2013 Chevrolet Sonic Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 4% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 miles.
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.
“I have owned a 2013 chevy Sonic for about 6 months now. The other day I went out to drive, so I started my car with my key fob. As I was about to drive away I reached up with my right hand to turn on the wipers. I hit the fob fairly hard and it caused the key to turn, which in turn shut off the car. Luckily I was not driving when I went to put the wipers on. Even more lucky was that I wasn't driving and hit it hard enough to lock the steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10621597, filed 2014-08, 4,000 miles“The senor codes keep coming on. Had it 3months in shop to reset 3times. Now thermostat or senor bad. Wipers didn't work one day after I brought it. The hoses disconnected from hood area. Had to drive home in rain with head out window. The RPM keeps sticking while I'm driving it. I live on s.s. So I don't have a lot of bucks to keep putting in this car. I traded a good car in chev avero with nothing wrong with it.the dealer charged me to much for this car and wont take it back.you ask for date it been going on since dec 2015 to april 2016”
NHTSA complaint #10853260, filed 2016-04, 39,000 miles“While driving on the highway during a rain shower at about 60 MPH, while using the wipers, the driver's side wiper made a loud crack sound and fell off! I was unable to see and nearly hit the vehicle in front of myself. Since it was late saturday night, I stopped at a local parts store (advanced auto) and purchased a new wiper. When the clerk inspected the blade, he found that the wiper arm does securely attach with the wiper itself. When I contacted the dealership, the man I spoke with said he could replace the wiper arm, however this may not resolve the issue with it falling off .”
NHTSA complaint #10764185, filed 2015-09, 50,500 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 20 MPH, the window wiper/washer switch failed and the anti theft warning indicator illuminated. The failure reccured several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the window wiper/washer switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10795019, filed 2015-11, 38,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the rear windshield suddenly imploded, causing glass shards to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded as if a shotgun had been fired. As a result of the implosion, the contact sustained injuries to the left eye. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that there was an abnormal electrical humming sound coming from the rear windshield prior to the failure. The contact stated that the defroster was not activated at the time of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11498949, filed 2022-12, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): 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 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 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