Build quality and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Compact cars aren’t as popular anymore, but drivers looking for a cost-conscious model were fond of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. In fact, it turns out that this compact model features a faulty electrical system, defective seats and a shoddy powertrain.
While the 2020 Chevy Sonic is considered a budget-friendly vehicle, the electrical system must still be capable and functional. Yet, owners are struggling with getting aspects of the Sonic to function correctly.
Here is one NHTSA complaint worth reading. “2020 Chevrolet Sonic. Consumer writes in regards to defective keyless ignition. The consumer stated that it was possible to turn off the keyless entry without first putting the vehicle in Park. It is also possible to shift out of Park before starting the ignition.”
These are actually concerns that should be part of a recall, especially considering that the vehicle could roll away without even being turned on. However, Chevy hasn’t issued a recall or stated anything about this situation. Instead, the communications are filled with messages, such as what is found with Service Bulletin #PIP4670H. It states that after swapping out the Engine Control Module, owners might face a no start situation. If the ECM is being replaced, there is already a problem being dealt with. No one wants to deal with fixing a problem that resulted from fixing a problem. This is precisely the “excitement” that no one hopes for.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System:ignition | |
| Engine | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Seats | |
| Steering | |
| Unknown Or Other |
When buying a cheaper car, customers expect to lack high-end features, but they don’t plan on having a jalopy that can’t hold itself together. Yet, that’s some of what is happening with the Sonic.
Here is a Cars.com review that touches on several problems. “1. The windshield wash sprayers are crap, The shoot 3 streams. I replaced mine with oem fan pattern sprayers for a cruze… 2. The headrest is tilted too far forward. And that can’t be adjusted… so it can bounce off the back of your head. 3. The fuel tank capacity 12.2 gallons? I don’t think I’ve ever put more than 10 in it. Sure the price at the pump is a nice result because of this. But the range (366 miles) makes you spend more time at the pump.”
It doesn’t seem that the Sonic was well thought out when constructed or designed. Even Service Bulletin #P10281H states that there is trouble with underbody corrosion. On a new vehicle, this shouldn’t even be something that’s coming up. Is the automaker even skilled in putting cars together? “Small packages” don’t require that much precision to get right. If Chevy can’t handle the smallest tasks, how can the company be trusted with the larger lineup of vehicles?
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Has anyone had any problems with their 2018 Sonic? The only issue I’ve had (and it’s only happened maybe a handful of times when I first bought it in June 2021) was when my phone was connected via Bluetooth/USB and I’d get a call, I’d have to disconnect my phone completely to take the call because my stereo wouldn’t stop ringing. It was a tone that I’ve never heard before on any phone. And the only way to get it to stop, was to shut my car off, keys out of the ignition, and open the door. Apparently from what I’ve read, this was a common issue with the sonics around the same year models (2018) . Not a huge issue, but more annoying, and inconvenient when you’re on an interstate. Fortunately, I never was when that problem occurred. Was only within the first year (give or take) after purchasing the vehicle. Hasn’t happened again since. Was more curious as to how many other ’18 Sonic owners ran into the same problem. Thanks for reading.
My 2015 Chevy Sonic has been acting up ever since they did a recall adjustment on radio the radio goes crazy changing stations and the touch screen won’t work at times and many other issues with the traction coming on and then going back off
Is anyone having problems with the BCM on a 2012 Chevy Sonic. It’s running rough & cutting off at low rpms like in traffic or on regular roads. Took into macanic and 10 different codes were coming up. My macanic, which I do trust says thinks is BCM.
Daughter’s 2020 sonic turns on the traction control light and locks the brakes up for no reason.