2015 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 11%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, 11% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 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.
“June 2015 the dealer switched cars when we refused the options at the closing of the deal to a base/standard car. A week or so after purchasing the car a tire popped as we drove down the street. It is very loud in the morning. A high pitched squeaking sound. Next we have been smelling gas,oil/fluid leaking from the car. The driveway is stained from it. The thermostat has been changed 3 times. It has been jerking,stalking, sputtering. The antifreeze reservoir has boiled over several times. It smells like something electrical is burning. The air conditioner doesn't cool well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174939, filed 2019-02, 4,000 miles“We own a chevy Sonic at roung 28000 miles the button on the gear shift would get stuck and not pop out; one leaving the car in gear, two not allowing you to remove the key after you have parked and turn off the engine. Because the button does not pop out the car stays in gear and thus even after parking and turning the engine off the car can shift and roll out of gear. I have read numerous complaints about this problem on all year sonics. The button stuck, while we drove, and parked. We then had the park replaced. The second button snapped at the base two months later!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11032821, filed 2017-10, 28,000 miles“Transmission is surging in gear, in motion and stationary, at any speed. Sensation is strong enough to notice even at highway speeds. Feels like resistance building and then releasing rapidly. Seems to happen more in colder weather. Unsure if clutch is slipping/grabbing. Equate sensation to someone bumping the car from the rear or pressing on the gas pedal briefly with the brakes applied.”
NHTSA complaint #11266781, filed 2019-10, 73,000 miles“When air conditioning is turned on call loses power if stop at a red light or stop sign you can press the accelerator all the way down car is very slow taking off and sometime window control don't work. Air-condition blows hot air at times.”
NHTSA complaint #11138784, filed 2018-10, 58,125 miles“When shifter from any gear into park the button on the shifter sticks in the depressed position making it easy to bump the shifter back into gear after parking the vehicle. After the shifter if put into the park position the vehicle will not release the key from the ignition until after the button slides slowly into the latched not depressed position. The issue occurs only when placing the vehicle park and does not affect any other shifter position.”
NHTSA complaint #10950194, filed 2017-02, 22,000 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
34 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsFuel system
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 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