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2020 Chevrolet Sonic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
10Owner complaints

Model-year median: 42.5

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
37
201714
20188
201910
2020
Compare all Sonic years →

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

What owners reported most

Electrical System
6Power Train
3Engine
2Air Bags
1Fuel/propulsion System
1
All reported categories
Seats
1Steering
1Unknown Or Other
1

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

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 2 of 10 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Power Train complaints

3 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2024
EnginePower Train

1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also over…

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1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also overheats creating hazardous leaks of anti freeze at boiling temperatures ability to burn anyone who comes in contact. This remains an ongoing issue with vehicle, vehicle now back in possesion of bank Santander Consumer USA, this is being reported to protect any innocent parties involved to avoid injuries or even fatality

NHTSA ODI #11576430

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly …

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UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.

NHTSA ODI #11510643

1,800 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CA…

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MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CAN NOT BE EXECUTED IF STEP 5 IS EXECUTED FIRST. OWNERS WHO ATTEMPT TO PREPARE THE VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL TOWING BY USING A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE RUN THE RISK OF DAMAGING THEIR VEHICLES AND/OR CAUSING SEVERE ACCIDENTS IF THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP UNDER TOW (MOVING). DEALER CLAIMS IS VIN SPECIFIC. IT IS NOT VIN SPECIFIC. I TESTED SEVERAL IDENTICAL VEHICLES ON THE DEALER LOT AND THEY ALL FAIL, USING THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.

NHTSA ODI #11366483

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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.