2013 Chevrolet Sonic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 26%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 26% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall . My air conditioner went out on may 28,2018 while I was sitting in my yard waiting to cook off my car. So I have replaced the air compressor fuse and relays and it still does not work. It came on once since they have been exchanged and the compressor still will not come back on after I have had it unplugged and plugged back in.”
NHTSA complaint #11115774, filed 2018-08, 98,999 miles“After several manufactural repairs my car continues to run hot. I have had over $2000 worth of repairs and my car continues to run hot. Also the electrical system appears to be going know if you close the door with the keys in the ignition the car locks.”
NHTSA complaint #11080421, filed 2018-03, 89,000 miles“The indicatior light for low tire pressure comes on but no warning chime is heared. This can be very bad when driving on the interstate. The tire was loosing pressure without me knowing and I had no clue until the vehicle ran off the road due to not being able to control it. The chime never went off. Same with an over heating issue the light came on but I did not know it was over heating until it stated shaving and steaming and I looked at the dash to see the light on.”
NHTSA complaint #11191644, filed 2019-03, 70,000 miles“The first thing I noticed was when I turned the car on and put it in drive the radio turned off and would not come back on. As I was driving I then noticed the cars signal lights were not working either. I had to turn the car on and off several times before the signal lights would begin to work again.”
NHTSA complaint #10654978, filed 2014-11, 21,000 miles“My power steering keeps going out, I have to tap on the battery post connectors and the power steering starts working again. Sometimes a warning light comes on, sometimes not. My daughter was driving going around a bend in the road when the power steering went out, almost lost control. My odometer quit working, I took it to a shop and was told it's a common problem. Why is this not on recall if a Chevrolet mechanic is telling me it's a common problem...very expensive and unnecessary and should be on recall if it's that common.”
NHTSA complaint #11375467, filed 2020-11, 116,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V257000Apr 28, 2016General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a…Covers: Chevrolet Sonic 2013–2016, Trax 2013–2016, Spark 2013–2015
- 14V417000Jul 2, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013…Covers: Chevrolet Sonic 2012–2014, Buick Verano 2013–2014, Chevrolet Cruze 2013–2014 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11017595Apr 3, 2025This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
- 11017244Mar 31, 2025The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 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.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009170Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11008986Oct 18, 2024This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 60% |
| 2019 | 1 | 13% |
| 2018 | 6 | 40% |
| 2017 | 5 | 14% |
| 2016 | 11 | 23% |
| 2015 | 34 | 30% |
| 2014 | 49 | 33% |
| 2013 | 56 | 26% |
| 2012 | 59 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
55 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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