2012 Chevrolet Sonic Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 1% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,300 miles. 1 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.
“I turned on windshield wipers & the engine died. This was the first time it had rained after I bought the car & really did not at this time associate the wipers & the engine dying until later that same day when contacted a friend of mine to drive the car. The dealer contacted GM about the problem but they don't seem to be very concerned about the problem. The dealer replaced the wiper motor but that did not solve the problem. It is a long story & I'm very concerned for the safety of myself & others. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449731, filed 2012-02, 100 miles“First problem was the check engine light came on. Called onstar and they said it had something to do with emission. Called dealer, they checked it out and said it was a faulty evap solenoid. Dealer replaced solenoid on 3-22-2012. While there, they also told me there was a recall on the drivers side airbag. I never received any notice about a recall. Said they fixed that too. Problem # 2- today 4-15, 2012, when I apply the brakes, its making what seems like a rubbing sound !! Called onstar again, but they couldn't tell me anything. I will be taking this piece of crap car back to the dealers !! …”
NHTSA complaint #10455300, filed 2012-04, 2,500 miles“When I am driving on city streets and am behind a car that is turning I have to slow down. When I give it gas at around 2k RPM. The car has some hesitation like it cant find a gear to be in. It has done it seance about 100 miles. Has 7000 miles on it now. Was told it was the transmission trying to find its shift points as you break it in at 1000 miles.(berger chevy) also when in garage and start car it sounds fine. But once I put it in rev. I hear lost lot pings coming from the engine area. Started after deer crash. Took to berger chevy where car was bought. …”
NHTSA complaint #10456042, filed 2012-04“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine oil change services, there was an abnormal oil odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was coming from underneath the hood and after opening the hood, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11510846, filed 2023-03Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10250272Jan 30, 2024This service bulletin provides a information and diagnostic steps/tips for vehicles that are slow to heat up in cold temperatures.
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Engine cooling: 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 27, 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