2020 Chevrolet Sonic

Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic composite, cracked completely open without warning, causing an immediate, rapid loss of engine coolant. This constitutes a severe safety hazard. A sudden, catastrophic loss of engine coolant under normal driving conditions puts the vehicle at immediate risk of severe engine overheating and sudden engine stalling or seizure while in motion. If the engine stalls unexpectedly in high-speed traffic, it strips the driver of power steering and braking assistance, drastically increasing the risk of a serious collision. General Motors is fully aware of this pervasive material defect across the Chevy Sonic model years, yet they refuse to issue a safety recall, forcing owners to operate vehicles with inherently flawed, dangerous plastic cooling components. They also refuse to help in getting the vehicle repaired or share the cost.

NHTSA ID

11745643

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Purchased from Carvana. Nine days after purchase came out to a dead battery took it to the authorized dealer and they said the battery was a bad cell battery. Replace the battery. Six days after they replaced the battery it was dead again. This time they had it in the shop for two weeks before they found the issue. It had been aftermarket wired with a GPS tracking system that was draining the battery. They said if I have any further issues with it, I need to take it to a dealer. They gave me a bag full of multiple components that had been added to the vehicle. I do not know how Carvana missed them all.

NHTSA ID

11696953

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position. The malfunction is likely related to either the motor, seat track, or the electrical system controlling the adjustment. The seat is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The stuck seat presents a safety hazard because it is positioned too far back, which can prevent proper seating posture or seatbelt positioning for a passenger. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash, as the passenger may not be secured properly or may be too far from the airbag deployment zone. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and two other individuals knowledgeable about cars. The problem has been physically inspected, and the seat remains stuck in the rear position despite attempts to adjust it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives yet. However, it has been looked at by independent service providers, who have confirmed the issue with the passenger seat. My car is no longer secure by the bumper-to-bumper warranty despite only having 52K millage. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue with the seat adjustment occurred suddenly, with no prior indication that there was a problem.

NHTSA ID

11625449

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving.

NHTSA ID

11604956

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also overheats creating hazardous leaks of anti freeze at boiling temperatures ability to burn anyone who comes in contact. This remains an ongoing issue with vehicle, vehicle now back in possesion of bank Santander Consumer USA, this is being reported to protect any innocent parties involved to avoid injuries or even fatality

NHTSA ID

11576430

Incident

Mar 6, 2024

There was an instance a couple months ago where I was driving and my ignition stopped. To my luck, I was in a safe area to stop but it is dangerous for this to be happening with my car while I am driving.

NHTSA ID

11513468

Incident

Jan 24, 2023

UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.

NHTSA ID

11510643

Incident

Mar 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driver’s and passenger’s side air bags erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the roadway. The vehicle was not involved in a crash before the air bags deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

NHTSA ID

11422656

Incident

Jun 24, 2021

Mileage

5,000 mi

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