Chevrolet Sonic recalls

16 official safety recalls for the Chevrolet Sonic from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk

Driver air bag inflator may explode
Reported July 27, 2023Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 23V516000767 vehicles affected
A manufacturing defect may cause the driver air bag inflator to explode during deployment, sending sharp metal fragments into occupants and potentially causing serious injury or death. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module, and on some vehicles the steering wheel as well, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Driver seat-back frame may fail
Reported May 27, 2018Model years 2018NHTSA campaign 18V34200071 vehicles affected
An improperly welded joint may weaken the driver's seat-back frame, which could fail in a rear-impact crash and increase the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the seat-back free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
SEATS
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Consequence
In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail to sound warning chimes
Reported June 10, 2016Model years 2015–2016NHTSA campaign 16V42200018,780 vehicles affected
The radio may not sound a warning if the driver is unbelted or leaves the key in the ignition. Without the seatbelt warning, the driver may not buckle up, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail to sound key warning chime
Reported April 28, 2016Model years 2013–2016NHTSA campaign 16V257000317,572 vehicles affected
The radio may not sound a warning chime if the key is left in the ignition after it is switched off and the driver opens the door 10 minutes or more later. The driver may leave the key behind, increasing theft risk. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail and disable warning chimes
Reported June 30, 2015Model years 2015NHTSA campaign 15V41600045,785 vehicles affected
A software issue may lock up the radio, blank its display and stop audio, including warning chimes. Drivers may miss seat belt reminders or leave the key in the ignition, increasing injury or theft risk. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver air bag may deploy in first stage only
Reported September 9, 2014Model years 2014NHTSA campaign 14V543000304 vehicles affected
A lost electrical connection in the steering column may limit the driver's frontal air bag to first-stage deployment in a severe crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will test the connector terminals and replace any that are loose, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
AIR BAGS
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
Consequence
If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Engine heater cord insulation may become damaged
Reported July 2, 2014Model years 2012–2014NHTSA campaign 14V4170002,990 vehicles affected
In cold temperatures, the engine heater cord insulation may become damaged and expose wires, creating a shock risk if the plugged-in cord is handled. Dealers will replace the cord with one rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Consequence
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Transmission turbine shaft may fracture
Reported June 12, 2014Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 14V31500021,567 vehicles affected
The turbine shaft may fracture, limiting the vehicle's speed or causing it to coast before downshifting. Dealers will replace the shaft free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.
Consequence
If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver air bag may not deploy
Reported June 6, 2014Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 14V30000031,520 vehicles affected
A shorting bar in the driver air bag may intermittently contact its terminals. If they are touching during a crash, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of driver injury. Dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
AIR BAGS
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Fuel tank strap bracket may separate
Reported September 26, 2013Model years 2013–2014NHTSA campaign 13V4640001,558 vehicles affected
The front fuel tank strap bracket may separate, potentially causing another tank support to fail and the tank to come loose and leak fuel, which could cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and repair the bracket as needed, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Defect
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
Consequence
If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Brake lamps may flash without braking
Reported May 24, 2013Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 13V22000010,210 vehicles affected
The brake lamps may flash intermittently when the brakes are not applied, and cruise control may disengage. A following driver may misread the lamps when the vehicle is braking, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the body control module.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver airbag may not deploy
Reported January 24, 2013Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 13V0230004,167 vehicles affected
A shorting bar may contact the driver's airbag terminals. If contact occurs during a crash requiring deployment, the airbag will not deploy, increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
AIR BAGS
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Notes
This is General Motors recall number 12261 and is an expansion of NHTSA recall 12V-522.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver airbag may not deploy
Reported October 31, 2012Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 12V5220002,949 vehicles affected
A shorting bar may contact the driver airbag terminals. If they are touching during a crash that requires deployment, the airbag will not deploy, increasing the risk of driver injury. Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
AIR BAGS
Defect
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Notes
This is General Motors recall number 12261.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Turn signal failure may go undetected
Reported September 17, 2012Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 12V4540004,716 vehicles affected
The vehicle may not detect or alert the driver when a turn signal lamp fails. Other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the body control module and key fobs free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
GM's campaign number is 12209.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Washer hose may separate
Reported August 20, 2012Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 12V40800044,668 vehicles affected
The windshield washer hose may separate from the fluid reservoir, leaving no washer fluid for the windshield and potentially impairing the driver's view. Dealers will secure the hose to prevent separation free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to the windshield.
Consequence
A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Notes
GM's recall campaign number is 12176.Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Front brake pad may be missing
Reported December 28, 2011Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 11V5990004,296 vehicles affected
A missing inner or outer front brake pad could reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. Dealers will inspect the front brakes and, if a pad is missing, install new inner and outer pads, a caliper and a rotor, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Defect
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.
Consequence
A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 2012
Notes
GMÂS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11354.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Chevrolet Sonic

Driver air bag inflator may explode

Driver seat-back frame may fail

Radio may fail to sound warning chimes

Radio may fail to sound key warning chime

Radio may fail and disable warning chimes

Driver air bag may deploy in first stage only

Engine heater cord insulation may become damaged

Transmission turbine shaft may fracture

Driver air bag may not deploy

Fuel tank strap bracket may separate

Brake lamps may flash without braking

Driver airbag may not deploy

Driver airbag may not deploy

Turn signal failure may go undetected

Washer hose may separate

Front brake pad may be missing