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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-CHEVROLET-SONICNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2012 · Chevrolet
Chevrolet Sonic problems
353 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
6.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Sonic?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–55,000 mi
Engine: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,000–73,581 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Sonic· electrical
Checked car while stationed, when running always needs more cooling maybe electrical burnout of a part that connects to the radiator fan. When put the diagnose code, none is given, and temperature goes up to 225, its a hazard if a person does not know that fan is not working,…
While driving at highway speed on a two lane road at night, applied brakes to avoid animal in road. Conditions were clear and road was dry. There was plenty of time to slow to avoid animal so this was not a panic stop. Upon application of brakes, headlights went out. Dash…
I bought this vehicle brand new. Paint started to loose shine about two months ago ( I personally wash the vehicle with properly cars wash soup). Took to dealership and they can't cover under manufacture warranty. Cost over $400.00. Check engine on. Took to dealership and they…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate over 10 MPH. In addition, the vehicle stalled when idling and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed…
Had a problem with your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet sonic vehicles manufactured from june 2, 2011, through november 21, 2011
A missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brakes for a missing inner or outer pad. If a brake pad is missing, dealers will install new inner and outer pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 14, 2012
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012
A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
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
If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–55,000 mi; Engine: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,000–73,581 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 150 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,687 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 52,035 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Sonic has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 353 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Sonic.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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