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ProblemsByVin Index / 2018-CHEVROLET-SONIC / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2018 Chevrolet Sonic owner complaints

14 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Listed by category, newest first within each section.

electrical 5 complaints shown

5 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/26/2019 22,000 mi ODI #11291401.0

Having an issue with the radio itself, its went black a few times on me as I was driving. And also when I was parked. No response on it at all. Im afraid if something happens like when im in a wreck and when I try to call onstar while its not working im afraid of it not connecting, and also ive had issues with the window switches not rolling up or down the windows no clicking noises when I push on the switch all four have done it, acting like its not getting a electric signal to the switches, what I usually do when that happens is pull the car over turn off the iginition and let the car sit for 30 seconds then start the car and it usually works. Ive also checked to make sure the safety switch aint on and it isnt.

09/16/2019 26,950 mi ODI #11255556.0

My 2018 Chevrolet sonic radio screen went black without warning while I was driving. I lost all functions through the radio screen. This happened a second time in route to work within a few days. I'm concerned that the radio may go black during an emergency when I need to use on star.

04/30/2022 ODI #11462831.0

The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while other are behind you going 70 mph which can cause a wreck

03/05/2020 ODI #11316425.0

Today I'm writing in behalf of carite of oakland park I had a email chat with brian mccoy the branch owner of the company, I was told by him that the car was put in as repo status, due to me giving the car back. I feel my life was put in danger numerous of times and due to the negligence of the company I was not given a reliable vehicle nor was I treated as a valued customer... Good day, I've made all attempts regarding this situation with carite I'm the time allowed.. I'm requesting a full refund of my money I've made it clear and I don't want nothing else from these people at this company. I've told the owner not to have the car delivered on today 2/8/20 he still insist the driver greg to do so, I've rejected to receive the vehicle instead of honoring my request I'm getting phone calls

03/03/2021 96,000 mi ODI #11398829.0

My radio turns off and on, on its own. Also when I have my bluetooth turned on for my phone, it gets stuck after I hang up the phone after a call. I was driving home from work on a state road. My right wheel bearing went out and I had to replace it last year.

other 3 complaints shown

11/14/2018 15,000 mi ODI #11151389.0

My driver seat drops a level while I drive . Very dangerous and hazardous.

11/06/2022 ODI #11492498.0

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.

10/12/2021 28,000 mi ODI #11436408.0

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.

lighting 1 complaint shown

11/16/2018 ODI #11152052.0

During night operation, the backlight of the center screen is so bright it causes difficulty seeing the road. The instrument cluster is at an acceptable level (as adjusted by the switch to the left of the steering wheel), but the center screen is still too bright. A simple floating software button allowing a display off function would address issue. As it is, the display off function is hidden in a submenu requiring inattention to the road to activate. *tr

seatbelts 1 complaint shown

09/01/2020 39,000 mi ODI #11352415.0

The passenger seat belt does not clip or will come undone at any given time. I made the dealership aware of the concern when the vehicle had approximately 39,000 miles. They stated that since it was out of warranty it did not qualify for production defect. This is a safety concern that could endanger the life of a person if west belt fails during a crash.

engine 1 complaint shown

07/22/2025 ODI #11675305.0

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 onl

airbags 1 complaint shown

06/28/2022 15,000 mi ODI #11471326.0

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.

fuel system 1 complaint shown

05/15/2025 85,000 mi ODI #11661264.0

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.

steering 1 complaint shown

02/19/2019 ODI #11181140.0

The 2018 sonic is not safe to drive in the snow. It has no traction to start from a stopped position, no traction to stop and no ability to control steering or turning.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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