This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 37 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Chevrolet Sonic in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners complain overwhelmingly of electrical faults that disable the Sonic without warning. The most dangerous: the engine stalls and loses all power while driving at highway speeds (45–70 mph). The instrument panel goes dark, power steering fails, doors lock and unlock on their own, and the car coasts to a stop. Dealership diagnostics find no codes and offer no fix. One owner had to throw the car in neutral and restart on the freeway; another had OnStar refuse roadside assistance, saying electrical problems are not their responsibility.
Battery drain is pervasive. Owners replace batteries 5+ times in a year with no root cause identified. The car sits in a driveway and voltage drops from full to 5% in days. Starter failures compound the problem—even with full battery charge, the engine won't turn over unless the starter is tapped.
Door locks and remote fobs fail sporadically or completely. One owner was trapped in a hot car for over an hour, locks disabled, and discovered that toggling the headlight switch (while lights were off) restored power—an unexplained and unrepeatable workaround.
Airbag warning lights come on intermittently; one owner found water from a sunroof leak had corroded the airbag harness connectors. Sunroof leaks route water into the driver's footwell, saturating carpet and padding and corroding electrical connectors underneath.
Cooling systems overheat and fail; the plastic water-intake housing warps. Wiring harnesses under the hood have a soy-based coating that attracts rodents to chew through them. After recall 17130 service, radios stop shutting off, warning chimes disappear, and backup cameras malfunction or display phantom images. One vehicle caught fire in the driveway.
Same Chevrolet Sonic electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent engine stall with electrical shutdown
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds. Instrument panel, radio, and dash lights go dark during events. Car typically restarts after 1–3 seconds or when restarted manually. Some incidents accompanied by warning lights (traction control, engine power down, check engine). Recurring over months or years; dealership diagnostics often inconclusive.
When: While driving; some cases at low mileage (6,500 miles), others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls for 1–3 seconds then restarts; Instrument panel and radio go completely dark; Warning lights illuminate (traction control, engine power down, check engine); Engine revs as if out of gear; Speedometer stops responding
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Some repairs included ignition switch replacement (did not resolve issue); temporary dielectric grease application to corroded connectors; water intrusion into wire harnesses cited as root cause in one case
Battery drain and repeated battery failure
Battery drains rapidly even when vehicle is parked or off. Owners report replacing batteries multiple times (5+ replacements in one case, 2 batteries in one month in another). Full battery voltage may be present yet vehicle fails to start or turn over. Dealership diagnostics unable to locate cause. Starter may need tapping for vehicle to turn over.
When: Occurs without warning; can happen after short periods of sitting or while vehicle is parked
Symptoms owners cite: Battery voltage drains to 5% within days; Vehicle fails to start despite battery showing full voltage; Starter will not engage without tapping; Requires roadside assistance (6+ calls in one case); Car stuck in unsafe locations
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements; dealership unable to identify electrical draw; one owner replaced battery Oct 4, had 5% voltage by Oct 12 while sitting in driveway
Door lock and remote keyless entry malfunction
Remote keyless entry fob stops working sporadically or completely. Manual locks and power locks fail to respond. Doors lock and unlock randomly while driving. Steering wheel lock does not disengage on exit. Trunk will not open. Events can be intermittent (15 minutes, then resolve) or persistent.
When: Intermittent at first (10–15 minutes, then resolve), escalating to constant failure; one case after 1 week of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Remote fob does not lock/unlock vehicle; Manual locks do not respond; Doors lock/unlock repeatedly while driving; Trunk will not open; Steering wheel lock fails to release
Repairs/costs cited: One owner discovered turning headlight switch from AUTO to OFF while lights were off caused locks to suddenly open (unexplained workaround); dealership 'global diagnostic' found nothing; held for week with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar refused roadside assistance, claiming electrical issues are outside their scope
Airbag warning light and clock spring connector corrosion
Airbag warning light comes on intermittently while driving. Manual states airbag could fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly. One case linked to water intrusion corroding side airbag wire harness connectors. Recall 14V543000 (GM #14537) addressed loose terminals in IP harness clock spring coil connector, but some vehicles with identical symptoms not listed in recall database.
When: Intermittent; light comes on during driving, often turns off before reaching dealership; one case after water intrusion from sunroof leak
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently; Light turns off before diagnosis can occur; Water-damaged wire connectors found corroded in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 14V543000 specifies replacement of loose terminals in IP harness clock spring coil connector, free of charge; one owner's VIN not recognized in recall database despite matching symptoms
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V543000 (GM #14537); GM Headquarters refused to help some owners; Provo Utah dealer could not diagnose because light was not on during visit
Sunroof leak causing water intrusion and electrical corrosion
Sunroof leaks water directly into driver footwell area. Water soaks carpet, liner, and padding, draining improperly. Water then wets wire harness under dashboard, corroding connectors and side airbag harness. Spraying water on wet wires can replicate engine power loss (P2138 code). Water damage left unaddressed results in risk of rust, mold, and airbag failure.
When: Discovered during warranty inspection; owner unaware until water found during diagnostic; affects driver side specifically
Symptoms owners cite: Driver footwell carpet completely soaked; Puddles in footwell during rain/car wash; Wire connectors corroded; Side airbag harness compromised; Check engine light (P2138)
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic applied dielectric grease to prevent further corrosion; full drain system inspection requires headliner removal; owner left panels off to monitor continued leaking
Ignition switch failure
Ignition switch fails to release key, or key becomes stuck in ignition. Vehicle continues to run with key in OFF position. Abnormal clicking noise may occur. Failures occur randomly and inconsistently, making diagnosis difficult.
When: While vehicle is parked in park position; also reported with steering wheel jostling while at speed
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not release from ignition cylinder; Vehicle continues running with key in off position; Abnormal clicking noise heard; Steering wheel jostles cause stall at speed (70 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement performed in at least one case but failure recurred; another case not repaired
Instrument cluster and warning chime failures after recall service
After recall 17130 installation (key reminder chime), multiple electrical failures: radio will not shut off if key left in ignition; audible warning chimes stop working (key in ignition, door open, turn signal, seatbelt); dash lights inoperable; backup camera inoperable; steering wheel volume controls stop working. Vehicle no longer complies with Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114.
When: After recall 17130 installation; some cases vehicle stops providing warnings with key in ignition and door open
Symptoms owners cite: Radio remains on with key in ignition; No audible warning chimes (key left, door open, turn signal, seatbelt); Dash lights do not illuminate; Backup camera inoperable; Steering wheel volume/phone controls non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships refuse to repair some vehicles without official recall letter; many VINs not recognized in recall database despite symptoms matching recall scope
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17130 addressed key reminder chime but appears to have introduced new failures; dealerships cite lack of recall letter to deny service
Heater and air conditioning inoperable
Heater and air conditioner do not work or work intermittently. Some vehicles purchased with non-functional HVAC; owners unable to use features since purchase. One case accompanied by unusual odor from vents causing headaches; technician unable to locate source.
When: From purchase or early in ownership; one case involving odor at 12,852 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Heater produces no heat; Air conditioner produces no cold air; Unusual odor emits from vents; Owner suffered headaches from odor
Repairs/costs cited: Owner went 4 years without functional HVAC due to warranty disputes; one case technician unable to diagnose odor source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership refused warranty coverage; one case: technician unable to locate source
Electrical power loss and complete vehicle shutdown while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving at highway speeds (45–70 mph). Doors lock/unlock repeatedly, radio goes silent, instrument panel goes dark, power steering fails, and engine stalls. Vehicle must be put in neutral and restarted while coasting. Multiple incidents in same vehicle; dealership unable to diagnose (no codes generated). Extremely hazardous on freeways.
When: While driving at various speeds, including highway (65–70 mph); one case happened multiple times in 3 months
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss while driving; Doors lock/unlock repeatedly; Radio and all dashboard lights go dark; Power steering cuts out; Engine stalls; must restart in neutral while coasting; Locks may cycle up and down during event
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested; diagnostics found nothing; one case: RPM gauge moving back and forth on 0 despite no power
Dashboard light and radio shutdown while driving
While driving, dashboard lights including speedometer and instrument cluster go completely dark and then reset 10–20 seconds later. Radio and gauges simultaneously shut off and restart. Occurs multiple times over months. Dealership cannot determine cause despite diagnostic testing.
When: Multiple times over 3-month period; one case: only occurred in 6th gear at 65 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights turn off; Speedometer turns off and resets; Radio shuts down; Gauges go dark; Event lasts 10–20 seconds; Restart occurs on its own
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to determine trigger; no codes generated
Window regulator and power window failure
Power windows stop working and cannot be rolled up, even manually. Failures occur without warning. Passenger side front window previously had issues at dealership; back passenger right side window then failed.
When: One case: back passenger window failed without warning after front passenger window previous issues
Symptoms owners cite: Power window inoperable; Manual window operation also fails; Window stuck open or closed; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner out of pocket for repairs; multiple electrical problems on new (first 4 years) vehicle
Starter failure and intermittent no-crank condition
Vehicle fails to start or turn over despite battery having full voltage. Starter does not engage. Tapping on starter motor or wiggling steering wheel can trigger engine to start. Recurring problem; dealership cannot reproduce issue.
When: After 40 minutes of driving; at 1,974 miles; recurring over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start despite full battery voltage; Starter does not engage; Tapping starter motor makes vehicle start; Wiggling steering wheel can trigger crank; Remote starter does not work; Vehicle can be stuck in unsafe locations
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership held vehicle 3 days, could not reproduce problem; roadside assistance tapped starter to restart
Engine fire
Vehicle caught fire in driveway. Fire determined by Lawrence Fire Department to be engine fire. Occurred after ignition key was removed and weather was very hot.
When: August, after hot weather and key removal; discovered Saturday morning when neighbor alerted owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire; Smoke/flames from engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Fire Department investigation confirmed engine fire
Seat occupancy detection sensor failure
Front occupant detection sensor fails to activate when front passenger seat is occupied. System does not recognize that seat is in use.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sensor does not detect passenger seat occupancy; No activation signal when passenger present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repaired; noted vehicle excluded from NHTSA Campaign #16V257000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle excluded from Campaign #16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System)
Radio/infotainment system malfunction
Radio does not work or stops working suddenly. Radio software fails. Radio will not shut off even with key removed from ignition. Steering wheel audio controls do not work. System does not provide low-tire warning alerts. Backup camera display malfunctions (displays camera image when no camera present, or does not display when needed).
When: Can occur early in ownership; some after recall 17130 installation; one case early in purchase with persistent codes
Symptoms owners cite: Radio inoperable; Radio software failure; Radio stays on with key removed; No low-tire pressure alerts; Steering wheel audio controls non-functional; Backup camera displays incorrectly or not at all; Dashboard display shows reverse camera despite no camera on vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Some dealerships clear codes but codes return; multiple repeat visits required; one case involved warranty program and repeated service
Engine cooling system failure and overheating
Engine overheats and makes abnormal noise. Cooling system failures occur repeatedly. Low coolant levels found during inspection. Engine cooling system return unit failed. Plastic water intake housing warps due to heat and begins leaking. Metal replacement intake also fails when manufacturer-installed plug starts leaking.
When: Occurred twice in one case; another case at 80,000 miles; owner data suggests 18% of Sonics sold experience this issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats; Abnormal engine noise; Check engine light illuminates; Coolant leaks from thermostat housing; Plastic water intake warps and leaks under pressure; Coolant level drops over time
Repairs/costs cited: Engine cooling system return unit replacement; water intake replacement with metal unit; dealer wanted $503 for two gaskets without guarantee of fix; metal replacement intake failed at manufacturer-installed plug
Wiring chewed by animals due to soy-based coating
Wiring under hood has soy-based coating that attracts rodents and animals to chew through wiring. All lights and gauges on instrument panel fail as result. Widespread issue affecting multiple Sonic vehicles.
When: Early in ownership; one case at 9,205 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Animals chew through wiring harness under hood; All instrument cluster lights fail; All instrument cluster gauges fail
Repairs/costs cited: Wires and cords replaced at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of soy-based coating attracting animals
Hot ignition key
Ignition key becomes extremely hot after driving vehicle for more than 5 miles. Unsafe to touch.
When: After more than 5 miles of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key becomes very hot; Unsafe to hold or remove
Whirring noise from front of vehicle while driving
Loud whirring or grinding noise emanates from front of vehicle. Started on passenger side front and has now spread to both sides. Only occurs while vehicle is in motion.
When: Intermittent and escalating; initially passenger side, then both sides
Symptoms owners cite: Strange whirring noise from front; Noise heard on passenger side, then both sides; Only occurs while driving; Grinding or motor-like sound
Vehicle surging and loss of power steering
Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly, particularly after turning or going over bumps. Power steering cuts out while backing. All dashboard lights go off during surging events then come back on. Locks cycle up and down during surges. Tire on driver's side locked up.
When: While driving and turning; when going over speed bumps; while backing out
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward; Surges after left or right hand turns; All dash lights go off then return; Power steering cuts out while backing; Door locks cycle up and down during surge; Driver-side tire locks up
Unusual odor from HVAC vents
Unusual odor emits from air conditioning and heater vents. Odor causes headaches in owner. Dealership technician unable to locate source.
When: At 12,852 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Odor from vents when AC or heater turned on; Owner reported headaches from odor
Repairs/costs cited: Technician unable to locate source; vehicle not repaired
Vehicle starts on its own with key in ignition
Vehicle starts and runs on its own with no manual input from driver. Key is in OFF position in ignition and vehicle was parked. Occurs after recall 17130 installation in one case.
When: While parked with key in ignition OFF position
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts and runs without key being turned; Engine cranks on its own
Repairs/costs cited: One case had recall 17130 installed prior to incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17130 may be related
Steering wheel control button failures
Steering wheel control buttons stop working (volume controls, phone controls, truck and off-road mode buttons). Controls can fail intermittently or completely.
When: While driving at 70 mph in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel audio volume controls non-functional; Phone controls non-functional; Truck/off-road mode button stops working
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again. I have had it to service department and there are no codes generated, this started back in 6/2021 and continues to be a problem
While driving down the highway, going approximately 65mph, the dash lights including speedometer turn off and reset. They stay off from 10-20 seconds then reset back on. This has happened multiple times in the last 3 months. Has only happened in 6th gear and is very dangerous knowing the repair dealership can not figure out what triggers it. *tr
It has been going on for 3 months now. I will be driving and the doors will lock, the instrument panel and radio will go blank and the car will rev like its out of gear. We have changed battery, alternator checked and diagnostics test found nothing. Today I went to town and got to my destination fine. I got back in my car to leave and no power at all! I was sitting there and car not running…
During last two months we had go to the dealer four time and three of these due to the engine noise and overheating. Last week smelled like fire and due to the gas inside the car we had to parking. When review the engine, there was not colant in it. The noise never stopped and some sensor were on during some days. This car is used for a pregnan woman and girls and are not safety for us for…
My 2014 sonic after being driven for 40 min failed to start, a check of the battery indicated full voltage. Called for roadside assistance after they tapped on the starter the car would start. This has been a recurring problem. The dealer had the car for 3 days and could not repeat the problem, was told to bring it back when I had the problem again. I have had to tap on the starter once because I…
Almost a year since engine last stalled without warning (happened 3 times in about 3 months). When pulling into traffic from a stop, heard 3 chimes and several warning lights lit up (traction control, engine power down, check engine, service car asap). Engine at low power, was able to drift into parking lot. Restarted car after several minutes, all lights except check engine went off. Check…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 14,500 and 73,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,500; a quarter make it past 73,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Chevrolet/Sonic.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.