Best and worst Chevy Sonic years — which to avoid

The Chevy Sonic replaced the Aveo as Chevrolet’s compact, affordable vehicle for the 2012 model year. The Sonic still has flaws despite coming from a reputable automaker, and transmission issues are the most common problem with this model. In this article, we will look at the Chevy Sonic years to avoid, problems common to this model, and the Chevy Sonic best years. 

There were some issues with certain model years that you wouldn’t want to overlook, which is why we’ll give you all the essential details in this guide. We’ll focus on NHTSA complaints, driver satisfaction feedback, and other rating methods to determine which model years you should strive to get, and which ones to avoid.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Chevy Sonic years

While in the making of this guide, our team ranked the Chevy Sonic years on best and worst according to official traffic safety websites. We mostly used verified and double-checked information listed on NHTSA and IIHS to obtain the main details behind Chevy Sonic complaints and recalls.

Along with that, we also went through driver reviews on reputable sites like Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports to give you the details on the model’s reliability from the driver’s perspective, so here are the results.

Most common Chevy Sonic problems

The problems with certain model years could ultimately cost you thousands of dollars in maintenance and replacement costs. These are the main model-specific issues related to Chevy Sonic:

1. Reluctant gear shifting

Shift reluctance is the most frequent Sonic transmission issue. Although there is a Sonic model with a manual transmission, this issue only occurs with the automatic model. After 30,000 miles of driving, the problem becomes apparent.

To indicate that the computer in charge of shifting the gears is not functioning correctly and at the appropriate time, the vehicle will appear to be working harder than it should, either by accelerating up or slowing down. 

2. Transmission failure from turbine shaft fracture

The turbine shaft is crucial for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels; if it breaks, the car can no longer function. Depending on whether the vehicle is in first through second gear or third through sixth gear, the Chevy Sonic’s turbine shaft fracture has two possible results. The first scenario is the less hazardous of the two since the automobile can no longer shift above the second gear, which causes it to slow down considerably and give the driver more time and engine power to avoid oncoming traffic.

If the turbine shaft fails when you are shifting between the third and sixth gear, the car quickly comes to a complete stop. After 70,000 miles of use, this issue usually manifests itself. Since the entire transmission must be replaced if this occurs, the repair costs between $3,000 and $4,000.

3. The shifter button becomes impossible or difficult to press

According to Sonic owners, the shifter button on the stickshift becomes stickier and more difficult to press with time, finally becoming unusable. This problem can result in the frustrating position of being unable to enter or exit reverse. This annoying issue is inexpensive to correct since the car’s more intricate and delicate mechanisms are not at fault. However, in severe circumstances, it might still make Sonic useless.

The sticky shifter button had the potential to be exceedingly dangerous in some situations since it would catch the stickshift mid-gear, which would allow the lever to be accidentally and quickly flung into reverse while the vehicle was traveling swiftly. This issue typically arises after 54,000 miles of driving and may be fixed for only $40. The 2012 Sonic exhibits it the most frequently.

4. Check engine light issues

There aren’t many immediate repercussions that could result from this issue, but if the check engine light loses its usefulness, many long-term problems could go undetected. When your automobile has been operating smoothly for some time, it can be tempting to ignore the check engine light, which is dangerous.

The check engine light on the 2012 Chevy Sonic frequently illuminates without apparent reason. This issue typically arises at 52,000 miles and may be fixed for only $100 to $200. In case the warning shows up for no obvious reason, it can be sorted out even for less with a trick to turn off the check engine light.

5. Engine stalling at random or not starting 

Some 2014 Sonic owners have noted a pattern of stalling and power loss that isn’t related to the transmission. Drivers either encountered this issue when they tried to start their parked automobiles or were on the road and discovered that everything that needed power had abruptly shut off.

Some Sonic drivers discovered that the issue vanished temporarily or entirely, while others experienced a harsh awakening when it reappeared. The average cost to repair the Chevy Sonic’s stalling problem was $1,350, which often cropped up after 70,000 miles of driving.

6. Radiator leaking

A malfunctioning water pump, thermostat, hose, or coolant might cause a Chevy Sonic radiator leak. The radiator leak will cause your engine to run hot or overheat, and a cracked head or a faulty head gasket is just two long-term severe effects of overheating.

Worst Chevy Sonic years to avoid

Despite being reasonably priced and simple to operate, some Sonic models had more issues than others. So, are you wondering what are the worst Chevy Sonic years? The worst Chevy Sonic years are 2012 and 2013, but you should avoid all of the listed years:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015

We’ll also further discuss those model years and their persistent issues to make sure you understand why it’s essential to avoid them when buying one.

First-generation Sonic (2012-2015 model years)

The 2015 Chevy Sonic is the least problematic vehicle on the list of the worst years, but it received several complaints. Electrical issues with the car, including lights turning on and off, doors locking and unlocking, dash lights turning on and off, and loss of power steering, were common complaints. Numerous owners also complained of engine stalling, connected to antifreeze leaks.

The 2014 model had common issues like the passenger seat light coming on and off on its own, the vehicle starting on its own with no manual input, the car sporadically not responding to the fob, and the inability to get the key fob out of the ignition. 

Engine issues were well-known to exist with the 2013 Chevy Sonic. A variety of problems, including coolant leaks, radiator fan failure, catalytic converter troubles, and thermostat failure, were reported by owners. There have been numerous reports of odometer problems, with owners claiming that the dashes on their Sonic’s odometer suddenly replaced the mileage reading. Also, owners frequently complained that their automobiles would blow hot air instead of cold due to air conditioning issues.

It should not be surprising that the 2012 model is the most problematic statistically because it was the first cheap car generation. Unintentional acceleration, abrupt jerking or shifting, and jammed gears were all reported by owners (unable to shift gears). This model was infamous for having a poor transmission prone to failing early.

What are the best Chevy Sonic years to buy?

The Sonic years listed below are the best options when purchasing a Sonic vehicle;

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016

If you are going for one of these, we suggest you skip the early model years and go straight for one of the latter ones. The 2019 and 2020 Chevy Sonic models are pretty durable and remarkably efficient, as well as ranked as some of the best models.

2020 Chevy Sonic

The 2020 Sonic is undoubtedly the best model because it has the fewest issues and is also the most technologically sophisticated in terms of features and safety gear. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and has a built-in 4G LTE hotspot. Despite being a small vehicle, it has a roomy interior for its class and a powerful engine. In addition to removing the six-speed manual transmission, two new paint colors were added for 2020.

2019 Chevy Sonic

Another safe option is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. This model received very few complaints, partly attributed to its simplicity but also because many of the issues with earlier models had been fixed by the company. According to auto reviewers, this model has stylish aesthetics, a fast engine, and generous storage. The base 1.8-liter engine was dropped for 2019 in favor of the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as standard.

Additionally, Chevrolet discontinued the Fun and Sun package (17-inch alloy wheels, 1.4-liter turbo engine, sunroof), and the remote start was added as an option to the LT Convenience Package. The MyLink infotainment system was improved, and a second USB connection was added to the 2018 Sonic. Furthermore, it received high marks for crash test safety.

Is the Chevy Sonic worth buying?

Considering the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Sonic, the model is worth buying if you’re on a low budget. 

Dive into our detailed articles like Chevy Spark years to avoid, Hyundai Accent years to avoid, and Kia Rio years to avoid that cut straight to the chase, linking you to the insights you need on each model. Find out which one ticks all your boxes for your next ride.