2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

0 recalls, 16 complaints - 591 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

16 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
POWER TRAIN	2
SERVICE BRAKES	2
STRUCTURE:BODY	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	1
AIR BAGS	1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	1
STEERING	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic composite, cracked completely open without warning, causing an immediate, rapid ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

customer states that the frame of the vehicle has been compromised by corrosion. the vehicle only has 163,844 miles on it and it has major holes in the frame. The chassis could break in half prohibiting the use of this vehicle on the roadway due to the safety of occupants. I advised the customer of ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2024

The contact called on behalf of his son who owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the temperature gauge had risen significantly to hot, and the vehicle started to shut down. The contact stated that his son was able to pull over onto the side o... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2024

After a rain storm the tailgate started malfunctioning. Now it does it all the time even on pure sunny days. It will go up and down randomly without anyone touching a button. It does it so much it drained both batteries, which left the truck inoperable. The dealer said it’s not under the recall th... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2024

At approx 75K miles hood latch popped open. Noticed hood was open while driving on highway. Only the 2nd safety latch was holding it closed. Pulled over to close it but it would not fully latch. Noticed latch had a lot of rust. Did not bother taking it to a dealer or repair shop. Bought an aftermar... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2024

Possible brake caliper, power steering, belt or other issue. Noise was produced when salesperson was in the vehicle. Scheduled maintenance to diagnose the issue. No warnings before or after and issue is persistent since truck was driven off the lot the first time. Under coasting conditions, truck ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2024

the engine on my 2013 kia sportage is under recall and the dealer is refusing to replace the engine after it locked up due to issues that kia was having with their engine i bought the suv brand new and this should be covered

Incident date: Mar 6, 2024

Abs, traction, eps, and brake lights stay on. This causes the traction and brakes not to work properly. Bought my car 10 months ago from Honda and this started about 3 months after. The solenoid is faulty and have heard from several other owners the same. This can be a serious problem for drivers. P... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2023

When operating the vehicle the steering will suddenly without warning go from power steering to a very stiff steering which someone of limited upper body strength would have great difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to a dealer who advised the problem was electrical and... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2023

"Trailer wiring fault" is the warning message on my information display on my Ford F-250 Super Duty Truck. The warning message appears when I have a trailer attached to my truck. When applying the brakes, the trailer brakes go on and off causing the truck to jerk wildly. The 5th wheel trailer has be... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2023

Catastrophic engine failure

Incident date: Mar 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection intake valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure re... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driver’s and passenger’s side air bags erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the roadway. The veh... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2020

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 POS... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2020

Incident date: Feb 11, 2020

2020 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE KEYLESS IGNITION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IT WAS POSSIBLE TO TURN OFF THE KEYLESS ENTRY WITHOUT FIRST PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK BEFORE STARTING THE IGNITION. *JS

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	12.6%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	34.0	29.0	Regular	$2,150

CO2 Emissions: 308.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

591 manufacturer communications from 303 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	131
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	74
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	62
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	58
100000 POWER TRAIN	33
200000 WHEELS	27
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	22
190000 TIRES	17

200000 WHEELS

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information on the Transport Mode Feature, also known as Logistics mode, which is used to increase the 12V Battery stand time of the vehicle during transit and or long period of stand time at the dealerships.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin updates the position of General Motors on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM has determined that wheel refinishing under warranty will no longer be performed.

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin updates the position of General Motors on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM has determined that wheel refinishing under warranty will no longer be performed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information on submitting quality Photos of Various Vehicle Concerns to the GM Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels shou

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that had the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve now Diagnostic Trouble Code C0131 is set current. Technician should remove Brake Pressure Modulator

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This Preliminary information communicates to dealers of a known issue with failed map update

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information on the EL-52800 Diagnostic & Charge Battery Station (DCBS) a?? FAQs.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information on the EL-52800 Diagnostic & Charge Battery Station (DCBS) a?? FAQs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides a information and diagnostic steps/tips for vehicles that are slow to heat up in cold temperatures.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides a information and diagnostic steps/tips for vehicles that are slow to heat up in cold temperatures.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin assists technicians in setting up PicoScope hardware/software to monitor CAN bus traffic (voltage patterns) to aid Technical Assistance (TAC) and Field Service Engineers (FSEs) in diagnosing electrical issues present o

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Di

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking

110220 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HAND HEATER:WIRING HARNESS

This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides information to inform dealership personnel about Law Enforcement and Government vehicles that request to disable or enable content.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information to inform dealership personnel about Law Enforcement and Government vehicles that request to disable or enable content.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This service bulletin provides information to inform dealership personnel about Law Enforcement and Government vehicles that request to disable or enable content.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information to inform dealership personnel about Law Enforcement and Government vehicles that request to disable or enable content.

020000 SUSPENSION

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer?s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the

020000 SUSPENSION

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

010000 STEERING

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

200000 WHEELS

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

200000 WHEELS

This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S. Dealers Only).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of OnStar Inoperative after Importing Vehicle from Canada to the United States.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of OnStar Inoperative after Importing Vehicle from Canada to the United States.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information on General Motors Dealership Critical Equipment Requirements and Recommendations.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.

200000 WHEELS

This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.

200000 WHEELS

This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S. Dealers Only).

190000 TIRES

This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S. Dealers Only).

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have hi

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

117100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration a?? Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration a?? Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.

100000 POWER TRAIN

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the proper use of the labor operation 0600014.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of OnStar Inoperative after Importing Vehicle from Canada to the United States.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of OnStar Inoperative after Importing Vehicle from Canada to the United States.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This informational bulletin advised the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech didn't properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged b

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

020000 SUSPENSION

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

010000 STEERING

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.

Showing 100 of 591 bulletins.

CHEVROLET SONIC - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the CHEVROLET SONIC across all model years (2012, 2018).

23 Total Recalls

1,420 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

146 Reported Crashes

23 Reported Fires

5 Reported Deaths

CHEVROLET SONIC - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020 (current)	0	16
2019	0	10	View
2018	1	23	View
2017	0	59	View
2016	2	69	View
2015	3	171	View
2014	4	230	View
2013	6	322	View
2012	7	519	View
2011	0	1	View

Other CHEVROLET Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SUBURBAN	246	10,458	View
TAHOE	240	12,622	View
MALIBU	216	29,080	View
SILVERADO 1500	200	22,534	View
CORVETTE	187	6,308	View
CAMARO	179	4,298	View
SILVERADO	159	10,964	View
SILVERADO 3500	152	1,409	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC

Most Affected Components

CHEVROLET SONIC - All Years Overview

CHEVROLET SONIC - Year by Year

Other CHEVROLET Models