Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 354 of 354 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 264 of 354 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
154 complaint records3 crash reports
"AFTER DISENGAGING, ENGAGING, AND THEN DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
87 complaint records3 fire reports3 crash reports
"I AM OWNER OF 2012 CHEVY SONIC, YESTERDAY AGAIN - WHEN I SHUT OFF MY CAR ...IT STARTED BACK UP AGAIN JUST AFTER I SHUT THE KEY OFF CAR WAS IN PARK. PLZE DO H E L P - M E !!!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
59 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, THE CAR LOOSES POWER AND BEGAN TO STALL. I'VE WENT TO TWO CHEVY DEALERSHIPS AND TWO REPAIR AND NO ONE IS ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT'S THE PROBLEM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
| RQ13002 opened May 2013 | closed Jul 2014 | Air Bags | Air Bag Non-deployment - led to recall 14V300000 General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V417000 | Equipment | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013;... | Normally free |
| 14V315000 | Power Train | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. | Normally free |
| 14V300000 | Air Bags | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet... | Normally free |
| 13V023000 | Air Bags | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. | Normally free |
| 12V522000 | Air Bags | General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals. | Normally free |
| 12V408000 | Visibility | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. | Normally free |
| 11V599000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017051 2017-02-03 | Lights And Instruments | 30,330 | Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. |
| 2014306 2014-07-22 | Airbag | 5,003 | On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. |
| 2014274 2014-07-03 | Accessories | 17,144 | On certain vehicles, insulation on the engine block heater power cord may become damaged if the cord is handled during very cold days (temperatures below -25C). |
| 2014229 2014-06-12 | Powertrain | 3,337 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.8L engine and 6 speed automatic transmission, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture, disabling transmission gears 3 through 6. |
| 2014213 2014-06-06 | Airbag | 5,003 | On certain vehicles, the primary or secondary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). |
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012368 2012-10-30 | Airbag | 1,011 | On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. |
| 2012283 2012-08-17 | Visual System | 7,161 | On certain units, the windshield washer hose may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to clean the windshield. |
| 2011440 2011-12-23 | Brakes | 1,215 | On certain vehicles, the front brake inner and/or outer pads may have been omitted during vehicle assembly. This could increase stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4902W Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT3271Q Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available. | |
| PIP4902V Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIP6104 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect. | |
| PIP4902U Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT5214G Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical... | |
| 13598 Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH | |
| PIP4902T Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIC5650M Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. | |
| PIP4902S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| 25-NA-156 Jun 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities. | |
| 00-06-01-026R Jun 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 23-NA-153 May 2025 | Engine | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 08-03-10-006I Mar 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion. | |
| 15-06-03-001F Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries. | |
| 25-NA-052 Mar 2025 | Engine | This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system. | |
| PIP5358D Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 21-NA-043 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer. | |
| 22-NA-074 Jan 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 09-06-04-026Z Jan 2025 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2. | |
| PIT5074Q Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| PIT5962B Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses. | |
| 21-NA-043 Nov 2024 | Engine | This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer. | |
| 04-06-01-029K Oct 2024 | Steering | This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules. | |
| PIP4723J Oct 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP6015 Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool. | |
| 24-NA-223 Oct 2024 | Power Train | This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions. | |
| 10-00-89-009F Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S). | |
| 01-06-01-011Q Oct 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 20-NA-132 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements. | |
| 07-00-89-037T Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 04-06-04-051J Sep 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive. | |
| 23-NA-219 Sep 2024 | Structure | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 20-NA-138 Sep 2024 | Engine | This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management. | |
| 08-07-30-026I Sep 2024 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. | |
| 18-NA-146 Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only). | |
| PIT5099H Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 02-00-89-002X Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| PIC5650L Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 24-NA-174 Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 05-03-08-002J Aug 2024 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 01-00-89-010S Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern. | |
| 07-06-01-016J Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement. | |
| 00-06-01-012N Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts. | |
| 05-06-04-022V Aug 2024 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL. | |
| 16-NA-222 Aug 2024 | Engine | This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations. | |
| 09-06-04-026Y Aug 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2. | |
| 24-NA-147 Aug 2024 | Seat Belts | This service bulletin provides information on regular inspection of the Seat Belt Lap Anchor. | |
| 01-06-01-011P Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 18-NA-306 Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA). | |
| PI0754G Jul 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic. | |
| 16-NA-158 Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process. | |
| 19-NA-101 Jul 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the intake manifold if diagnostics has found the Non Return Valve missing to correct customer concerns of possible oil consumption and//or leaks. | |
| 24-NA-141 Jul 2024 | Power Train | GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. | |
| 00-03-10-002M Jul 2024 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels. | |
| 17-NA-157 Jul 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter. |
Showing 60 of 1432 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Sonic →