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Model year record

2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls & problems

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has 1 safety recall and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (6 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints15filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2018 Chevrolet Sonic in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SeatsMay 27, 2018

Seats

Recall 18V34200071 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Risk
In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

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

2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Chevrolet Sonic NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 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 / highway28 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic 5

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic 5

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic 5

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

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

Sonic 5

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular 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 areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system600026,950 mi
Engine4000—
Seats2000—
Wheels2000—
Unknown or other2000—
Exterior lighting1000—
Steering1000—
Visibility/wiper1000—
Seat belts1000—
Parking brake1000—
Fuel/propulsion system1000—
Air bagsSensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger1000—

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

Recent owner complaints

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