2018 Chevrolet Sonic Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,475miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The part named most often is electrical system, with 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine (4) and fuel system (2). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,475 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 820 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 150 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 83 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system6 40%
- Engine4 27%
- Fuel system2 13%
- Other or unknown2 13%
- Seats2 13%
- Wheels2 13%
- Air bags1 6.7%
- Brakes1 6.7%
- Exterior lighting1 6.7%
- Seat belts1 6.7%
Also reported: Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “My radio turns off and on, on its own. Also when I have my bluetooth turned on for my phone, it gets stuck after I hang up the phone after a call. I was driving home from work on a state road. My right wheel bearing went out and I had to replace it last year.”
NHTSA complaint #11398829, filed 2021-03, 96,000 milesEngine: “Today I'm writing in behalf of carite of oakland park I had a email chat with brian mccoy the branch owner of the company, I was told by him that the car was put in as repo status, due to me giving the car back. I feel my life was put in danger numerous of times and due to the negligence of the company I was not given a reliable vehicle nor was I treated as a valued customer... Good day, I've made all attempts regarding this situation with carite I'm the time allowed.. I'm requesting a full refund of my money I've made it clear and I don't want nothing else from these people at this company. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316425, filed 2020-03Fuel system: “The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11661264, filed 2025-05, 85,000 milesOther or unknown: “My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should report it.”
NHTSA complaint #11492498, filed 2022-11Mileage when problems were reported
75% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 39,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 12.6% risk |
| Sonic · hatchback FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 12.6% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Chevrolet Sonic version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Sonic FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Sonic FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sonic FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Sonic 5 FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Sonic 5 FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Sonic 5 FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sonic 5 FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V342000May 27, 2018SeatsCovers: Chevrolet Sonic 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Recall details for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 820 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Sonic
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | 3,400 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 8 | 47,600 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 15 | 27,475 | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Falling |
| 2017 | 37 | 42,800 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 48 | 47,500 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 6 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 114 | 35,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 150 | 50,664 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 217 | 50,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 354 | 45,000 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
All Chevrolet Sonic model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine with 4.
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic (Sonic, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,475 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 39,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.