CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Chevrolet›
  4. Sonic›
  5. 2016›
  6. Complaints

2016 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 67 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.8/ 10

Based on 67 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

12 17.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 13.4%

AIR BAGS

8 11.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 10.4%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 7.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 17.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 20 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.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 67 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 18% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic are ENGINE (12), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9), AIR BAGS (8).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 45 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 2016 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 intervals2017 Sonic complaints2015 Sonic complaints2018 Sonic complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

ENGINE

12 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, STALLED, AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER DIXIE CHEVROLET (5340 DIXIE HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40216, (502) 448-2820) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.

10/12/2018

TAKATA RECALL- THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON I HAVE TAKEN IT TO AUTO SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY WRONG TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALER THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BUT MY CAR SHAKES AND STALLS ON ME. IT'S VERY FRASTRATING SPENDING ON THE VECHILE AND ONE CAN FIND WHAT'S GOING ON.

11/19/2018

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AS I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET, POSSIBLY TWO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTING MY HOME, IS WHEN I'D REALIZED THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. EVERYTIME FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS, THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AS SOON AS THE CAR TURNED ON. IT FINALLY SHUT OFF AFTER I WENT OUT TO SHOP. IT WAS ILLUMINATED ON MY WAY TO THE SHOPS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, SHOPPED AND WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, THE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND HAS NOT SINCE THEN. NOW, IT HAS BEEN AROUND TWO WEEKS SINCE IT TURNED OFF.

12/26/2018

TAKATA RECALL . ONE TIRE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE IN FEBRUARY 2019.. IT WAS DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE OTHER PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL, THE DRIVER SEAT WASN'T HEATING AND THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER REAR CAMERA WAS BLURRING CAUSING A UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION.. THE DASHBOARD WAS CLICKING OUT FOR A SECOND WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.

3/6/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

8 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAMARA RECALL

10/28/2017

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG INDICATOR SHOWS "OFF" WHEN A NORMAL SIZED ADULT IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION I.E DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME.. MOVING IN THE SEAT, CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING SEAT BELT, OPENING AND CLOSING PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT CHANGE THE INDICATION. INDICATOR REMAINS "OFF" AS CAR IS DRIVEN. BOTH DEALER AND CHEVY CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WERE CONTACTED WITHOUT A FIX. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE CAR WAS NEW.. I HAVE A COUPLE OF VIDEOS OF THE OCCURRENCE, SHOWING ENGINE RUNNING, AIRBAG INDICATOR SHOWING OFF, NO SRS WARNING LIGHTS AND AN ADULT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS CONDITION LEAVES THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AT HIGHER RISK FOR INJURY OR DEATH DURING AN ACCIDENT.

6/29/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN THE RIGHT LANE IN THE AREA OF MILE MARKER 7 IN SOUTH CAROLINA A PIECE OF FOREIGN DEBUS WAS RAN OVER BY THE CAR IN FROM OF ME. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL BOUNCED OF THE ROAD AND HIT THE FRONT BUMPER GRILL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER ( 24 INCH PIECE OF METAL IT APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING THAT WOULD HOLD A SEMI TRACK SPARE TIRE IN PLACE) THE CAR I WAS BEHIND DIDN'T STOP TO ENSURE MY SAFETY HOWEVER THEY DID BRAKE AND CONTINUE ON THEIR JOURNEY. I PULLED OFF AS SOON AS I COULD GET IN A SAFE PLACE AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE IMAGES OF THE DAMAGE AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE. MY DEDUCTIBLE IS $1000.00. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

5/4/2017

CARS COMPUTER/PROGRAMMING IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ,BRAKES TRANMISSION LIGHTS SUSPENSION DO NOTB PERFORM AS INTENDED BY MANUFACTURER.HACKING INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING STATIONARY FREEWAYS/CITY STREETS.

6/7/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CARS COMPUTER/PROGRAMMING IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ,BRAKES TRANMISSION LIGHTS SUSPENSION DO NOTB PERFORM AS INTENDED BY MANUFACTURER.HACKING INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING STATIONARY FREEWAYS/CITY STREETS.

6/7/2017

VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH ACCELERATION AND JERKING WHEN STOPPED IN JULY 2019. TOOK VEHICLE TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED I REPLACE THE BATTERY AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS. BOTH WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE STILL CONTINUES TO JERK AND NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. VEHICLE DRIVES SMOOTH SO LONG AS THEIR IS A FULL TANK OF GAS AND ITS GOING A STEADY AT LEAST 40 MPH. WHEN THE GAS GETS BELOW HALF TANK, THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE JERKING AND ACCELERATING ISSUE. VEHICLE ALSO HAS TO BE RESTARTED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER GAS IS PUT IN.

3/3/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CARS COMPUTER/PROGRAMMING IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ,BRAKES TRANMISSION LIGHTS SUSPENSION DO NOTB PERFORM AS INTENDED BY MANUFACTURER.HACKING INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING STATIONARY FREEWAYS/CITY STREETS.

6/7/2017

WHEN BACKING UP AND GOING FORWARD UP TO 25 MPH THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS VERY NOISY. FRONT SWAY LINKS REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY.

8/10/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THESE ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BOTH IN MOTION AND STILL.THE RIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS QUITE EXCESSIVELY. THE MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE REAR INDICATOR TO TURN OFF AND THE PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND YOU CANNOT SEE YOU USING A TURN SIGNAL. ALSO THE SUSPENSION DOES NOT BRACE IMPACT OR ADJUST TO DIFFERENT TERRAIN.

11/10/2017

I PURCHASED MY CAR ON MARCH 9,2019. IN MAY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP [XXX] IN MOULTRIE, GEORGIA WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND NO ONE LOOKED AT IT, IT JUST SAT OUT THERE. WHEN I'M AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT TOO LONG MY CAR WILL CUT OFF OCCASIONALLY AND ALWAYS HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING EVEN SOMETIMES WHEN I?M IN REVERSE. I GOT MY TRANSMISSION LOOKED AT AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. ONE DAY AFTER I STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATED MY CAR CUT OFF WHILE I WAS ALREADY IN DRIVE AND I ALMOST GOT HIT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT FROM AND TOLD THEM THAT IT WAS CUTTING WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND HE SAID ALL HE COULD TELL ME WAS TO KEEP DRIVING IT AND HE DON'T REMEMBER SELLING ME NO CAR, WHEN I TOLD HIM HE DID AND HIS NAME IS EVEN ON MY PAPERWORK LISTED [XXX]. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO MECHANIC SHOP AND A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY MECHANIC SHOP AND NEITHER SHOPS COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. IN SEPTEMBER I CALLED THE CHEVROLET MANUFACTURING OFFICE AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST CHEVROLET PLACE. THEY LOOKED AT AND COULDN?T FIND ANYTHING AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T COMING ON BUT THEY TEST DROVE IT AND SEEN EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. THEY TRIED DOING AN INDUSTRIAL FLUSH AND IT DIDN'T WORK. THEY SUGGESTED MY ALTERNATOR BE REPLACED CAUSE IT WAS READING A 15, SERPENTINE BELT AND BELT TENSIONER BE REPLACED, I DID THAT AND TOOK IT TO AN AUTO MECHANIC SHOP SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE A WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM ISN'T FIXED AND IT STILL JERKS AND CUTS OFF TO THIS DAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

10/24/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAD THE THERMOSTAT AND INTAKE MAIN GASKET SET REPLACED, AND AN ENGINE TUNE -UP; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,456.

8/19/2019

PURCHASED MY CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2018. IN JULY OF 2019, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED SHORTLY AFTERWARD BY THE TEMPERATURE OVERHEAT GAUGE. TOOK MY CAR IN AND WAS TOLD THAT MY THERMOSTAT NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH MY MAKE/MODEL. REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. IN JANUARY 2020, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, WITH A PO599 CODE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL AUTO SHOP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED; THEY SAID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STARTING THE CAR, SO LIKELY WASN'T AN OVERHEATING ISSUE. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SENSORS/CIRCUITS. AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, AGAIN SUGGESTED REPLACING THE THERMOSTAT. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND TIME THE THERMOSTAT HAS NEEDED REPLACED IN THE YEAR AND THREE MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. WHEN AT JIFFY LUBE, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD SEEN AT LEAST FOUR OTHER SONICS COME IN WITH THE SAME CHECK ENGINE CODE.

1/21/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD

5/24/2016

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times and the thermostat housing was replaced three times due to its plastic-based material. The contact stated that she was unable to drive the vehicle for more than an hour and a half without a reoccurrence of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had melted. The independent mechanic advised the contact to purchase a new vehicle like the engine compartment of the vehicle was poorly made. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist the contact with scheduling an appointment with the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle's approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

12/21/2021

STEERING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH LESS THAN 50 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE SWAYS AND DRIFTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT MOVES LEFT AND RIGHT IN THE LANE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE. I DON'T FEEL I AM IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICE THIS AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 45 MPH AND ABOVE. I HAD IT INTO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CONTROL MODULE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. GM HAS GIVEN ME NO SATISFACTION AND NO HELP WITH THIS MATTER. I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AGAIN UNTIL THIS IS FIXED.

7/9/2016

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driver’s lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

8/26/2025

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CONCRETE MEDIAN AND THROUGH BUSHES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A THUMB INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUFFENBERG CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (830 VALLEY CREEK DR, FARMINGTON, MO 63640), BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,847.

12/1/2017

CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. STOPPED AT A REDLIGHT. CONTINUED QHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN BUT NOT FAST AS THE NEXT LIGHT WAS TURNING RED. BRAKE FAILURE RESULTED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. UPON COLLISION THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT DEPLOY. MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE CHEVROLET SONIC STARTING FROM THE 2015 MODEL. GM WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS YET TO FIX IT OR RECALL IT.

7/23/2018

SEATS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL . ONE TIRE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE IN FEBRUARY 2019.. IT WAS DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE OTHER PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL, THE DRIVER SEAT WASN'T HEATING AND THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER REAR CAMERA WAS BLURRING CAUSING A UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION.. THE DASHBOARD WAS CLICKING OUT FOR A SECOND WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.

3/6/2019

MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER STOPPED WORKING. I CLICK THE BUTTON, THE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THEN SHUTS RIGHT BACK OFF. I'VE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AND BACK OFF AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING.

11/3/2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My vehicle malfunctioned Driving on my way to work entering a large parking area connected stores. I saw a available parking spot in between 2 cars I drove in the spot lined up car and put my car in park completely stopped.I looked to my right then to my left to be sure I wasn't to close to the other two vehicles then I opened my drivers door to check if I was within the line.I was just on the line.As soon as I shut the door the doors locked the engine roared so loud I thought it was going to explode then the safety belt latched on so tight pulled me back at same time the car plummeted forward extreme acceleration into a brick building. Instantly the bags deployed as I halted forward I put up my arms up panic knowing I was going into the bldg once impacted hit bldg I heard a loud screech sound.once hit the car instantly reversed backwards at this same extreme speed I then was going backwards. I managed to step my foot on the break it stopped the car. I was about 65 feet when it completely stopped in reverse. I opened the door and fled got got my belt off.The impact with bags was pain was excruciating did save my life. I don't know how I survived this accident. My car was in park gear ignition still on. This car completely malfunctioned.Previous engine light on for 3 to 4 day. I need this investigated with the box It will show reading I was in park .The insurance company will not provide this box data to me and Dealership is unreachable.

12/10/2021

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

11/8/2022

STRUCTURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD

5/24/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN THE RIGHT LANE IN THE AREA OF MILE MARKER 7 IN SOUTH CAROLINA A PIECE OF FOREIGN DEBUS WAS RAN OVER BY THE CAR IN FROM OF ME. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL BOUNCED OF THE ROAD AND HIT THE FRONT BUMPER GRILL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER ( 24 INCH PIECE OF METAL IT APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING THAT WOULD HOLD A SEMI TRACK SPARE TIRE IN PLACE) THE CAR I WAS BEHIND DIDN'T STOP TO ENSURE MY SAFETY HOWEVER THEY DID BRAKE AND CONTINUE ON THEIR JOURNEY. I PULLED OFF AS SOON AS I COULD GET IN A SAFE PLACE AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE IMAGES OF THE DAMAGE AND THE ESTIMATE TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE. MY DEDUCTIBLE IS $1000.00. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

5/4/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD WIRING. CONSUMER BELIEVES IT CAN BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE TO RESOLVE SAFETY ISSUE AND REPAIR COST. *AS *TR

2/26/2019

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL . ONE TIRE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE IN FEBRUARY 2019.. IT WAS DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE OTHER PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL, THE DRIVER SEAT WASN'T HEATING AND THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER REAR CAMERA WAS BLURRING CAUSING A UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION.. THE DASHBOARD WAS CLICKING OUT FOR A SECOND WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.

3/6/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST POWER, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARBER CHEVROLET (205-631-2669, LOCATED AT 90 BARBER BLVD, GARDENDALE, AL 35071) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,200.

3/21/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVY SONIC LT IN JANUARY OF 2020. IT HAS ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. INITIALLY, I BELIEVED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS JUST SLOW. IN MARCH, 2020 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD TURN THE CAR ON THE RADIO/COMPUTER WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO BOOT UP. THEN ONCE BOOTED, THE BACK-UP CAMERA LINES WOULD NOT SHOW UP. ONLY OCCASIONALLY WOULD THE GUIDING LINES APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. THEN, A PROBLEM DEVELOPED WHERE AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE DOORS, THE RADIO WOULD CONTINUE PLAYING UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED OR THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THIS FIRST OCCURRED IN MAY 2020 AND WOULD OCCUR PERIODICALLY OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. IN JUNE 2020, THE RADIO WOULD RANDOMLY NOT BOOT WHEN STARTED OR BOOT EVEN MORE SLOWLY THAN USUAL. SOMETIMES I COULD DRIVE TEN OR TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THE COMPUTER WOULD FINALLY TURN ON. OTHER TIMES THE COMPUTER WOULD NEVER TURN ON. YET AGAIN, THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO RESTART THE CAR OR DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. ON AUGUST 1, 2020, THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL, EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR OR RECONNECTING THE BATTERY. NOW THAT THE RADIO IS COMPLETELY NONOPERATIONAL, OTHER SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN EFFECTED, TOO. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BLINKERS DO NOT SIGNAL PROPERLY. ALTHOUGH THEY BLINK, I DO NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION THAT THEY ARE ENGAGED (NO BLINKING SOUND). THE SEAT BELT, DOOR AJAR, AND KEY IN IGNITION WARNING DO NOT SOUND ANYMORE EITHER. ADDITIONALLY, THE COLLISION NOTIFICATION AND LANE RECOGNITION NO LONGER PRODUCE AN AUDIBLE WARNING. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, THE RADIO AND ALL RELATED SOUND COMPONENTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY SOLUTION YET. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT NONE OF THEM ARE CURRENTLY OPEN.

8/4/2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driver’s lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

8/26/2025

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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is ENGINE, with 12 owner reports. That is about 18% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS.

Are complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 45 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 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic severe?

45 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.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
67
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

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

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall report

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved