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2017 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 54 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.2/ 10

Based on 54 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

17 31.5%

AIR BAGS

6 11.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 9.3%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 7.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 7.4%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 31.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 12 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 54 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 31% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic are ENGINE (17), AIR BAGS (6), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 39 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 2017 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 intervals2018 Sonic complaints2016 Sonic complaints2019 Sonic complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 12 of 12 systems

ENGINE

17 Reports31% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAME TO A STOP AT A CONTROLLED SIGNAL LIGHT AND MY CAR DIED AND REFUSED TO START. I HAD TO GET HELP TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF THE TRAFFIC. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES AND 30 MINUTES LATER THE CAR STARTED. AT LEAST 40 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME ISSUE TO CAR COMPLAINTS.COM AND LEMON LAWS.COM

8/2/2019

CAR HAS GONE THROUGH 4 VALVE COVERS IN 5 MOTHS. ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM HAS AND WILL NOT EXTEND WARRANTY.

1/26/2020

15 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

6 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT WARNING. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEMICAL BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

6/13/2018

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT A FEW DAYS AGO INVOLVING A REAR END COLLISION WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP. SHE DIDN'T NOTICE THE CARS IN FRONT HAD STOPPED SUDDENLY AND HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT HER FRONT PROXIMITY SIGNAL DIDN'T SOUND OFF WARNING SHE WAS TOO CLOSE AND AFTER THE IMPACT HER AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT LEASTT 35 MPH. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY WITH THE CAR NOW AND IF IT'S REPAIRABLE WE WILL STILL SELL AS MY CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS GONE

7/14/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT A FEW DAYS AGO INVOLVING A REAR END COLLISION WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP. SHE DIDN'T NOTICE THE CARS IN FRONT HAD STOPPED SUDDENLY AND HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT HER FRONT PROXIMITY SIGNAL DIDN'T SOUND OFF WARNING SHE WAS TOO CLOSE AND AFTER THE IMPACT HER AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT LEASTT 35 MPH. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY WITH THE CAR NOW AND IF IT'S REPAIRABLE WE WILL STILL SELL AS MY CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS GONE

7/14/2018

VEHICLE CHIME CHANGES IN SOUND AFTER CALLING ONSTAR FROM VEHICLE, ALSO SPEAKERS CRACKLE AFTER CALLING ONSTAR FROM VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESOLVE.

3/5/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND WITH THE WINDOW DEFROSTER ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ACTIVATED, IT WOULD REMAIN FOGGED AND WOULD NOT DEFROST. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30.

10/7/2016

PASSENGER SIDE WIPER HAS GAP BETWEEN DRIVER SIDE WATER RUNS DOWN WINDSHIELD IN A STREAM ON ALL WIPER SPEEDS. DISTRACTS VISIBILTY. REPORTED TO DEALER AND CHEVROLET.

5/16/2017

2 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN STARTING OUR 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES THAT ARE VERY STRONG THAT EVEN MAKE IT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE EXHAUST WHEN IDLING WILL HAVE A LOUD RATTLE AND WILL BOTH ACCOMPANY THE EXHAUST FUMES AND AT TIMES WHEN THERE ISN'T THE STRONG EXHAUST FUMES. WE HAVE ALSO RECENTLY HAD TO START TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND WATCHING TO MAKE SURE IT STAYS OFF BECAUSE IT WILL RANDOMLY ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND WE WILL HAVE TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL OR IT WILL JERK THE VEHICLE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED CAR ACCIDENTS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCCASIONS.

6/22/2018

WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH , AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON RECIRCULATE I BLACKED OUT AND TOTALED THE CAR . HOSPITAL RAN A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST AND IT WAS HIGH ,WAS THE CAUSE OF BLACKOUT. NOW HAVE MEMORY PROBLEMS AND SEVERE BACK PAIN

8/22/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHEVY SONIC 42,000 MILES 1 1/2 YEARS OLD HAD TO REPLACE EVAP SOLENOID THAT REGULATES AIR AND FUEL. $513 MOSTLY LABOR GM WILL NOT COVER ANY COST AT ALL. DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. 1ST TIME AND LAST TIME I EVER BUY A CHEVY!!!!!!

11/20/2018

EVAP PURGE SOLENOID STUCK OPEN CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY- STREETS. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR HAD TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN MID INTERSECTION AND PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WASHER UNIT STOPPED WORKING CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE NOW. DASH LIGHTS KEEP DIMMING SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO TELL THE SPEED AND FUEL LEVEL BUT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME IT COMES AND GOES.

1/26/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

IN MAY OF 2019 WHILE TRYING TO START PUSH BUTTON CAR WOULD NOT START LIGHTS CAME ON IN CAR SAYING SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE STABILITRAK I GOT IT TO DEALER IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME THEY HAD ME REPLACE A BATTERY FOR OVER $200 WHICH THEY SAY WAS CAUSE ONLY FOR THIS SAME THING TO HAPPEN IN AUG2019/ WHICH THEY CLAIM THEY REPAIRED BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING WHEEL TIGHTENS UP AND U CAN'T STEER EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS THEY CLAIM COULD NOT SERVICE CAR CAUSE THEY HAD TO SEE THE READING ON DASHBOARD THEN AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 2019 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW WARRANTY IS OUT THEY MIRACULOUSLY FOUND OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE OF WARRANTY OUT I FEEL THEY SOLD ME A BAD CAR AND NOW WANT TO CHARGE ME ALL THIS MONEY TO FIX CAR WHEN I DID WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO IN TAKING CAR IN WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY JUST CLAIM THEY FIXED CAR AND NEVER DID THIS HAS PUT MY FAMILY AND I IN DANGER NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE I TRUSTED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE CAR ONLY TO FEEL LIED TO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR NOTE ON A CAR I CAN NOT DRIVE AND ALSO WONDERING HOW I CAN GET IT FIXED BUT HONESTLY BELIEVE THEY WILL NEVER FIX CAR RIGHT AT LONESTAR CHEVROLET BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING OR WHAT'S EVEN WRONG WITH THE CAR I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FROM ALL THE TIMES I TOOK THE CAR IN AND PICTURES OF DASHBOARD READINGS

11/29/2019

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 Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 My car is only six years, and this should not be happing. 11/27/23 vehicle shuts off while driving this has happened three time to us. we cannot drive the car it is not safe. 12/19/23 had it tow to Paradise Chevrolet. This car is not safe to drive. We have a protection Plan its useless.

12/19/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT WARNING. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEMICAL BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

6/13/2018

Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.

2/16/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN STARTING OUR 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES THAT ARE VERY STRONG THAT EVEN MAKE IT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE EXHAUST WHEN IDLING WILL HAVE A LOUD RATTLE AND WILL BOTH ACCOMPANY THE EXHAUST FUMES AND AT TIMES WHEN THERE ISN'T THE STRONG EXHAUST FUMES. WE HAVE ALSO RECENTLY HAD TO START TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND WATCHING TO MAKE SURE IT STAYS OFF BECAUSE IT WILL RANDOMLY ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND WE WILL HAVE TO HOLD TIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL OR IT WILL JERK THE VEHICLE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED CAR ACCIDENTS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCCASIONS.

6/22/2018

IN MAY OF 2019 WHILE TRYING TO START PUSH BUTTON CAR WOULD NOT START LIGHTS CAME ON IN CAR SAYING SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE STABILITRAK I GOT IT TO DEALER IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME THEY HAD ME REPLACE A BATTERY FOR OVER $200 WHICH THEY SAY WAS CAUSE ONLY FOR THIS SAME THING TO HAPPEN IN AUG2019/ WHICH THEY CLAIM THEY REPAIRED BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING WHEEL TIGHTENS UP AND U CAN'T STEER EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS THEY CLAIM COULD NOT SERVICE CAR CAUSE THEY HAD TO SEE THE READING ON DASHBOARD THEN AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 2019 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW WARRANTY IS OUT THEY MIRACULOUSLY FOUND OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE OF WARRANTY OUT I FEEL THEY SOLD ME A BAD CAR AND NOW WANT TO CHARGE ME ALL THIS MONEY TO FIX CAR WHEN I DID WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO IN TAKING CAR IN WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY JUST CLAIM THEY FIXED CAR AND NEVER DID THIS HAS PUT MY FAMILY AND I IN DANGER NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE I TRUSTED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE CAR ONLY TO FEEL LIED TO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR NOTE ON A CAR I CAN NOT DRIVE AND ALSO WONDERING HOW I CAN GET IT FIXED BUT HONESTLY BELIEVE THEY WILL NEVER FIX CAR RIGHT AT LONESTAR CHEVROLET BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING OR WHAT'S EVEN WRONG WITH THE CAR I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FROM ALL THE TIMES I TOOK THE CAR IN AND PICTURES OF DASHBOARD READINGS

11/29/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2017 CHEVY SONIC HAS A BRAKE PROBLEM . BRAKES SOMETIMES FAIL TO STOP WHEN APPLIED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MOVING AND COMING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAIDED THEY ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM GM.

12/29/2017

MASTER CYLINDER AND POWER BREAK BOOSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 42800 MILES.

8/12/2018

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAVID STANLEY CHEVROLET (614 W INTERSTATE 240 SERVICE RD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139) WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

12/27/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

EVAP PURGE SOLENOID STUCK OPEN CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY- STREETS. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR HAD TO SLOW DOWN IT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN MID INTERSECTION AND PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WASHER UNIT STOPPED WORKING CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO IMPAIR MY VISIBILITY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE NOW. DASH LIGHTS KEEP DIMMING SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING IT HARD TO TELL THE SPEED AND FUEL LEVEL BUT DOESNT DO IT ALL THE TIME IT COMES AND GOES.

1/26/2020

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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is ENGINE, with 17 owner reports. That is about 31% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 39 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 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic severe?

39 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
54
Top-topic view
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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