NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
150 reports55,000 miles · Mar 21, 2018
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringCrash
WENT TO PASS AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER ON AN INTERSTATE AND AS I ACCELLERATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL, WHEN I RAN OVER A BUMPY PART IN THE ROAD DUE TO A BRIDGE THAT FELL , I LOST ALL STABILITY CONTROL AND CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. WE SLAMMED INTO THE CAB OF THE RITE ENTRANCE WHEELER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN THE FRONT. N…
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WENT TO PASS AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER ON AN INTERSTATE AND AS I ACCELLERATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL, WHEN I RAN OVER A BUMPY PART IN THE ROAD DUE TO A BRIDGE THAT FELL , I LOST ALL STABILITY CONTROL AND CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. WE SLAMMED INTO THE CAB OF THE RITE ENTRANCE WHEELER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IN THE FRONT. NO AIR BAGS WERE RELEASED. WHEN WE HIT THE EITEEN WHEELER IT PUSHED OUR CAR TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE WIRE RAILING, THE BACK OF OUR VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HIT THE TRAILER. NO AIR BAGS RELEASED. WE THEN GRINNED ACROSS THE WIRE RAILING AND RAN OVER A FEW CONES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. ON ALL THREE IMPACTS, NO AIR BAGS WERE RELEASED.
NHTSA ODI #11080642
62,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
ON 03/12/2018 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT MY CAR STARTED "BUCKLING", WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN HESISTATION AND MAJOR LOSS OF POWER OCCURED. FINALLY GOT GOING AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO WORK AND PARK IT WOULDN'T START AFTER I WENT IN AND CAME BACK OUT. GOT IT JUMPED AND WENT TO …
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ON 03/12/2018 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT MY CAR STARTED "BUCKLING", WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN HESISTATION AND MAJOR LOSS OF POWER OCCURED. FINALLY GOT GOING AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO WORK AND PARK IT WOULDN'T START AFTER I WENT IN AND CAME BACK OUT. GOT IT JUMPED AND WENT TO BOTH NAPA AND AUTO ZONE BOTH SAID IT WAS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. GOT THE PART THE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED IT. ALL WAS WELL TILL TODAY 03/15/2018 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND MY CAR STARTED HESISTATING ON THE HIGHWAY AND EVENTUALLY STALLING AS I WAS PULLING OF TO THE ACCESS ROADS. PRIOR TO HOT AIR WAS BLOWING OUT OF MY A.C WHILE THE COLD SETTING WAS ON. MADE MY WAY TO AUTO ZONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS P0171 RUNNING TO LEAN/TOO MUCH AIR. IN THE PARKING LOT ENSURED THE OIL CAP, DIP STICK, AIR FILTER CABIN WERE ALL SEALED TIGHT, WIRES WERE FINE, UPON INSPECTION OF THE AIR CLEANER INTAKE DUCT HOSE FOUND OUT IT WAS BROKEN ALL THE WAY AROUND THE HOSE. CALLED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AGENT AND HE INFORMED ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT MAY NOT BE COVERED. IF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PEOPLE AND THE MANUFACTURES KNOW OF THIS, WHY NOT MENTION IT IN THE MANUAL OR HAVE THE TECHS WHO CHANGE OUR OIL AND AIR FILTERS LOOK AT IT AND MENTION IT TO US SINCE ITS RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIR COMPARTMENT. AS I DROVE IT BACK HOME TO PARK, THE ENGINE STALLED ON ME AGAIN LUCKILY IT WAS AS I WAS PARKING.
NHTSA ODI #11079680
64,913 miles · Feb 16, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A VAN DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AMBULANCE WAS NOT CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A VAN DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AMBULANCE WAS NOT CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NECK AND A CONCUSSION AND HER SPOUSE SUSTAINED A SPRAINED NECK AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,913.
NHTSA ODI #11073247
69,000 miles · Feb 16, 2018
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF LIGHT IS ALMOST ALWAYS OFF WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED WHETHER ITS SOMEONE THAT WEIGHS 100LBS UP TO 225LBS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING. RARELY, WITH A HEAVIER OCCUPANT OF 200LBS OR MORE, THE AIRBAG ON/OFF LIGHT WILL SAY ON. BUT MOST OF THE TIME, WITH ANY OCCUPANT, THE AIRBAG ON/…
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PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF LIGHT IS ALMOST ALWAYS OFF WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED WHETHER ITS SOMEONE THAT WEIGHS 100LBS UP TO 225LBS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING. RARELY, WITH A HEAVIER OCCUPANT OF 200LBS OR MORE, THE AIRBAG ON/OFF LIGHT WILL SAY ON. BUT MOST OF THE TIME, WITH ANY OCCUPANT, THE AIRBAG ON/OFF REMAINS OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11073218
58,500 miles · Feb 12, 2018
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SHIFTER BECAME STUCK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GO INTO PARK, WHICH CAUSED THE KEY TO BECOME STUCK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (MOUNTAIN VIEW CHEVROLET, 890 RIVERFRONT PKWY, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37402) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE SH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SHIFTER BECAME STUCK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GO INTO PARK, WHICH CAUSED THE KEY TO BECOME STUCK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (MOUNTAIN VIEW CHEVROLET, 890 RIVERFRONT PKWY, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37402) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 20,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,500.
NHTSA ODI #11072410
50,000 miles · Feb 4, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train
TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS HARD SHIFT/NO SHIFT SLIPPING AT 60K HAD TO BE FIXED BUT STILL ACTS UP. ENGINE COOLANT PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASE AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND 3 THERMOSTAT HOUSINGS HAVE BEEN PUT ON. UPON PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK THE ENGINE WILL REV TO ABOUT 5K RPMS. THE KEY…
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TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS HARD SHIFT/NO SHIFT SLIPPING AT 60K HAD TO BE FIXED BUT STILL ACTS UP. ENGINE COOLANT PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASE AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND 3 THERMOSTAT HOUSINGS HAVE BEEN PUT ON. UPON PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK THE ENGINE WILL REV TO ABOUT 5K RPMS. THE KEY GETS INCREADIBLY HOT WHILE DRIVING AND IT ACTUALLY BURNED MY DAUGHTER. IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE IGNITION AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO CRANK IT'S SELF. IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF WIND THE VEHICLE WILL SWAY AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #11066842
67,000 miles · Dec 28, 2017
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (JOHN BOWMAN CHEVROLET INC, 6750 DIXIE HIGHWAY, CLARKSTON, MICHIGAN 48346) DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (JOHN BOWMAN CHEVROLET INC, 6750 DIXIE HIGHWAY, CLARKSTON, MICHIGAN 48346) DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: # [XXX]. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11057205
58,000 miles · Nov 7, 2017
Electrical System
MY CAR STALLED GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP WHERE ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WENT OFF THEN BACK ON. AFTER COASTING TO THE SIDEWALK, TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON. VEH SURGED FORWARD AFTER MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, IT'S ALSO DONE THAT ON A RIGHT HAND TURN. ALSO TIRE ON DRIVERS SIDE LOCKED UP. FINAL TIME OCCURRED WITH VEH SURGING …
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MY CAR STALLED GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP WHERE ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WENT OFF THEN BACK ON. AFTER COASTING TO THE SIDEWALK, TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON. VEH SURGED FORWARD AFTER MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, IT'S ALSO DONE THAT ON A RIGHT HAND TURN. ALSO TIRE ON DRIVERS SIDE LOCKED UP. FINAL TIME OCCURRED WITH VEH SURGING WAS RECENTLY AS IT SURGED AND ALL THE LOCKS WERE GOING UP AND DOWN. HA E HAD CONCERNS WHILE BACKING OUT AND LOOSING POWER TO STEERING.
NHTSA ODI #11044020
65,000 miles · Nov 6, 2017
Power Train
MY WIFE AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH OUR 2014 CHEVY SONIC. IT WAS GETTING HOT TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAD A CRACK ON THE SEAM. MYSELF, I AM A WELDER KNOWS THAT IN ORDER FOR A SEAM TO CRACK AFTER WELDED, 3 MAIN AND EASY ISSUES HAD TO HAPPEN SUCH AS, A. WELD GOT TOO HOT W…
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MY WIFE AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH OUR 2014 CHEVY SONIC. IT WAS GETTING HOT TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAD A CRACK ON THE SEAM. MYSELF, I AM A WELDER KNOWS THAT IN ORDER FOR A SEAM TO CRACK AFTER WELDED, 3 MAIN AND EASY ISSUES HAD TO HAPPEN SUCH AS, A. WELD GOT TOO HOT WHEN WELDED B. WHEN WELD WAS GROUND DOWN IT WAS TAKEN TOO CLOSE TO THE ROOT OF THE WELD C. THE WELD DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH PENETRATION. I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURED PART DEFECT. EXPECIALLY ONLY BEING 65000 MILES
NHTSA ODI #11044011
19,000 miles · Oct 19, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER APPEARED. THE CODE WAS CLEARED, BUT IT RE-ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DEPAULA CHEVROLET, 785 CENTRAL AVE, A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER APPEARED. THE CODE WAS CLEARED, BUT IT RE-ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DEPAULA CHEVROLET, 785 CENTRAL AVE, ALBANY, NY, 12206) WAS CONTACTED AT 518-278-6036 AND STATED THAT THEY SERVICED THE VEHICLE FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN JUNE OF 2017. NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT STATED TO THE DEALER THAT SHE WAS UNAWARE THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE TIME FOR THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.
NHTSA ODI #11034499
Official recalls
4Apr 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗