CarModelProblems.com

2013 Chevrolet Sonic Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
217Complaints
6Recalls
24Crashes
4Fires
20Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (25.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 2.0× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine55 · 25.3%not available
Electrical System55 · 25.3%RecalledRecall 13V220000 · Recall 12V454000
Power Train38 · 17.5%not available
Air Bags25 · 11.5%RecalledRecall 23V516000
Steering13 · 6%not available
Fuel/propulsion System13 · 6%RecalledRecall 13V464000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE55 · 25.3%
Unspecified / other45 · 20.7%
POWER TRAIN38 · 17.5%
AIR BAGS25 · 11.5%
STEERING13 · 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13 · 6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)12 · 5.5%
SERVICE BRAKES11 · 5.1%
SUSPENSION8 · 3.7%

Percentages are the share of the 217 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 6 campaigns

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 2016 · reported 04/28/2016

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical

NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2014 · reported 07/02/2014

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 13V220000 · 2013 · reported 05/24/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 12V454000 · 2012 · reported 09/17/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

NHTSA campaign 13V464000 · 2013 · reported 09/26/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 23V516000 · 2023 · reported 07/27/2023

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“ACCELERATION IS BAD, AND INCONSISTEN. ALSO, WHEN SHIFTING GEARS THE SHIFTER BUTTON GETS STUCK EVERYTIME NEVER FAILS. THAT'S A REAL SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING I ACCIDENTLY…”NHTSA complaint 11006138 — filed 07/18/2017 · ENGINE
“KEY STICKS IN THE IGNITION, UNABLE TO REMOVE WHEN IN PARK POSITION. I WORK A DANGEROUS JOB IN BAD AREAS AND CANNOT DEPEND ON THE…”NHTSA complaint 10935951 — filed 12/17/2016 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR FOR THE PAST YEAR NOW I HAVE NOTICED MY RPM GAUGE STICKING AND REVVING ON ITS OWN. IT IS STARTING TO…”NHTSA complaint 10894186 — filed 08/08/2016 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

152013413420156025201732422019395202111520238420251

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 55 of 217 NHTSA complaints (25.3%), followed by electrical system (55), unspecified/other issues (45), power train (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?

217 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 24 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 20 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V257000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.