2016 Chevrolet Sonic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,456miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, 6% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,456 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“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11492766, filed 2022-11, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle shut off without warning while at a complete stop. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the oxygen sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic on numerous occasions and had the thermostat and intake main gasket set replaced, and an engine tune -up; however, the failure continued. …”
NHTSA complaint #11245036, filed 2019-08, 78,456 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsSuspension
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 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