The best and worst Chevrolet Sonic years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Chevrolet Sonics old enough to judge (2011–2021), the 2011, 2018–2019 and 2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2012–2015 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2012 Chevrolet Sonic · 39.7 per 10,000 sold (4.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 45,000 miles; then stalling and no-start.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic · 25.4 per 10,000 sold (2.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 63,007 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2014 Chevrolet Sonic · 15.9 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 54,150 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic · 17.6 per 10,000 sold (2.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 62,850 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
Years with the fewest complaints
2011 Chevrolet Sonic · 0.6 per 10,000 sold (0.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Transmission control module and sensors, typically around 17,000 miles.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic · 6.8 per 10,000 sold (0.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Infotainment, screen and software, typically around 61,475 miles.
2019 Chevrolet Sonic · 5.7 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, typically around 81,400 miles.
2021 Chevrolet Sonic · 0.0 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Chevrolet Sonic year: 8.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
Among Chevrolet Sonics old enough to judge (2011–2021), the 2012 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 39.7, about 4.6× a typical Chevrolet Sonic year. The 2013–2015 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Chevrolet Sonics from 2011–2021: 0.0, against 8.7 for a typical year. The 2011 and 2018–2019 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
The most-reported problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 45,000 miles.
Looking at a specific Chevrolet Sonic?
See what it’s likely to cost you over the next 3 years from its year and mileage.
Open the cost estimator → Full Chevrolet Sonic reportCompare the Chevrolet Sonic with
Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.