This page covers 4 recalls, 353 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
28–32 mpg combined
7.4–8.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2012 Chevrolet Sonic complaints centers on the powertrain, which accounts for the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe transmission problems, the most common being the vehicle refusing to shift out of first or second gear, getting stuck in a single gear while driving, and failing to engage properly from a stop. Some owners report needing multiple attempts before the transmission responds at all. The engine category draws a separate cluster of complaints involving sudden power loss while driving, sometimes accompanied by the check engine light and loss of communication between the diagnostic system and the transmission. Electrical system complaints, while lower in volume, include warning lights for brakes, ABS, and traction control illuminating together, occasionally paired with reports of reduced braking response.
353
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has 4 recalls, the most serious involving front brake pads that may be missing entirely from the caliper, leaving the rotor with no friction material on one or both sides and significantly reducing stopping power.
On the drivetrain side, vehicles equipped with the 1.8L four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission may have a turbine shaft inside the transmission that can fracture. If this happens while the car is moving in first or second gear, the transmission locks out of higher gears, capping the vehicle's speed and preventing normal acceleration. There is also an electrical concern involving a Calix-branded charging cord: the cord's wiring can become exposed, creating a risk of electrical shock if someone handles the cord while it is plugged in. Rounding out the recalls, the windshield washer hose can pull away from the fluid reservoir, cutting off washer fluid to the nozzles and leaving the driver without a way to clear the windshield when it gets dirty or splattered, which reduces forward visibility.
At a glance
What can fail
The insulation on the engine block heater cord can crack in cold temperatures, exposing the wires underneath.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater cord with a new cord rated for temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission turbine shaft can fracture in affected 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with 6-speed automatic transmission and 1.8L engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper washer hose may separate from the washer fluid reservoir, leaving no washer fluid available for the windshield.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to the reservoir to prevent separation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake inner or outer pad may be missing on some vehicles, which affects braking function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front brakes. If a pad is missing, they will install new pads, caliper, and rotor at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
