Chevrolet Sonic Recalls

The Chevrolet Sonic has 12 recalls spanning the 2012–2018 model years, with the most serious being a 2013 driver-side airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death. A separate 2013–2014 fuel system recall involves front fuel tank strap brackets with insufficient welds that can separate, potentially allowing the tank to drop from the vehicle and leak fuel. On 2014 models, a loss of electrical connection in the steering column can prevent the driver's frontal airbag from completing its full two-stage deployment in a severe crash, reducing protection. The 2018 model year has a driver's seat-back frame with a potentially under-welded joint that can fail in a rear-impact crash, allowing the seat back to collapse.

On 2012–2014 models equipped with a Calix charging cord, exposed wiring raises the risk of electrical shock when the cord is handled while plugged in. The 2012 model year has a brake recall where one or more front brake pads may be missing entirely, significantly reducing stopping ability. Also on 2012 models with the 6-speed automatic transmission and 1.8L engine, the transmission turbine shaft can fracture and prevent the vehicle from shifting past second gear. A washer fluid hose on 2012 models can separate from the reservoir, leaving the driver without the ability to clear the windshield.

On 2013 models, the body control module can fail to detect a burned-out turn signal and will not alert the driver, meaning the turn signal may appear to be working when it is not. For 2013–2016 models equipped with the Bring Your Own Media radio, the radio can fail to chime when the key is left in the ignition after a delay, and a related issue on 2015–2016 models with the same radio means the seatbelt reminder chime may not sound. On 2015 models with the base radio and OnStar, a software issue can cause the radio to lock up and go silent, also suppressing key-in-ignition alerts.