2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (3) · Wheels (2) · Seats (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chevrolet Sonic model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Seats 2018-05-27 · campaign 18V342000 · 71 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Service bulletins (820)
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 820 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-14 · Electrical System“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. o…”
2025-07-22 · Engine“dear gm executive office, i am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by chevrolet customer assistance that the case i opened (case # [xxx]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under special coverage n2323…”
2025-05-15 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 85,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. the contact stated that the canister purge valve h…”
2022-11-06 · Unknown Or Other“my car has had cam shaft issues upon buying the car. i have taken the car to chevrolet in dallas and in forney, tx and the car still has the same issue. my car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that i should report it.…”
2022-06-28 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger · 15,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the failure mileage …”
2022-04-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas you have in car and suddenly run out of gas while ot…”
2021-10-12 · Seats · 28,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. the contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. in addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that…”
2021-03-03 · Wheels · 96,000 mi“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.…”
2020-09-01 · Seat Belts · 39,000 mi“the passenger seat belt does not clip or will come undone at any given time. i made the dealership aware of the concern when the vehicle had approximately 39,000 miles. they stated that since it was out of warranty it did not qualify for production defect. this is a safety concern that could endanger the life of a person if west belt fails during a…”
2020-03-05 · Visibility/Wiper“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 …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.