2018 CHEVROLET SONIC

1 recalls — 23 complaints

18V342000 May 27, 2018
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
71 vehicles affected
ENGINE Jul 22, 2025
Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no additional actionable codes. Vehicle also displayed a change oil warning, likely triggered by overheating. This vehicle has a known history of turbocharger and coolant system defects, which have been acknowledged in GM technical service bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Programs. I have reason to believe this situation qualifies for one of those programs. Despite paying $730 for a prior repair, the vehicle is now exhibiting the same safety-related malfunction, putting my son at risk of engine damage and breakdown. We have also taken the car to Mike Anderson Chevrolet twice for inspection and they reported finding nothing. I am respectfully requesting the following: A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire cooling system and turbocharger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
ENGINE May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 6, 2022
My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should report it.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 30, 2022
The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while other are behind you going 70 mph which can cause a wreck
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 30, 2022
The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while other are behind you going 70 mph which can cause a wreck
PARKING BRAKE Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
ENGINE Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
SEATS Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 3, 2021
MY RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, ON ITS OWN. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY BLUETOOTH TURNED ON FOR MY PHONE, IT GETS STUCK AFTER I HANG UP THE PHONE AFTER A CALL. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE ROAD. MY RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT LAST YEAR.
WHEELS Mar 3, 2021
MY RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, ON ITS OWN. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY BLUETOOTH TURNED ON FOR MY PHONE, IT GETS STUCK AFTER I HANG UP THE PHONE AFTER A CALL. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE ROAD. MY RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT LAST YEAR.
SEAT BELTS Sep 1, 2020
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT CLIP OR WILL COME UNDONE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I MADE THE DEALERSHIP AWARE OF THE CONCERN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 39,000 MILES. THEY STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IT DID NOT QUALIFY FOR PRODUCTION DEFECT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT COULD ENDANGER THE LIFE OF A PERSON IF WEST BELT FAILS DURING A CRASH.
VISIBILITY/WIPER Mar 5, 2020
TODAY I'M WRITING IN BEHALF OF CARITE OF OAKLAND PARK I HAD A EMAIL CHAT WITH BRIAN MCCOY THE BRANCH OWNER OF THE COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THE CAR WAS PUT IN AS REPO STATUS, DUE TO ME GIVING THE CAR BACK. I FEEL MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER NUMEROUS OF TIMES AND DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY I WAS NOT GIVEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE NOR WAS I TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER... GOOD DAY, I'VE MADE ALL ATTEMPTS REGARDING THIS SITUATION WITH CARITE I'M THE TIME ALLOWED.. I'M REQUESTING A FULL REFUND OF MY MONEY I'VE MADE IT CLEAR AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING ELSE FROM THESE PEOPLE AT THIS COMPANY. I'VE TOLD THE OWNER NOT TO HAVE THE CAR DELIVERED ON TODAY 2/8/20 HE STILL INSIST THE DRIVER GREG TO DO SO, I'VE REJECTED TO RECEIVE THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF HONORING MY REQUEST I'M GETTING PHONE CALLS FROM OTHER PARTIES AT CARITE I GUESS TO RECONSIDER! NO, I WANT MY MONEY MY LIFE WILL NOT BE IN DANGER DUE TO THEY'RE NEGLIGENCE.. THANK YOU,THE ITEMS SUBMITTED ARE RECEIPTS OF PAYMENTS ALSO, THE DAY OF 1/20/20 I DROVE TO FORT LAUDERDALE ON THE ACCEPT ION OF GETTING THE AC REPAIRED AND THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING TOOK PLACE FOR BEING THERE FOR 6 HOURS ONLY TO HEAD BACK HOME EXHAUSTED�� AND TO FINALLY GET 50 MILES HOME THE CAR STARTED TO BLOW WHITE EXHAUST FROM THE VENTS, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CARITE AND SPOKE WITH KIM, WHO'S IN RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. I TOLD HER WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THAT I'VE HAD ENOUGH. I GET HOME, WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY TO GO TO A DR APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR THE CAR TO NOT STAR! I LIFT THE HOOD SO MY NEIGHBOR COULD GIVE ME A JUMP AND THIS IS WHAT I FIND UNDER THE HOOD.. ( THE PLIERS NEXT TO THE BATTERY THAT WAS LEFT THERE AND I DROVE HOME WITH IT ON THE CAR THAT'S ALONE IT'S ENOUGH PUTS MY LIFE IN DANGER...
ENGINE Mar 5, 2020
TODAY I'M WRITING IN BEHALF OF CARITE OF OAKLAND PARK I HAD A EMAIL CHAT WITH BRIAN MCCOY THE BRANCH OWNER OF THE COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THE CAR WAS PUT IN AS REPO STATUS, DUE TO ME GIVING THE CAR BACK. I FEEL MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER NUMEROUS OF TIMES AND DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY I WAS NOT GIVEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE NOR WAS I TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER... GOOD DAY, I'VE MADE ALL ATTEMPTS REGARDING THIS SITUATION WITH CARITE I'M THE TIME ALLOWED.. I'M REQUESTING A FULL REFUND OF MY MONEY I'VE MADE IT CLEAR AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING ELSE FROM THESE PEOPLE AT THIS COMPANY. I'VE TOLD THE OWNER NOT TO HAVE THE CAR DELIVERED ON TODAY 2/8/20 HE STILL INSIST THE DRIVER GREG TO DO SO, I'VE REJECTED TO RECEIVE THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF HONORING MY REQUEST I'M GETTING PHONE CALLS FROM OTHER PARTIES AT CARITE I GUESS TO RECONSIDER! NO, I WANT MY MONEY MY LIFE WILL NOT BE IN DANGER DUE TO THEY'RE NEGLIGENCE.. THANK YOU,THE ITEMS SUBMITTED ARE RECEIPTS OF PAYMENTS ALSO, THE DAY OF 1/20/20 I DROVE TO FORT LAUDERDALE ON THE ACCEPT ION OF GETTING THE AC REPAIRED AND THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING TOOK PLACE FOR BEING THERE FOR 6 HOURS ONLY TO HEAD BACK HOME EXHAUSTED�� AND TO FINALLY GET 50 MILES HOME THE CAR STARTED TO BLOW WHITE EXHAUST FROM THE VENTS, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CARITE AND SPOKE WITH KIM, WHO'S IN RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. I TOLD HER WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THAT I'VE HAD ENOUGH. I GET HOME, WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY TO GO TO A DR APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR THE CAR TO NOT STAR! I LIFT THE HOOD SO MY NEIGHBOR COULD GIVE ME A JUMP AND THIS IS WHAT I FIND UNDER THE HOOD.. ( THE PLIERS NEXT TO THE BATTERY THAT WAS LEFT THERE AND I DROVE HOME WITH IT ON THE CAR THAT'S ALONE IT'S ENOUGH PUTS MY LIFE IN DANGER...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 5, 2020
TODAY I'M WRITING IN BEHALF OF CARITE OF OAKLAND PARK I HAD A EMAIL CHAT WITH BRIAN MCCOY THE BRANCH OWNER OF THE COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT THE CAR WAS PUT IN AS REPO STATUS, DUE TO ME GIVING THE CAR BACK. I FEEL MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER NUMEROUS OF TIMES AND DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY I WAS NOT GIVEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE NOR WAS I TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER... GOOD DAY, I'VE MADE ALL ATTEMPTS REGARDING THIS SITUATION WITH CARITE I'M THE TIME ALLOWED.. I'M REQUESTING A FULL REFUND OF MY MONEY I'VE MADE IT CLEAR AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING ELSE FROM THESE PEOPLE AT THIS COMPANY. I'VE TOLD THE OWNER NOT TO HAVE THE CAR DELIVERED ON TODAY 2/8/20 HE STILL INSIST THE DRIVER GREG TO DO SO, I'VE REJECTED TO RECEIVE THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF HONORING MY REQUEST I'M GETTING PHONE CALLS FROM OTHER PARTIES AT CARITE I GUESS TO RECONSIDER! NO, I WANT MY MONEY MY LIFE WILL NOT BE IN DANGER DUE TO THEY'RE NEGLIGENCE.. THANK YOU,THE ITEMS SUBMITTED ARE RECEIPTS OF PAYMENTS ALSO, THE DAY OF 1/20/20 I DROVE TO FORT LAUDERDALE ON THE ACCEPT ION OF GETTING THE AC REPAIRED AND THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING TOOK PLACE FOR BEING THERE FOR 6 HOURS ONLY TO HEAD BACK HOME EXHAUSTED�� AND TO FINALLY GET 50 MILES HOME THE CAR STARTED TO BLOW WHITE EXHAUST FROM THE VENTS, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CARITE AND SPOKE WITH KIM, WHO'S IN RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. I TOLD HER WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THAT I'VE HAD ENOUGH. I GET HOME, WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY TO GO TO A DR APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR THE CAR TO NOT STAR! I LIFT THE HOOD SO MY NEIGHBOR COULD GIVE ME A JUMP AND THIS IS WHAT I FIND UNDER THE HOOD.. ( THE PLIERS NEXT TO THE BATTERY THAT WAS LEFT THERE AND I DROVE HOME WITH IT ON THE CAR THAT'S ALONE IT'S ENOUGH PUTS MY LIFE IN DANGER...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 26, 2019
HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE RADIO ITSELF, ITS WENT BLACK A FEW TIMES ON ME AS I WAS DRIVING. AND ALSO WHEN I WAS PARKED. NO RESPONSE ON IT AT ALL. IM AFRAID IF SOMETHING HAPPENS LIKE WHEN IM IN A WRECK AND WHEN I TRY TO CALL ONSTAR WHILE ITS NOT WORKING IM AFRAID OF IT NOT CONNECTING, AND ALSO IVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE WINDOW SWITCHES NOT ROLLING UP OR DOWN THE WINDOWS NO CLICKING NOISES WHEN I PUSH ON THE SWITCH ALL FOUR HAVE DONE IT, ACTING LIKE ITS NOT GETTING A ELECTRIC SIGNAL TO THE SWITCHES, WHAT I USUALLY DO WHEN THAT HAPPENS IS PULL THE CAR OVER TURN OFF THE IGINITION AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR 30 SECONDS THEN START THE CAR AND IT USUALLY WORKS. IVE ALSO CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY SWITCH AINT ON AND IT ISNT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 16, 2019
MY 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC RADIO SCREEN WENT BLACK WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I LOST ALL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE RADIO SCREEN. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME IN ROUTE TO WORK WITHIN A FEW DAYS. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE RADIO MAY GO BLACK DURING AN EMERGENCY WHEN I NEED TO USE ON STAR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 19, 2019
THE 2018 SONIC IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. IT HAS NO TRACTION TO START FROM A STOPPED POSITION, NO TRACTION TO STOP AND NO ABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING OR TURNING.
WHEELS Feb 19, 2019
THE 2018 SONIC IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. IT HAS NO TRACTION TO START FROM A STOPPED POSITION, NO TRACTION TO STOP AND NO ABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING OR TURNING.
STEERING Feb 19, 2019
THE 2018 SONIC IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. IT HAS NO TRACTION TO START FROM A STOPPED POSITION, NO TRACTION TO STOP AND NO ABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING OR TURNING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Nov 16, 2018
DURING NIGHT OPERATION, THE BACKLIGHT OF THE CENTER SCREEN IS SO BRIGHT IT CAUSES DIFFICULTY SEEING THE ROAD. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS AT AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL (AS ADJUSTED BY THE SWITCH TO THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL), BUT THE CENTER SCREEN IS STILL TOO BRIGHT. A SIMPLE FLOATING SOFTWARE BUTTON ALLOWING A DISPLAY OFF FUNCTION WOULD ADDRESS ISSUE. AS IT IS, THE DISPLAY OFF FUNCTION IS HIDDEN IN A SUBMENU REQUIRING INATTENTION TO THE ROAD TO ACTIVATE. *TR
SEATS Nov 14, 2018
MY DRIVER SEAT DROPS A LEVEL WHILE I DRIVE . VERY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS.