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 THE UNKNOWN PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILUR…
2012 chevrolet Sonic engine problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
THIS CAR WHEN SITTING AT A IDLE SHAKES IT DON'T MATTER IF YOU START IT UP IN THE MORNING OR IN THE DAY OR NIGHT. IT ACTS LIKE IT HAS A MISFIRE WHEN DRIVING LIKE ALL THE CYLINDERS AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN MARCH 2012. HAS A ROUGH IDLE EVERYDAY ,AFTER IT WARMS UP AND YOU DRIVE WHERE EVER YOU ARE GOING AND THEN SIT AT A IDLE IT BOGS DOWN,SHAKES THE CAR. A…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 chevrolet Sonic?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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