On 09/10/2026 at about 12:00 p.m., the car caught fire while parked. It had not been driven or started since about 5:00 p.m. the day before (about 19 hours), so the engine and charging system were off. The fire appears to have started at the battery. It stayed in the engine compartment but melted the underhood fuse box and the engine wiring harness. The local volunteer fire department responded, and a police report was filed. No one was hurt, but a battery fire in a parked, unattended car could easily spread to a home, garage, or other vehicles. The car had an earlier front-end repair after hitting a deer. It had been driven for more than a year since that repair with no electrical problems. The vehicle and the battery remains have been left in place and are available for inspection. The retailer and manufacturer have not inspected them yet.

NHTSA ODI #11763464

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition

NHTSA ODI #11721600

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2024
Electrical System

Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been with the d…

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Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been with the dealer now for a third time for same issue. They’ve had it for 3 weeks and 2 days total. Still an issue.

NHTSA ODI #11619905

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2024
Electrical System

The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it usually will start again aft…

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The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it usually will start again after shutting down

NHTSA ODI #11594533

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made …

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My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.

NHTSA ODI #11530002

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I w…

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Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard

NHTSA ODI #11528587

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2022
Electrical System

This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again. I have had it to service department and there are no codes generated, this started back in 6/2021 and co…

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This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again. I have had it to service department and there are no codes generated, this started back in 6/2021 and continues to be a problem

NHTSA ODI #11499123

15,000 miles · Sep 6, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

BUTTON ON FLOOR-MOUNTED GEAR SHIFT STICKS IN. CAN'T GET KEY FOB OUT OF IGNITION. STICKS ALL THE TIME. SECOND INCIDENT THIS YEAR. CAN'T TURN CAR OFF. PROBLEM SO COMMON THERE ARE YOU-TUBE VIDEOS ON REPAIR TECHNIQUES. CAR IS USUALLY STATIONARY, BUT SHIFTER WON'T WORK BECAUSE OF STUCK BUTTON.

NHTSA ODI #11353382

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

THISNVEHICLE WAS PURCHASE ON THE YEAR 2016 OF APRIL. SO HAPPY AT FIRST BUT IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS HAVE PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS AND ONE OF TTHE COVER OF THE FRONT MIRRORS ARE MISSING . CALLED AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER (TOYOTA OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD ) AND SAID BRING IT TO THE CHEVY BRANCH WHERE THEY CANNCHECK AND FIX IT . IT WAS STRESSIN…

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THISNVEHICLE WAS PURCHASE ON THE YEAR 2016 OF APRIL. SO HAPPY AT FIRST BUT IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS HAVE PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS AND ONE OF TTHE COVER OF THE FRONT MIRRORS ARE MISSING . CALLED AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER (TOYOTA OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD ) AND SAID BRING IT TO THE CHEVY BRANCH WHERE THEY CANNCHECK AND FIX IT . IT WAS STRESSING AND DEPRESSING CAUSE EVRYWEEK PASSED YOU'LL EXPERIENCED ANOTHER PROBLEM SUCH AS AIRDCONDITION AND HEATER NOT WORKING . I'VE BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO CHEVY IN VAN NUYS , CALIFORNIA BUT THEY ARE SAYING THAT THERE'S NO WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE . I TRIED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THAT DEALER BUT THEY SAID THAT MY CREDIT SCORE STILL LOW OF COURSE IT WILL SHOW THAT CAUSE I JUST BOUGHT IT AND MY CREDIT HASN'T BEEN SMESTABLISH YET , WHEN I BOUGHT IT THEY ASKED A LARGE AMOUNT $3500 OF DOWN PAYMENT DUE TO HAVING LOW SCORE. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE CAUSE I WILL USE A VEHICLE THAT HAS ELECTRICAL DISFUNCTIONAL. I HAVEN'T EVEN USE THE HEATER AND THE AIRCON ON THIS CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT CAUSE IT'S NOT WORKING . YOU CAN ASK THE DEALER HOW MANY TIMES I WENT THERE AND TRIED TO BEG TO GIVE ME A DIFFERENT CAR BUT NO LUCK INSTEAD I FOUND OUT THE SALES PERSON SOLD THE CAR TO ME WASN'T WORKING THERE ANYMORE . AND I WALKED OUT WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM THEM . YOU CAN EVEN ASK CHEVY IN VAN NUYS HOW MANY TIME I'VE BEEN THERE TO ASK HELP CAUSE THE DEALER ALWAYS POINTING ME BACK TO THEM . IT'S HARD TO USE A FINANCE CAR PAYING $396 SOMETHING A MONTH AND THE CAR IS NOT FUNCTIONING RIGHT . THEY HAVE ADDED A GAP INSURANCE ON MY CONTRACT AND EVEN THAT COMPANY WASN'T HELPING ME AT ALL . SO I END UP USING THIS CAR WITHOUT ACCESS ON AIRCONDITION AND HEATER . SUFFER 4 YEARS WITHOUT THESE BENEFITS . I COULDN'T AFFORD FIXING THAT EVER SINCE CAUSE IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE . YOU CAN SEE THAT I HAVEN'T PUT A LOT OF MILEAGE ON THIS CAR CAUSE I DON'T REALLY USE IT THAT MUCH. STILL PAYING THIS .

NHTSA ODI #11351713

72,060 miles · Dec 23, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train

TEMP 45-50 DEGREES, DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN FOR 20-25 MINUTES, CRUISE CONTROL ON. ACTIVATE HIGH BEAMS, CAR SHIFTS TO 1ST GEAR AT 65 MPH, RPMS JUMP ABOVE 6000, TURN OFF HIGH BEAMS RETURNS TO NORMAL OPERATION. REPEATED 2 MORE TIMES IN NEXT 4 MILES, EVEN AT 25 MPH. WHEN END OF TRIP, SHUT OFF CAR AND COMPLETELY DEAD, NO LIGHTS, NO…

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TEMP 45-50 DEGREES, DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN FOR 20-25 MINUTES, CRUISE CONTROL ON. ACTIVATE HIGH BEAMS, CAR SHIFTS TO 1ST GEAR AT 65 MPH, RPMS JUMP ABOVE 6000, TURN OFF HIGH BEAMS RETURNS TO NORMAL OPERATION. REPEATED 2 MORE TIMES IN NEXT 4 MILES, EVEN AT 25 MPH. WHEN END OF TRIP, SHUT OFF CAR AND COMPLETELY DEAD, NO LIGHTS, NO CRANKING. FOLLOWING MORNING (TODAY) CAR STARTS NORMALLY. WILL REPORT ANY FURTHER FROM MY COMMUTE TODAY, IF WARRANTED

NHTSA ODI #11290822

Official recalls

4

16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Apr 28, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

14V543000 · Air Bags

Sep 9, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

14V417000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

13V464000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Sep 26, 2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.