2014 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 25%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,200miles
- 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 engine of the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, 25% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,200 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I've had several issues with the car. The main one being that my engine has warped and the car is junk now as I can't afford the 5400 to replace it. The coolant kept leaking and after water pump and thermostat repairs did nothing it finally broke down. The shop says the engine is so badly warped they can't even identify where the original problem may have been.”
NHTSA complaint #11267878, filed 2019-10, 84,000 miles“I had taken the key out of the ignition and it was very hot about the end of july. On friday august 11, I noticed a pause in the car starting the a sound of a knock leaving work. I arrived home around 6:00 p.m. Parked in my drive way for the day. I was awaken saturday morning by my neighbor be made my car was on fire. This was determined by lawrence fire department of an engine fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10785823, filed 2015-10, 13,800 miles“Twice in one month the car engine shut off while I was driving. Power steering was also lost. Mileage approx. 31,000. I was able to restart the car after putting it in park. The first time, I was turning, pulling into a parking lot, so I was able to drift into a parking spot safely. Second time I was in small town bumper to bumper traffic. Took my foot off the brake and stepped on the gas and nothing happened, so I put it in park and restarted it and it seemed fine after that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10980845, filed 2017-04, 31,000 miles“Car cuts out, grinding noise from engine. Had ignition coil replaced but still doing the same thing. Looses power going up steep hill. Only had car about seven months. Only has sixteen thousand miles on it. Sometimes while I am driving car just looses power and almost got hit in the back. I feel one of these days someone will hit me. Took it back to dealership and they say nothing is wrong but the problem is getting worse. The car does have warranty on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10807076, filed 2015-11, 10,000 miles“I have been complaining to GM headquarters as well as several of the chevy dealerships in my local area! I have been to almost every chevy dealership in town for service and no one can find the problem, or tell me what is causing me the issues I have been having with my car since november 2015!! I recently had a new battery put in (the 5th battery on the car, the 2nd one this month!!) but the batteries keep dying! Of course I am being hit with costs when this happens or the search for the issue is initiated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11144530, filed 2018-10, 66 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.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
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 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
49 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 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