2018 Chevrolet Sonic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 40%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, 40% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,950 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.
“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 miles“My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic radio screen went black without warning while I was driving. I lost all functions through the radio screen. This happened a second time in route to work within a few days. I'm concerned that the radio may go black during an emergency when I need to use on star.”
NHTSA complaint #11255556, filed 2019-09, 26,950 miles“Having an issue with the radio itself, its went black a few times on me as I was driving. And also when I was parked. No response on it at all. Im afraid if something happens like when im in a wreck and when I try to call onstar while its not working im afraid of it not connecting, and also ive had issues with the window switches not rolling up or down the windows no clicking noises when I push on the switch all four have done it, acting like its not getting a electric signal to the switches, what I usually do when that happens is pull the car over turn off the iginition and let the car sit…”
NHTSA complaint #11291401, filed 2019-12, 22,000 miles“My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove the infotainment fuse to prevent battery drain. On October 10, 2026, after a three-day trip, the vehicle was completely dead. My 2,000-amp portable jump starter could not start it. Another running vehicle had to supply power before it would start. …”
NHTSA complaint #11771007, filed 2026-10“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 2020-03Related service bulletins
- 11017595Apr 3, 2025This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
- 11017244Mar 31, 2025The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 11017207Mar 21, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 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.
- 11013149Jan 17, 2025This service bulletin provides information to the customer about the rear camera guidelines not being present at times due to the VBM taking over the rear camera option.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012929Jan 7, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009170Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 60% |
| 2019 | 1 | 13% |
| 2018 | 6 | 40% |
| 2017 | 5 | 14% |
| 2016 | 11 | 23% |
| 2015 | 34 | 30% |
| 2014 | 49 | 33% |
| 2013 | 56 | 26% |
| 2012 | 59 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology