2012 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Owners have filed 519 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 29.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 15.8%.
Complaints519
Crashes48
Fires7
Injuries36
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Power train 29.7% · 154
Engine 15.8% · 82
Electrical system 11.4% · 59
Unknown or other 8.9% · 46
Air bags 6.6% · 34
Suspension 3.7% · 19
Fuel/propulsion system 3.1% · 16
Vehicle speed control 3.1% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 48 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 36 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Chevrolet Sonic in this data, 2012 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 15 in the last three years against 31 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 45,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic giving a P2138 error code. I have replaced the Throttle Position Sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Sensor and the problem is not going away. I have spent over $700 on this repair and they cannot fix it. It is a known problem with this vehicle but GM is there is no recall for this issue. I wish something could be done. The acceleration loses power and drops to is unable to go above 45 MPH. Power train
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 20-25 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the air duct/valve cracked and the transmission cable failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,765. Power train · reported at 28,765 miles
The contact owns 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the gear box became stuck on multiple occasions. The contact was unable to shift into park or remove the key from the ignition intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to inspect, diagnose and repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…