NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag inflator may explode when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
This page covers 5 recalls, 217 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Sonic draws the most complaints around the engine and powertrain. Owners frequently report overheating, with coolant temperature warnings appearing during normal low-speed driving. A recurring powertrain concern involves the emissions catalyst monitor, multiple owners describe the system falsely flagging the catalyst as below efficiency, which they say prevents the vehicle from passing emissions testing even after extended driving cycles. The electrical system is the third most-reported area, with owners describing ignition keys sticking in the switch and gear selector indicators displaying contradictory positions simultaneously, such as showing park and drive at the same time. A single report mentions airbags not deploying in an impact, and one report describes a vehicle fire of unknown origin, neither appears across multiple complaints, so they don't represent a broader pattern in this complaint set.
217
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has 5 recalls, the most serious being a 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 fuel system recall affects vehicles built during a narrow window in August 2013: the front fuel tank strap bracket may have insufficient welds and can separate from the vehicle, placing extra load on the remaining support and potentially allowing the fuel tank to drop and leak. On the electrical side, certain vehicles equipped with a Calix cord have wiring that can become exposed, creating a shock risk if the cord is handled while plugged in. The turn signal system on some vehicles has a body control module that fails to detect when a turn signal bulb has burned out, so the driver gets no warning and other drivers may not know the vehicle is turning. There is also a software issue on vehicles with a Bring Your Own Media radio: the radio may not sound an audible chime when the key is left in the ignition after the engine is off, which can increase the risk of theft.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag inflator may explode when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will also be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio may not sound a warning chime if the driver leaves the key in the ignition, turns off the engine, waits 10 minutes or more, and then opens the door.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to restore the warning chime function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front fuel tank strap bracket may have insufficient welds and separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket and repair it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When a turn signal lamp burns out, the vehicle's control module doesn't detect the failure or alert the driver, leaving the turn signal inoperative without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the control module and key fobs to detect turn signal lamp failures and alert the driver.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.