2012 Chevrolet Sonic Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 3% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My wife and I w'er hit by a person that ran a red light the car was tottled out with major front end damage no air bags deployed at all when the side air bags should have deployed but didnt causing my whole side and head smashing into the side driver door”
NHTSA complaint #10968412, filed 2017-03, 60,000 miles“This car has so many problems. I have had it to the dealership on 4 separate occasions and it is getting ready to go in for the 5th time. Each time so far I have been told the same thing.... …”
NHTSA complaint #10516109, filed 2013-06, 10,357 miles“My 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has gotten its second flat tire from alignment issues, and is about to need a third tire replaced. The car has 26000 miles with a clean bill of health, other then major steering issues. The tires completely run bald on the outer edge of the tire, and a shaking is experienced at all speeds while driving the car. I had taken it to the dealership about this issue, but was told it was happening because I am not doing an alignment every 6500 to 7500 miles; which I find to be ridiculous. I have never heard of having to align a car that frequently. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663465, filed 2014-12, 26,000 miles“I was driving down a 7% grade going down hill at 50 miles an hour my car shut off, steering locked and brakes didn't work the only thing I could use was the emergency brake if I wasn't calm and used my head me and my son would have died. My car now is making a loud noise and shaking after it warms up. My shifter gets stuck and I cant park or take my key out. Everything in this car is an alarm for danger or death. I've called the dealership and they don't return my calls. I finally got a hold of them and they said I can bring it in but its not covered under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10618300, filed 2014-08, 51,000 miles“The vehicle's electrical system is malfunctioning, causing the speedometer display not to show up when the car turns on. It's also caused the vehicle to rev up and down while the car is idle.”
NHTSA complaint #11023723, filed 2017-09, 75,000 milesElectronic stability control: 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 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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