2013 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 18%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 18% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“I was going up hill approaching a parking space in the garage where I work. I went to turn into the parking space and my turbo engine sped up and slammed me into the garage wall. The air bags were deployed. There was a malfunction on this chevy Sonic. If I had parked on the top floor, I would probably have been killed since it would have crashed down into the street. I my arms and my one leg was burned by the air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #10762295, filed 2015-09, 22,000 miles“Transmission control module failed. When I was backing up, I felt a jerk and when I put it back in drive , the d indicator light was blinking. I took it to the shop and they said the TCM had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11228983, filed 2019-07, 83,000 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
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
56 complaintsEngine
55 complaintsOther or unknown
45 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 31, 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