Chevrolet Sonic Recalls

NHTSA has issued 16 safety recalls for the Chevrolet Sonic, covering model years 2012 through 2018. Airbag faults account for 5 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2012 model year has the most, with 7 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 317,572 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on July 27, 2023.

Total recalls: 16
Model years affected: 6
Most recalled part: Airbag
Latest recall: 2023

Chevrolet Sonic recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 16 total.

20181 recall20162 recalls20153 recalls20144 recalls20136 recalls20127 recalls

All Chevrolet Sonic recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

23V516000AirbagReported July 27, 2023

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

What can happen

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix

Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Vehicles affected: 767
Maker's recall no.: N232413120
Owners notified: October 23, 2023

Read campaign 23V516000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

18V342000SeatReported May 27, 2018

SEATS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

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.

What can happen

In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

Vehicles affected: 71
Maker's recall no.: 18178
Owners notified: June 28, 2018

Read campaign 18V342000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

16V422000Electrical systemReported June 10, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Model years affected: 2015–2016

The problem

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."

What can happen

Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected: 18,780
Maker's recall no.: 45340
Owners notified: July 22, 2016
Safety standard: FMVSS 114

Read campaign 16V422000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

16V257000Electrical systemReported April 28, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Model years affected: 2013–2016

The problem

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."

What can happen

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected: 317,572
Maker's recall no.: 17130
Owners notified: May 26, 2016
Safety standard: FMVSS 114

Read campaign 16V257000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

15V416000Reported June 30, 2015

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Model years affected: 2015

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

What can happen

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

Vehicles affected: 45,785
Maker's recall no.: 15504
Owners notified: August 11, 2015
Safety standard: FMVSS 208

Read campaign 15V416000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V543000AirbagReported September 9, 2014

AIR BAGS

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.

What can happen

If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

Vehicles affected: 304
Maker's recall no.: 14537
Owners notified: October 21, 2014

Read campaign 14V543000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V417000Reported July 2, 2014

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Model years affected: 2012–2014

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

What can happen

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Vehicles affected: 2,990
Maker's recall no.: 14257
Owners notified: August 29, 2014

Read campaign 14V417000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V315000Power trainReported June 12, 2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.

What can happen

If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.

Vehicles affected: 21,567
Maker's recall no.: 14234
Owners notified: August 8, 2014

Read campaign 14V315000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V300000AirbagReported June 6, 2014

AIR BAGS

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

What can happen

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.

Vehicles affected: 31,520
Maker's recall no.: 12261
Owners notified: July 25, 2014

Read campaign 14V300000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V464000Fuel systemReported September 26, 2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.

What can happen

If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.

Vehicles affected: 1,558
Maker's recall no.: 13296
Owners notified: November 7, 2013

Read campaign 13V464000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V220000Exterior lightingReported May 24, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

What can happen

If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.

Vehicles affected: 10,210
Maker's recall no.: 13158
Owners notified: June 13, 2013
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 13V220000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V023000AirbagReported January 24, 2013

AIR BAGS

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

What can happen

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Vehicles affected: 4,167
Maker's recall no.: 12261
Owners notified: February 13, 2013

Read campaign 13V023000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

12V522000AirbagReported October 31, 2012

AIR BAGS

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

What can happen

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

The fix

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Vehicles affected: 2,949
Maker's recall no.: 12261
Owners notified: January 11, 2013

Read campaign 12V522000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

12V454000Exterior lightingReported September 17, 2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Vehicles affected: 4,716
Maker's recall no.: 12209
Owners notified: October 2, 2012
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 12V454000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

12V408000VisibilityReported August 20, 2012

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to the windshield.

What can happen

A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Vehicles affected: 44,668
Maker's recall no.: 12176
Owners notified: September 7, 2012
Safety standard: FMVSS 104

Read campaign 12V408000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

11V599000BrakeReported December 28, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.

What can happen

A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix

GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 2012

Vehicles affected: 4,296
Owners notified: January 23, 2012

Read campaign 11V599000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Chevrolet Sonic is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Chevrolet Sonic recall questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Sonic across model years 2012 to 2018. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Chevrolet Sonic model year has the most recalls?

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic carries the most, with 7 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Chevrolet Sonic recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Chevrolet Sonic with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Chevrolet Tahoe recalls54 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recalls53 Chevrolet Suburban recalls42 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 recalls41 Chevrolet Malibu recalls39 Chevrolet Express recalls33

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:: July 18, 2026
Coverage:: Recalls from 2010 onward

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

🔧All Chevrolet recalls→🔑Paperwork for buying a used car→📝Paperwork for selling a car→📄Title transfer rules by state→📑Vehicle registration documents explained→🚗Recalls by make and model→

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.