2013 Chevrolet Sonic Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 3% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“The engine coolant temperature warning light turn on my 2013 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback as I was pulling up my drive way. The AC stop blowing cold air. Liquid was dripping from the front portion of the car. The fan kept going even when after I turn off the vehicle. Turns out radiator has to be replace. Ridiculous since its a brand new car.”
NHTSA complaint #10511310, filed 2013-05, 1,300 miles“The air conditioner makes a horrible squealing noise. It does this like clockwork every 30 seconds while running the AC on 2 or above. It is so loud even with the radio on you hear it going down the road. It started right after I hit 2000 miles on the car and about a month after buying it. It continues to do it a year later and I have taken it to the dealer 8 times, the say it is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10596812, filed 2014-06, 2,100 miles“The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709620, filed 2026-01, 134,000 miles“The contact leased a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle experienced an issue with the air duct. The contact stated that the vehicle's engine ran hot due to the pressure ratio. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed there was a tear in the air duct that needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The tear in the air duct was between the map sensor and the throttle body. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10731471, filed 2015-07, 35,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 14371B; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11585004, filed 2024-04Related 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 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
56 complaintsEngine
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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