2017 Chevrolet Sonic Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1935.2%
- Airbags611.1%
- Driver assistance611.1%
- Electrical59.3%
- Visibility47.4%
- Fuel system47.4%
- Steering47.4%
- Brakes23.7%
- Exterior lighting11.9%
- Powertrain (other)11.9%
- Body & structure11.9%
- Suspension11.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 30 mph, the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a head laceration and right and left knee injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVAP PURGE SOLENOID STUCK OPEN CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY- STREETS. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR HAD TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN MID INTERSECTION AND PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WASHER UNIT STOPPED WORKING CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE NOW. DASH LIGHTS KEEP DIMMING SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO TELL THE SPEED AND FUEL LEVEL BUT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME IT COMES AND GOES.
WHEN STARTING OUR 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES THAT ARE VERY STRONG THAT EVEN MAKE IT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE EXHAUST WHEN IDLING WILL HAVE A LOUD RATTLE AND WILL BOTH ACCOMPANY THE EXHAUST FUMES AND AT TIMES WHEN THERE ISN'T THE STRONG EXHAUST FUMES. WE HAVE ALSO RECENTLY HAD TO START TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND WATCHING TO MAKE SURE IT STAYS OFF BECAUSE IT WILL RANDOMLY ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND WE WILL HAVE TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL OR IT WILL JERK THE VEHICLE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED CAR ACCIDENTS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCCASIONS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased this vehicle in February 2022 with 105,000 miles. Oil sticker indicated recent oil change and oil color was light and clear. The day after purchase the check engine light came on. Diagnostic scan indicated bad thermostat assembly and 2 oil sensors needed replacement. Radiator fluid was low. AC didn't cool. Repairs completed almost $900. The check engine light came on again the next day. The check engine and check oil lights/alarms need to be actual gauges. The vehicle overheated 3 times due to low coolant and faulty fan sensor fuse. Where is all the coolant going? A leaky hose was replaced but it didn't fix the coolant leak. Of course the car will easily overheat so I keep coolant with me to avoid being disabled during rush hour traffic on the Interstate in 105 degree temperatures. The engine continues to run hot and the check engine light stays on. The oil light/alarm is something new that started last Monday after driving 20 miles to Yukon, OK. No warning of any problem until I exited onto the service road to wait for a green light. The oil alarm/light turned off upon acceleration but returned again when the idle RPM went below 1000. Repairs were estimated at over $2200 for a new oil pump. I requested an engine flush and oil change instead since an oil pump could NOT be located. The oil filter was found to have collapsed but a new oil filter did not fix the low oil pressure at idle. So many defects with this vehicle!!! What the heck???? Odometer reading today is 107,364. It seems Chevy has manufactured a car that will barely make it past 100,000 miles and repair parts aren't available? Something isn't right with this picture. This car isn't safe to drive. Sincerely, NOT-Okay in OKC, OK.
LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 12 MILES, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER BAD , WHEN YOU LET UP ON GAS FOOT IT TAKES VERY LONG TO GET IT GOING SLOW TO BUILD UP POWER.REGULAR ROADWAY, NO HILLS .LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN PARKED A WHILE THEN COME BACK ON AFTER 12 MILES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.
Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MASTER CYLINDER AND POWER BREAK BOOSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 42800 MILES.
MY 2017 CHEVY SONIC HAS A BRAKE PROBLEM . BRAKES SOMETIMES FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLIED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MOVING AND COMING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAIDED THEY ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM GM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVAP PURGE SOLENOID STUCK OPEN CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY- STREETS. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR HAD TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN MID INTERSECTION AND PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WASHER UNIT STOPPED WORKING CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE NOW. DASH LIGHTS KEEP DIMMING SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO TELL THE SPEED AND FUEL LEVEL BUT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME IT COMES AND GOES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven but was no longer driven on the highway. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAVID STANLEY CHEVROLET (614 W INTERSTATE 240 SERVICE RD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139) WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .