2016 Chevrolet Sonic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 27%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, 27% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.
“Purchased my car in october of 2018. In july of 2019, my check engine light came on, followed shortly afterward by the temperature overheat gauge. Took my car in and was told that my thermostat needed replaced and that this is common with my make/model. Replaced the thermostat. In january 2020, check engine light came on again, with a po599 code. Took it to local auto shop to have it diagnosed; they said that the check engine light came on when starting the car, so likely wasn't an overheating issue. They thought it was the sensors/circuits. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300805, filed 2020-01, 65,000 miles“Car hesitated to start after getting gas. When it does finally start it sputters and have to rev motor some to make it stop. Idles high. After get started and start to drive it it's ok, but when stopped at a light it idles higher. I have had the purge valve replaced, but it's still doing it.”
NHTSA complaint #11328726, filed 2020-06, 100,000 miles“Takata recall- the engine light is on I have taken it to auto shop they could not find any wrong took it to a chevy dealer they cannot find anything wrong. But my car shakes and stalls on me. It's very frastrating spending on the vechile and one can find what's going on.”
NHTSA complaint #11152527, filed 2018-11“The heat doesnt work. Keeps blowing out cool air. This past summer the AC wouldn't work. When I took it to the dealership they said it was an electrical issue but they fixed it. I believe the two issues are related.”
NHTSA complaint #11394748, filed 2021-02“This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines that came out after 2014. There cars don't have temperature gauges and when they overheat they don't tell you until a light comes on the dash and by then it's too late and your engine is blown. …”
NHTSA complaint #11718737, filed 2026-02Related 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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