2013 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 25%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 25% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased my vehicle 3 years ago preowned from the dealer and within these 3 years I have already had a catalytic converter recall, the issue recently is my AC system in my car is out and as a did research on the specific year there's people who have already replaced the AC system up to 5 times for 2013 sonics. This is a manufacturing issue that needs to be fixed on Chevrolet's behalf.”
NHTSA complaint #11350653, filed 2020-08, 110,000 miles“I was driving to work and was coming up to an intersection I had to turn at. I pushed the break pedal, but it was really stiff and didn't do much. My car slid across the road into a wooden electric pole because it would not stop. My car is totaled and now I have to figure out some way to get a different vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11292281, filed 2019-12, 131,000 miles“I have experienced four cooling system (radiator, water pump, engine block coolant intake, coolant expansion tank, engine/turbo coolant piping) related problems with this vehicle amounting to over three thousand dollars in repair costs. Four major repair expenses on the same system is questionable in my opinion, the two most major occurring within the same month. These all were noted during normal operation of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11165623, filed 2019-01, 131,143 miles“My 2013 chevy Sonic developed ticking sound shortly after I bought it at 60000 miles. The ticking got worse over time and then check engine light came on. I scanned the codes and multiple four codes were found. P0171, p0496, p1101, and p2270. After doing some research it seemed to be that most cruze, Sonic, and trax vehicles all had the same issues. I took it to the dealer for diagnostics and was informed the vehicle needed a new intake manifold, purge valve, pcv hose, and valve cover. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384224, filed 2020-12, 80,000 miles“Car gave me a code of u0101 and took it to chevy dealership and told me it has something to do with lost communication. They tried fixing issue but couldn't.”
NHTSA complaint #11307120, filed 2020-02, 90,000 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…
- 11017263Mar 25, 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…
- 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.
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 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
56 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 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