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Chevrolet Sonic: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 9 model years of the Chevrolet Sonic on record, 2016 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about engine). 2012 has the most recall campaigns (7). 2017 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (7).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported Combined
2020 0 10 0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29 MPG
2019 0 8 0 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 29 MPG
2018 1 14 0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30 MPG
2017 0 37 7 ENGINE 30 MPG
2016 2 40 7 ENGINE 30 MPG
2015 3 40 3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30 MPG
2014 4 40 4 ENGINE 30 MPG
2013 6 40 7 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 30 MPG
2012 7 40 3 POWER TRAIN 30 MPG

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the Chevrolet Sonic

Questions

Which Chevrolet Sonic year has the most complaints?
Of 9 model years of the Chevrolet Sonic on record, 2016 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about engine).
Which Chevrolet Sonic year has the most recalls?
2012 has the most recall campaigns (7).
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.