2013 CHEVROLET SONIC — Owner-Reported Problems

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Component Problem Distribution

Share of owner complaints filed for each vehicle system (unaffected by sales volume)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is an NHTSA classification artifact and is always listed last.

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Problem & Recall Timeline

Observed complaint volume and manufacturer recall actions over time

• Campaign 14V417000 was reported 99 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
• Campaign 16V257000 was reported 1,144 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
• Campaign 23V516000 was reported 3,732 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.

Safety Recalls (6)

Official safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA

1. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 12V454000

   Report date

   Sep 17, 2012

   Component:

   Not available in the source record

   Consequence:

   If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy:

   GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →

2. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 13V220000

   Report date

   May 24, 2013

   Component:

   Not available in the source record

   Consequence:

   If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy:

   GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →

3. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 13V464000

   Report date

   Sep 26, 2013

   Component:

   FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

   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.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →

4. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 14V417000

   Report date

   Jul 2, 2014

   Component:

   EQUIPMENT

   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.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →

5. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 16V257000

   Report date

   Apr 28, 2016

   Component:

   ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

   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.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →

6. Manufacturer action

   Recall campaign 23V516000

   Report date

   Jul 27, 2023

   Component:

   AIR BAGS

   Consequence:

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

   Remedy:

   Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

   View authoritative NHTSA record →