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2015 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis
2015 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic has 170 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.0/ 10

Based on 170 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 18.8%

AIR BAGS

26 15.3%

ENGINE

23 13.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

22 12.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 7.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 18.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 30 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic has 170 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (32), AIR BAGS (26), ENGINE (23).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 111 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 Sonic complaints2014 Sonic complaints2017 Sonic complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES AND DIED ON THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

12/21/2015

CAR WAS RUNNING WHILE LISTENING TO RADIO. ONCE IT WAS CUT OFF, I COULD NOT LOCK THE CAR OR CUT IT ON AGAIN. IT COMPLETELY DIED.

6/9/2016

30 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

26 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70.

3/30/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN

4/7/2015

24 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

23 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE - THE BODY CONTROL MODULE HAS WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY

4/3/2017

CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND THE RADIATOR IS RUSTED/CORRODED. THIS KIND OF CORROSION SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. I KEPT SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SO I STARTED MONITORING THE COOLANT LEVELS. I WAS ADDING MORE THAN A GALLON OF COOLANT EACH MONTH.

4/25/2018

21 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

22 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY,NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD AND THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP BECAUSE IT KEEPS DYING. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ABOUT 8 TIMES NOW AND HAD TO GET TOWED TO THE CHEVY GARAGE.NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN PLUGED IN TO THE CAR. IT IS BRAND NEW. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN IT I DONT TRUST IT I CANT RELY ON IT. I AM NOT HAPPY AND WANT THIS CAR BOUGHT BACK.

3/8/2016

THE SHIFTING GEAR GETS STUCK, AND IT CANNOT BE MOVED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. TO MOVE THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND HAVE TO USE A LOT OF STRENGTH TO MAKE THE GEAR CHANGE. BUT SOMETIMES IT GETS SO STUCK I HAVE TO WAIT TO MAKE THE CHANGE. WHEN THE CAR IS TURN OFF I HAVE TO WAIT 2-3 MINUTES TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS HAPPENS ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE.

6/14/2016

20 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2015 CHEVROLET SONIC HATCHBACK LTZ- FUEL FILLER TUBE LEAKING AT TANK CONNECTION, CAUSING GAS TO SPILL OUT ON GROUND. COULD BE A POTENTIAL A FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZZARD. DISCOVERED WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED. RAN AN ODBII CODE CHECK INDICATING A P0442 ERROR "EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK-SMALL". OBSERVED GAS FLOWING TO THE GROUND AS THE CAR WAS BEING FILLED WITH GAS. HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 1-WEEK AFTER PURCHASING "USED" WITH 19K MILES.

6/1/2016

JUNE 2015 THE DEALER SWITCHED CARS WHEN WE REFUSED THE OPTIONS AT THE CLOSING OF THE DEAL TO A BASE/STANDARD CAR. A WEEK OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR A TIRE POPPED AS WE DROVE DOWN THE STREET. IT IS VERY LOUD IN THE MORNING. A HIGH PITCHED SQUEAKING SOUND. NEXT WE HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS,OIL/FLUID LEAKING FROM THE CAR. THE DRIVEWAY IS STAINED FROM IT. THE THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES. IT HAS BEEN JERKING,STALKING, SPUTTERING. THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR HAS BOILED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS BURNING. THE AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T COOL WELL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TORE UP IN LESS THAN A YEAR.THEALERSHIP DOESN'T KNOW WHY THESE THINGS HAVE HAPPENED THEY WANT TO DO MAINTENANCING TO SEE IF THAT FIXES IT. OVER $1000. WE GOT THIS COMPACT CAR TO SAVE AND SURVIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN EXPENSIVE CHEAP CAR.

2/7/2019

10 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS OVER THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT INJURED HIS RIGHT HAND AND RIGHT FOOT, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER; HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED AN INVESTIGATOR TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO DRIVER'S ERROR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

8/8/2016

WHEN SHIFTER FROM ANY GEAR INTO PARK THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER STICKS IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION MAKING IT EASY TO BUMP THE SHIFTER BACK INTO GEAR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE SHIFTER IF PUT INTO THE PARK POSITION THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION UNTIL AFTER THE BUTTON SLIDES SLOWLY INTO THE LATCHED "NOT DEPRESSED" POSITION. THE ISSUE OCCURS ONLY WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE PARK AND DOES NOT AFFECT ANY OTHER SHIFTER POSITION.

2/7/2017

10 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN GOING AROUND A CORNER TO RIGHT YOU FIGHT STEERING AND THEN CAR GOES TO LEFT HARD AND IT CROSSES CENTER LINE. I FEEL FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OWNER AND OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY THIS NEEDS ADDRESSED AND FIXED

8/4/2015

I WAS DRIVING A 2015 SONIC DEALERSHIP CAR BECAUSE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR THE WEEKEND, A CAR WAS ABOUT TO HIT ME AND ALL DID WAS I STEPPED ON BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND RAN ME INTO A POLE. I HAD JUST TURNED THE CORNER, THE WEATHER WAS GREAT, I WAS ONLY GOING 15 MILES.

5/25/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE - THE BODY CONTROL MODULE HAS WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY

4/3/2017

VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN BRAKING, WHILE IN MOTION. IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES BURRS ON IGNITION KEYS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH

1/11/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. THE ABS BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDDLE ALSO HAS ISSUES. THE BRAKES HAS CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS THUS FAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION SEVERAL TIMES WITH REPAIRS AT NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AND CAUSED TWO REAR END ACCIDENTS.

12/22/2015

BRAKE DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE TO AVOID COLLIDING INTO GARAGE DOOR WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK CAR.

12/28/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 07 2016 MY SON WAS DRIVING MY WIFE TO WORK ON HIGHWAY WHEN THEY HEARD A LOUD POP, MADE HIS WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC TO SIDE OF ROAD. HIS 2015 CHEVY SONIC WHICH WE BOUGHT FOR HIM LAST AUGUST 2015 WITH ABOUT 12,000 MILES ON IT HAD A BLOWN REAR PASSENGER HANOOK TIRE. HE CONTACT OUR LOCAL DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE. AND WAS TOLD "YOU HAVE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE IN OUR SYSTEM", HE TRIED TO TELL THEM, BUT WAS RUDELY TOLD "WELL IF YOUR PARENTS HAD PURCHASED OR HAS A TIRE WARRANTY WE COULD HELP YOU". WELL THAT'S A LIE GM COVER TIRES UNDER THEIR 3YR/30,000 MILE WARRANTY PROGRAM I HAVE SUBMITTED PICTURES OF THE TIRES, WHICH I TOOK EARLIER THIS MORNING WHEN I GOT HOME. I WANT THE TIRE REPLACED THE DEALER IS NOT STANDING BY THEIR OWN WARRANTY PROGRAM AND PER MY SON WAS NOT TO CONCERNED WHEN HE TOLD THEM THE ISSUE NOR OFFERED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

4/8/2016

I HAVE A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. EVERY TIME I'VE BEEN INTO THE CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, THE CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER UNDERINFLATES MY TIRES. THE CHEVROLET MANUFACTURER CALLS FOR 38 PSI IN ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER SETS THE PSI IN ALL FOUR TIRES AT 35 PSI. NOW, I'M QUESTIONING ALL OIL AND LUBE SERVICE CENTERS. ARE THEY ALSO UNDERINFLATING TIRES? THIS HAPPENED LAST ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO. I'VE USED THREE DIFFERENT SERVICE CENTERS SINCE I"VE OWNED THE CAR. SERVICE CENTERS IN WICHITA, KS; OKLAHOMA CITY, OK; GULFPORT, MS.

10/13/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HELLO, THE CHEVY SONIC DASH AN INFORMATION CENTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THERE IS NO RADIO , NO TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS , NO SEAT BELT INDICATOR AN DASH GETS REALLY DIM AT TIMES , ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE . I TRIED CALLING MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER BUT THEY KEEP SAYING MY VIN IS NOT EFFECTED. BUT ALL THE OTHER MAKES OF THIS MODEL OF THAT YEAR IS HAVING THE SAME RECALL ISSUES . PLEASE HELP !!!. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AN EVER CAR RIDE IS UNPLEASANT AN WE DONT FEEL SAFE .

3/20/2019

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60 MPH WHEN SHE SAW A DEER IN THE ROAD - SHE SWERVED AND BRAKED HITTING THE DEER IN THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT AREA ABOVE DRIVERS FRONT TIRE AND BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE AND HOLD HER IN PLACE.

8/19/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS SONIC SUN VISORS WILL NOT PULL OUT TO EXTEND AND ALSO HAVE NO PULL-OUT EXTENSIONS. PEOPLE DRIVING NORTH IN THE IN THE P.M. OR SOUTH IN THE A.M. HAVE TO DRIVE WITH ONE HAND ONLY IN ORDER TO BLOCK THE SUN WITH THEIR LEFT HAND. THERE IS PROBABLY A HIGHER INCIDENT OF ACCIDENTS AT THESE TIMES OF DAY INVOLVING SONICS. I NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR IF I REALIZED THAT THE VISORS DID NOT PULL OUT.

3/7/2016

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60 MPH WHEN SHE SAW A DEER IN THE ROAD - SHE SWERVED AND BRAKED HITTING THE DEER IN THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT AREA ABOVE DRIVERS FRONT TIRE AND BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE AND HOLD HER IN PLACE.

8/19/2019

SEATS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HEADRESTS ARE TOO TALL AND WIDE. THEY OBSTRUCT VISIBILITY WHEN BACKING UP AND WHEN CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS.

10/24/2018

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE ACCORDING TO OUR MECHANIC. WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE CAR TURNED ON AND STATIONARY, SOMETIMES, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT TURN ON AS IF IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PERSON THERE. IF THE CAR IS THEN PUT INTO DRIVE, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM STILL REMAINS OFF. OTHER TIMES, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL TURN ON AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DRIVE AND THEN TURN OFF RANDOMLY DURING THE DRIVE WHILE SOMEONE IS STILL SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS ISSUE AS THE AIRBAG MAY NOT ACTIVATE IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THERE IS INDEED SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

12/5/2019

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (CHEVROLET -5925 US 90/ MILTON, FL 32583) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE CODES (DTC C0186, C0196, C0287) APPEARED. WE WAS INFORMED THAT ISN'T A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODELS.( AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS ARE A SAFETY DEVICE, THIS FAULT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE). WE FOUNT A SERVICE BULLETIN : SB-10059177-1527 FROM GM FOR THE FAILURE.

12/22/2018

DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT LATCH WILL NO LONGER CATCH AND LOCK WHEN FASTNEING SEATBELT

10/1/2020

EQUIPMENT

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CEASED IN THE IGNITION CAUSING THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO GERRY WOOD HONDA (414 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD SOUTH, SALISBURY, NC 28147) TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V257000 (EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

7/21/2020

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated the audible indicators for the driver's seat belt and the "Key Left in Ignition' was inoperable. The contactor also stated that the radio powered on independently, causing the driver to be startled due to the loud volume. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, but not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment), 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) or 15V416000 (Equipment). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

1/3/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage 86,000.

10/19/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.

2/3/2025

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE PRODUCED AN ABNORMAL MOLD ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FILTER NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

8/31/2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. *SMD

6/15/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, A LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2.

6/29/2016

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE TPMS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TPMS RECEIVER AND SENSOR WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THE TPMS RECEIVER WAS REPLACED AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

8/5/2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN BRAKING, WHILE IN MOTION. IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES BURRS ON IGNITION KEYS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH

1/11/2018

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

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WALDORF CHEVROLET CADILLAC, 2298 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V416000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,600.

7/13/2018

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND YOU HAVE YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK. THE WIPERS WILL TURN OFF, THE RPM'S RACE HIGH ACCELERATING THE CAR INTO ALMOST A SPIN IF YOU DO NOT COUNTER CORRECT THE STEERING. THE ENGINE AND RADIO SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM TIMES AS WELL. HAD A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK DONE, NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR. WAS TOLD IT IS A MANUFACTURER IS WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT NHTSA WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE UNTIL SOMEONE GET'S KILLED, SO GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT FIX IT, UNTIL THEY ARE IN PROBATE COURT. AS A LEO THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, ESPECIALLY AFTER OUR GOVERNMENT JUST BAILED THEM OUT AGAIN WITH OUR TAX MONEY. *TR

6/3/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was white smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that once the vehicle was to the side of the road, the contact noticed that there was antifreeze all over the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear water outlet needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was invalid.

12/3/2021

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Vehicle shakes and vibrates when first turned on, and driving. Has alot of vibration.

5/5/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving, the locks on the car will unlock then relock quickly, the dash will go black and the motor will rev like I am trying to go in the Park position. This has happened several time in town where I live. Update from Aug 11, 2022The first time it happened I took it to the dealership and of course there were no codes and they couldn't find anything wrong. - [XXX], US INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

9/1/2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving, the locks on the car will unlock then relock quickly, the dash will go black and the motor will rev like I am trying to go in the Park position. This has happened several time in town where I live. Update from Aug 11, 2022The first time it happened I took it to the dealership and of course there were no codes and they couldn't find anything wrong. - [XXX], US INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

9/1/2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned on with the transmission in park(P), the doors would erroneously lock. On several occasions after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who checked the battery but found no failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.

1/11/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

my recall is already completed, why on the your website still showing incompleted?

7/10/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact purchased the vehicle from a dealer in March 2024. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer at 60,000, and the advertisement stated 60,000. The contact recently acquired the Carfax report, which indicated that in April 2015, the odometer reading was 15,073 miles. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer reading was reported in April 2024 at 60,700 miles. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy but provided no assistance.

9/29/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most reported complaint category for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 32 owner reports. That is about 19% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 111 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic severe?

111 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Sonic: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

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Complaint entries
170
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5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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