Chevrolet Sonic vs Honda Civic
For 2011–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 14.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 19.7 for the Chevrolet Sonic. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2011–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Chevrolet Sonic
19.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 952
- Sold
- 483,310
- Recall campaigns
- 16
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2012–2015. Fewest: 2011, 2018–2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 50,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 48,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 48,500 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 31,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 62,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Honda Civic
14.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
28% fewer than the Chevrolet Sonic
- Complaints
- 4,907
- Sold
- 3,484,512
- Recall campaigns
- 29
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 83,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 40,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 41,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 46,600 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 31,307 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Sonic or the Honda Civic?
For 2011–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 14.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Sonic has 19.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Sonic?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Sonic is body control and other modules, typically around 50,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Civic?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Civic is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 83,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Sonic and Honda Civic years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Sonic: 2012–2015; Honda Civic: 2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.