2012 Chevrolet Sonic Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 5% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall I was driving and I tried to brake at an intersection due to a red light and there was a car in front of me, I was unable to use the brakes because the pad got stiff and it didn't allow me to brake, I had to use my emergency brake but I hit the car in front of me .”
NHTSA complaint #10864779, filed 2016-05, 40,000 miles“When I apply my brakes at low speed there is a rotational noise in the rear end. I found out on my last recall visit that GM knows of this issue and sent out a document, #pica dated 11/19/2012 saying they were working on the problem. I have contacted GM to see if they have resolved this issue. They reported back to me, after 3 weeks of phone conversations and talking to multiple persons, that the rear drums have to be re-designed and that they are working on the fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10541920, filed 2013-09, 12,728 miles“On 1/31/2016 a vehicle pulled out in front of me. The first and biggest issue was the airbag never went off and the seat belt tensioners did not lock the belts either. I went forward and hit my head on the steering wheel rendering me unconscious!!! Almost the whole front end had to be replaced e.g.: grill and front panel, left and right front quarter panels, radiator, both wheel wells, suspension on both sides and everything that goes with those plus a whole lot of other things like the radiator, coolant and washer tanks etc. Etc.... …”
NHTSA complaint #10943705, filed 2017-01, 40,000 miles“In 2015, my 2012 Chevrolet Sonic had to have the fuel purge valve replaced. The car worked for a while after this. However, a few months ago, it started having a rough idle, with the rpms dipping up and down. The problem got worse recently, when the car actually completely died while making a left hand turn, almost causing me to get hit. Now, it is even worse. Now, in addition to the rough idle, traction control randomly engages even when I am not slipping, causing me to lose all power for brief periods of time, while in motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10862886, filed 2016-05, 75,000 miles“I was driving down the street (straight and flat, no turns or hills) at 25 MPH and went to use my brakes. To my surprise there was no power assist. The car only has 48k miles on it and had never displayed braking problems prior to this incident. The car did not have issues at the stop sign just a block before. As it happened a few blocks from my house, I drove it home and parked it. Besides the lack of power assist, the motor started to idle rough-- it would surge to 2500 RPM and then slow down to 700 RPM, all with no throttle input. …”
NHTSA complaint #10825976, filed 2016-02, 48,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V599000Dec 28, 2011General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet sonic vehicles manufactured from june 2, 2011, through november 21, 2011. On some of these…Covers: Chevrolet Sonic 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10251700Feb 19, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that had the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve now Diagnostic Trouble Code C0131 is…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
154 complaintsEngine
83 complaintsElectrical system
59 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology