2018 CHEVROLET SONIC — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
23
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
19
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
The 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC has received a total of 23 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS. 19 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (5 complaints), Engine (4 complaints), and Seats (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC, potentially affecting up to 71 vehicles.
Recall 18V342000 — SEATS
| 71 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
23 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no additional actionable codes. Vehicle also displayed a change oil warning, likely triggered by overheating. This vehicle has a known history of turbocharger and coolant system defects, which have been acknowledged in GM technical service bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Programs. I have reason to believe this situation qualifies for one of those programs. Despite paying $730 for a prior repair, the vehicle is now exhibiting the same safety-related malfunction, putting my son at risk of engine damage and breakdown. We have also taken the car to Mike Anderson Chevrolet twice for inspection and they reported finding nothing. I am respectfully requesting the following: A thorough inspection and diagnosis of the entire cooling system and turbocharger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should report it.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Safety Rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
The 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
General Motors, LLC has issued 19 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIC6567 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This Preliminary information communicates that the radio remaining on for 11 minutes after RAP is canceled will resolve itself after a few drive cycles.
00-00-90-002M — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This service bulletin provides information for accurate tire pressures that ensure the safe handling and appropriate ride characteristics of GM cars and trucks.
PIP5895 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect connector for moisture intrusion at ECM, procedure for verification of need for replacement
PIE0551A — STRUCTURE
This engineering information (EI) Lite closure ends the need for information from the field regarding concerns with loose and/or lifted roof panel ditch moldings that results in a repair.
PIP5353F — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a rough idle or misfire. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 set in the Engine Control Module. Technician will need to utilize engine controls schematics to compare the Fuel Injector Control Circuit wire colors to...
18NA347 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides a procedure for dealers/technicians to manually adjust Clock.
18NA347 — EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides a procedure for dealers/technicians to manually adjust Clock.
PIC6326A — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician that GM is investigating a condition of a red OnStar LED. The technician is advised what DTC codes may be present, and not to replace any components at this time. Further information will be provided when the investigation is concluded.
PIC6325 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Human Machine Interface, Radio or Tuner, radio controls, Integrated Center Stack, display, and Media Disc Players are placed on restriction through the General Motors Technical Assistance Center. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance. When...
17NA238 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
This Technical bulletin provides a correction for Wi-Fi Hotspots or Data Sharing Feature Not Working once Turned on.
Showing 10 of 19 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET SONIC
- 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC — 322 complaints
- 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC — 226 complaints
- 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC — 170 complaints
- 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC — 69 complaints
- 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC — 57 complaints
- 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC (current)
- 2019 CHEVROLET SONIC — 10 complaints
- 2020 CHEVROLET SONIC — 15 complaints
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