2015 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 20%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, 20% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle felt like it was vibrating while in idle and when pressing down on the brakes. There was very low acceleration and it felt like my car was in neutral. I was driving on a city street going about 20-25 MPH. The check engine light turned on. I took my car in and had to have the ignition coil and ignition boot replaced at 30,345 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11256299, filed 2019-09, 30,345 miles“I purchased my car about a year a half ago and it has been giving me non stop engine and leak issues. I have a 2015 chevy Sonic turbo and so far I have taken it to the mechanic 8 times to fix coolant leaks, fix my fuel thermostat as well as replace a head gasket after having it blow.”
NHTSA complaint #11300613, filed 2020-01, 112,000 miles“My car starting killing on me I had to leave it and get a ride home a couple off times the last time I had it towed to a dealership were they found out the car was sold to me with a lock out device on it the car has been in the shop since 1-29 I got fired because of no transportion”
NHTSA complaint #11317647, filed 2020-03, 10,969 miles“Car is less than 3 years old and the radiator is rusted/corroded. This kind of corrosion should not happen on a car less than 3 years old. I kept smelling something burning when driving on the highway, so I started monitoring the coolant levels. I was adding more than a gallon of coolant each month.”
NHTSA complaint #11090198, filed 2018-04, 38,000 miles“While driving my car gliches the lights go on and off, the power steering stops the locks go up and down and all electronics in the dashboard go on and off. Last week, it shut down in the middle of the road and I could not start it for about 5 minutes or so. Got it home and it did it again the next day while it was parked. This started years ago. Brought it to dealer they said well it's not doing it now . I was not educated at the time to push for anything to be done. The stopping completely while driving that happened last week.”
NHTSA complaint #11386393, filed 2021-01, 100,000 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…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 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.
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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
34 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 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