2016 Chevrolet Sonic: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (23% of complaints); the 2018 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. This should be illegal. Chevrolet needs to fix this.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jun 2024
“My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2023
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2022
“Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn't my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn't my fault and it's the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these expeensives that I cannot pay for.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2021
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“My drivers side seat heater stopped working. I click the button, the light comes on, and then shuts right back off. I've tried turning the car on and back off and it still does the same thing.”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2020
“Car shuts off randomly during stop lights. I've researched it and have found it's a known issue with my model. When idling it will randomly shut off completely and won't turn back on for a few seconds to minutes. It will do it at stop signs stop lights. Even in im just parked.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonic by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
NHTSA has 48 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The most complained-about area is engine (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 48,000 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:software. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.