2012 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 83about this part
- Share
- 23%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 83 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 23% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“No check engine light was on, not when vehicle has stalled. My vehicle has had multiple issues. Stalls while moving and at a dead stop. And a scent of burning like a electrical short behind the dashboard. I am afraid that this vehicle could stall while I am on the road and cause me to be rear ended causing a serious crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11097345, filed 2018-05, 57,000 miles“2012 Sonic has the same engine as the chevy cruze, the cruze has a recall on it for the engine valve, yet the Sonic does not. My check engine light came on and I took it to get diagnosed and was told the engine valve needs replaced. Called the dealership and there are on outstanding recalls on my vehicle. I don't want to pay to get it fixed when the same engine on the cruze has the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11254621, filed 2019-09, 114,320 miles“I bought this vehicle brand new. Paint started to loose shine about two months ago ( I personally wash the vehicle with properly cars wash soup). Took to dealership and they can't cover under manufacture warranty. Cost over $400.00. Check engine on. Took to dealership and they found two hoses damaged and thermostat leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10816320, filed 2015-12, 55,000 miles“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“We do constantly are replacing parts we replaced the window regulator and not even a few months we ha ft to replace again the cooling lines are constantly going out thermostat has been replaced twice now within 2 yrs the seat warmers no longer work been like that the key gets stuck in the ignition had to replace hoses twice constant grinding sounds and no body can figure out why the car is a toy car everything breaks down and not just once”
NHTSA complaint #11024551, filed 2017-09, 9,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This 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…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 20% |
| 2019 | 2 | 25% |
| 2018 | 4 | 27% |
| 2017 | 19 | 51% |
| 2016 | 13 | 27% |
| 2015 | 23 | 20% |
| 2014 | 38 | 25% |
| 2013 | 55 | 25% |
| 2012 | 83 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
154 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 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 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