2012 Chevrolet Sonic Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 4% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,000 miles. 2 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.
“Key getting stuck in ignition. It doesn't do it all the time but when it does you have to start the car two or thre times before it comes out. I bought the car used from a honda dealer. It has happened 6 times total. And I have had the car a month.”
NHTSA complaint #10785802, filed 2015-10, 81,000 miles“Major concern: my power steering failed. The dealer said the power steering column needed to be replaced ($1,300). The car has high mileage (excess of 150,000). I have had several cars with similar mileage but never had the power steering fail. Since this is electronic steering there doesn't appear to be any warning/no preventative maintenance. Fortunately I was not on the highway at the time this occurred but in the driveway after having driven several hours the same day. We checked for relays in the fuse box but none are marked for the power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10861569, filed 2016-04, 150,000 miles“We purchased a new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan. The first time that we drove it at highway and interstate speeds we noticed that the vehicle was very difficult to keep in the driving lane. We returned to the dealer and after a new set of tires, then later a new set of larger wheels and tires there has been some improvement in handling. I am 55 years old and have driven many different cars and trucks and this is the worst driving vehicle ever. This car is dangerous to drive and something needs to be done about it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462192, filed 2012-06, 670 miles“We bought the chevy Sonic brand new, off the dealers lot. When driving at 55 MPH or above we found that the car drifts excessively and is very hard to keep in the lane. On a few occasions driving at posted highway speeds we were forced to slow down because of radical swerving. Our first complaints to the service department were answered with it's the new electronic steering, you'll get used to it after driving a few more weeks with no improvement, we took it back in to the service department to have it looked at. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466332, filed 2012-07, 100 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This 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.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 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.
Steering: 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 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 28, 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