IllustrationLIGHT COME ON CHECK ENGINE AND THE ROAD SLIPPING SIGN
2015 Chevrolet Sonic
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sonic years
Owner complaints for the 2015 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
Compare all Sonic years →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
290–25K
2325–50K
1350–75K
875–100K
4100–150K
2150K+
79 reports with mileage · 35 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 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
114 reportsHELLO, THE CHEVY SONIC DASH AN INFORMATION CENTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THERE IS NO RADIO , NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS , NO SEAT BELT INDICATOR AN DASH GETS REALLY DIM AT TIMES , ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE . I TRIED CALLING MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER BUT THEY KEEP SAYING MY VIN IS NOT EFFECTED. BUT ALL THE OTHE…
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HELLO, THE CHEVY SONIC DASH AN INFORMATION CENTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THERE IS NO RADIO , NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS , NO SEAT BELT INDICATOR AN DASH GETS REALLY DIM AT TIMES , ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE . I TRIED CALLING MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER BUT THEY KEEP SAYING MY VIN IS NOT EFFECTED. BUT ALL THE OTHER MAKES OF THIS MODEL OF THAT YEAR IS HAVING THE SAME RECALL ISSUES . PLEASE HELP !!!. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AN EVER CAR RIDE IS UNPLEASANT AN WE DONT FEEL SAFE .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, OR RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT THE VEHICLE ROLLING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRAND PRIZE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (LOCATED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, OR RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT THE VEHICLE ROLLING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRAND PRIZE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 32 NY-304, NANUET, NY 10954, (845) 623-6060) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON (PN: GM95393161) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR
JUNE 2015 THE DEALER SWITCHED CARS WHEN WE REFUSED THE OPTIONS AT THE CLOSING OF THE DEAL TO A BASE/STANDARD CAR. A WEEK OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR A TIRE POPPED AS WE DROVE DOWN THE STREET. IT IS VERY LOUD IN THE MORNING. A HIGH PITCHED SQUEAKING SOUND. NEXT WE HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS,OIL/FLUID LEAKING FROM THE CAR. THE DRIV…
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JUNE 2015 THE DEALER SWITCHED CARS WHEN WE REFUSED THE OPTIONS AT THE CLOSING OF THE DEAL TO A BASE/STANDARD CAR. A WEEK OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR A TIRE POPPED AS WE DROVE DOWN THE STREET. IT IS VERY LOUD IN THE MORNING. A HIGH PITCHED SQUEAKING SOUND. NEXT WE HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS,OIL/FLUID LEAKING FROM THE CAR. THE DRIVEWAY IS STAINED FROM IT. THE THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES. IT HAS BEEN JERKING,STALKING, SPUTTERING. THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR HAS BOILED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS BURNING. THE AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T COOL WELL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TORE UP IN LESS THAN A YEAR.THEALERSHIP DOESN'T KNOW WHY THESE THINGS HAVE HAPPENED THEY WANT TO DO MAINTENANCING TO SEE IF THAT FIXES IT. OVER $1000. WE GOT THIS COMPACT CAR TO SAVE AND SURVIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN EXPENSIVE CHEAP CAR.
WE OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (CHEVROLET -5925 US 90/ MILTON, FL 32583) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE CODES (DTC C0186, C0196, C0287) APPEARED. WE WAS INFORMED THAT ISN'T A R…
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WE OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (CHEVROLET -5925 US 90/ MILTON, FL 32583) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE CODES (DTC C0186, C0196, C0287) APPEARED. WE WAS INFORMED THAT ISN'T A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODELS.( AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS ARE A SAFETY DEVICE, THIS FAULT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE). WE FOUNT A SERVICE BULLETIN : SB-10059177-1527 FROM GM FOR THE FAILURE.
THE FUEL INJECTOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AFTER ONLY HAVING MY CAR FOR 6MONTH.
SHIFTER KNOB BUTTON STICKING. THE BUTTON STICKS TO WHERE THE CAR CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR. IT CAUSES A PROBLEM TO WHERE YOU CAN NOT PULL KEY OUT OF IGNITION WITH BUTTON STUCK IN
THE HEADRESTS ARE TOO TALL AND WIDE. THEY OBSTRUCT VISIBILITY WHEN BACKING UP AND WHEN CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS.
WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS TURNED ON CALL LOSES POWER IF STOP AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN YOU CAN PRESS THE ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN CAR IS VERY SLOW TAKING OFF AND SOMETIME WINDOW CONTROL DON'T WORK. AIR-CONDITION BLOWS HOT AIR AT TIMES.
VEHICLE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE IN MOTION HOWEVER MOTION IS TRIGGERING THE ENGINE TO STAY ON OR AT TIMES DISAPPEAR FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. CONSTANT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING CODE IS P0011. I HAVE BEEN TO GENERAL MOTORS DEALERSHIPS AS THEY REFUSE ME TO GO OUTSIDE THEIR DEALERS FOR REPAIRS; RESULTS POSSIBILITY OF DENYING ME COVERAG…
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VEHICLE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE IN MOTION HOWEVER MOTION IS TRIGGERING THE ENGINE TO STAY ON OR AT TIMES DISAPPEAR FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. CONSTANT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING CODE IS P0011. I HAVE BEEN TO GENERAL MOTORS DEALERSHIPS AS THEY REFUSE ME TO GO OUTSIDE THEIR DEALERS FOR REPAIRS; RESULTS POSSIBILITY OF DENYING ME COVERAGE UNDER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. I HAVE PUT IN CASE AFTER CASE WITH THEIR COMPLAINTS AND ONLY RESULTS INTO SOMETHING I ALREADY DO IS 'SIMPLY' CALL DEALERSHIP. I AM DRIVING A VERY UNSAFE UNPREDICTABLE VEHICLE THAT IS NOT BEING FIXED. I HAVE BEEN TO 3 OF THEIR DEALERSHIPS TOTAL TIMES OF 8 TIMES. CURRENTLY STILL TILL THIS DAY WITH SAME ISSUE.
Official recalls
316V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jun 10, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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.
15V416000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jun 30, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.