Model year record

2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls & problems

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 2 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (13 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints48filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 1reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2016 Chevrolet Sonic in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemJun 10, 2016

Software

Recall 16V42200018,780 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Electrical systemApr 28, 2016

Software

Recall 16V257000317,572 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	12.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	12.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Chevrolet Sonic NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2016 Chevrolet Sonic NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sonic

32mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 38 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Sonic 5

32mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 38 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Sonic

30mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 36 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Sonic 5

30mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 36 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Sonic RS

29mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Sonic

29mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Sonic 5 RS

29mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Sonic 5

29mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Sonic RS

28mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Sonic

28mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Sonic 5 RS

28mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Sonic 5

28mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine	13	0	0	0	65,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Ignition	11	0	0	0	50,500 mi
Unknown or other	8	1	0	1	25,850 mi
Air bags	8	5	0	4	53,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	5	1	0	0	85,000 mi
Suspension	3	1	0	0	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	3	0	0	0	—
Power train	3	0	0	0	78,456 mi
Engine and engine cooling	2	0	1	0	—
StructureBody	2	0	1	0	—
Steering	2	0	0	0	—
Service brakes	2	2	0	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines that came out after 2014. There cars don't have temperature gauges and when they overheat they don't tell you until a light comes on the dash and by then it's too late and your engine is blown. This should be illegal. Chevrolet needs to fix this.
Oct 15, 2025
Unknown or other
Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.
Jun 1, 2020
Steering
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driverâs lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased.…
Aug 4, 2025 · 116,000 miles
Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.
Jun 19, 2024 · 36,299 miles
Electrical system
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
Aug 28, 2023
Electrical system
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery.
Aug 9, 2023
Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Oct 1, 2022 · 80,000 miles
Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
Jul 15, 2018 · 38,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.