2014 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 13%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,516miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, 13% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,516 miles. 1 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.
“The gear shift button is sticking, which is posing a hazard. The car does not complete the shift or release the key until after the button unsticks. It happened when I tried to park and it happens when I'm shifting between reverse and drive. Its not a one time occurrence.”
NHTSA complaint #11205910, filed 2019-05, 66,500 miles“The button on the sifter handle has broken and gets stuck in allowing the shift handle to move freely. This has caused my vehicle to shift into neutral while driving. It has also allowed my vehicle to shift into reverse on its own while sitting in the parked position. This issue has been going on in a lot of the Sonic and needs to be recalled. My vehicle has also shifted into reverse and hit another vehicle parked behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #11139035, filed 2018-10, 88,000 miles“I bought this car used back in october 2017, I've had overheating problems, the dealership fixed twice under an extended warranty the third time I had to fix myself (they said my extended warranty expired). I noticed my key would get stuck in the ignition after putting the gear in park, I discovered the button on my gear shift is cracked and I have to pull it all the way put to remove the key. The latest adventure is I was driving on the highway in the fast lane at about 75 MPH when my car made a pop noise then slightly jerked then started to slow down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11222996, filed 2019-06, 117,000 miles“My wife and I have encountered a problem with our 2014 chevy Sonic. It was getting hot took it to the dealer to diagnose the problem. They said that the radiator had a crack on the seam. Myself, I am a welder knows that in order for a seam to crack after welded, 3 main and easy issues had to happen such as, a. Weld got too hot when welded b. When weld was ground down it was taken too close to the root of the weld c. The weld didnt have enough penetration. I personally believe this is a manufactured part defect. Expecially only being 65000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11044011, filed 2017-11, 65,000 miles“I purchased this vehicle used in 2016 from a car dealership. A couple of months ago my key would not come out of the ignition and I had to wait a few mins then try again. Next time it did that it took 30 mins to remove the key until finally the last time it would not come out period and I had no choice but to leave the vehicle and have it towed to the shop. I had to replace a part of the shifter. There was a metal piece right under the shifter knob that failed. I had aul insurance vintage now and had to pay 500,000 dollars for this repair because he stated that it was not covered. …”
NHTSA complaint #11218195, filed 2019-06, 63,000 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 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
49 complaintsEngine
38 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsAir bags
24 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 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