2012 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 154about this part
- Share
- 44%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 154 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 44% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 3 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.
“The shift lever button will not release when in park, so the vehicle doesnt not read that its firmly in park; the key wont release and I cannot turn off the vehicle until the button unjams itself or I lubricate it to do so. This has been happening frequently. The only fix is replacing the entire shift lever, which is upwards of $300”
NHTSA complaint #11269558, filed 2019-10, 65,000 miles“At 94000 miles the car stopped shifting period. It would start and then go nowhere not forwards backwards nothing. Thank the lord I was parked at my house and it was a sudden occurrence. I only financed this car in the end of february at 89300 miles from carmax and still owe money for it. That is insane.”
NHTSA complaint #11337821, filed 2020-07, 94,000 miles“The button that is depressed to put the car in and out of gear sticks in place, allowing for the gear shift to be pushed out of place. I have had trouble numerous times getting my car into park because the stuck button causes the gear shift to get caught in reverse, and today I accidentally pushed the gear shift into neutral while sitting at a red light.”
NHTSA complaint #10897804, filed 2016-08, 62,000 miles“The shift knob button is sticking. I cannot remove the key from the vehicle. More importantly the car is never fully in park. This is a major safety issue. I took it to the dealership I purchased the car from immediately. He said the car was out of warranty and that was not a recall. There should be a recall as soon as possible.”
NHTSA complaint #10716222, filed 2015-05, 27,110 miles“The transmission began to jolt, thud, and otherwise not shift. Leaving me extremely slow in high traffic. The selling dealership refused to replace the vehicle. Gm refused to replace the vehicle. I contacted another chevy dealership they noted debris in the transmission and a faulty cam phaser (transmission) and the repair may not correct this.”
NHTSA complaint #10511452, filed 2013-05, 172 milesRelated recalls
- 14V315000Jun 12, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6…Covers: Chevrolet Sonic 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
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 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 30, 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