2013 chevrolet Sonic electrical problems

severe 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$850

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 12V454000 17/09/2012

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012

If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

electrical · filed 12/27/2022

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the rear windshield suddenly imploded, causing glass shards to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded as if a shotgun had been fired. As a result of the implosion, the contact sustained injuries to the left eye. The contact sought medical attention. The contact …

electrical · filed 12/18/2017

THINGS STARTED AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER A CAR HIT ME AND TOOK OFF. I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND STAYED ON, AT CERTAIN TIMES THE CAR EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE STOPPED THE CAR WILL EITHER SHAKE FOR 2-3 MINUTES OR ALSO WHILE STATIONARY THE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT WILL COME ON THEN TURN OFF. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH SLOW OR NOT AS RESPONSIVE ACCELERATION OR UNPROMPTE…

electrical · filed 12/11/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACTIVATE THE TURN SIGNALS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…

electrical · filed 11/20/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE WINDOW WIPER/WASHER SWITCH FAILED AND THE ANTI THEFT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECCURED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW WIPER/WASHER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT …

electrical · filed 11/19/2020

MY POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT, I HAVE TO TAP ON THE BATTERY POST CONNECTORS AND THE POWER STEERING STARTS WORKING AGAIN. SOMETIMES A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, SOMETIMES NOT. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING GOING AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, ALMOST LOST CONTROL. MY ODOMETER QUIT WORKING, I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NOT ON RECALL IF A…

Common questions

How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 chevrolet Sonic?

It's a meaningful issue. 44 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.

At what mileage does the electrical 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.