2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (12) · Visibility/Wiper (4) · Vehicle Speed Control (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chevrolet Sonic model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
21 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (963)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-26 · PIT5698F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi provides diagnostics tips on how the lin bus works and how to diagnosis it.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-07-21 · PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
pi to help diagnose a/c concern
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-01 · PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a gds2 session log and upload to a technical assistance case in cx connect.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Showing the 6 most recent of 963 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-04-21 · Structure:body“oil cooling system has been replaced. major leak in ac line needs replacement. purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak…”
2026-02-06 · Power Train · 55,000 mi“the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. the check engine warning light was illuminated. the contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. the …”
2025-11-04 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that, while driving at 40 mph, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. as a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side b pillar center region of the other vehicle. the air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries s…”
2025-08-17 · Engine“multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. causes car to decelerate at high speeds. shaking while at high speeds…”
2025-03-05 · Engine“i have replaced the same part now 4 times. i have multiple receipts. cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway. …”
2024-07-18 · Vehicle Speed Control“in june of 2023 i was driving my vehicle and suddenly the traction control, power steering and check engine light came on. i was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. once i shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. i got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harn…”
2024-04-26 · Engine · 108,000 mi“the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. the contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminished; however, when the vehicle was shifted into drive(d) and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. …”
2024-04-02 · Steering“steering colom locks up, 4 different times. engine shuts off. no power to turn vehicle. vehicle at paradise chevrolet since 3\18\24. only steering colom, - service power steering asap.…”
2024-02-12 · Unknown Or Other“roof molding is coming unglued on both sides of the vehicle, possible that it may fly off while traveling on highway or streets .my dads santa cruz was recalled for what is happening to my sonic. i noticed this after going through a car wash and the dryer made it flop around.…”
2023-12-19 · Steering“steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to paradise chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 volt battery to be a higher cca to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 cca recommend replacing battery and reprogramming p/s module. of course, this was not covered under our protection …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.