2020 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has 15 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and power train.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 15 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 33.3%
POWER TRAIN
3 20%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1 6.7%
AIR BAGS
1 6.7%
STEERING
1 6.7%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 33.3% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 9 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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What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has 15 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 33% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5), POWER TRAIN (3), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION (1).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 10 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 2020 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.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 9 of 9 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 Reports33% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CAN NOT BE EXECUTED IF STEP 5 IS EXECUTED FIRST. OWNERS WHO ATTEMPT TO PREPARE THE VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL TOWING BY USING A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE RUN THE RISK OF DAMAGING THEIR VEHICLES AND/OR CAUSING SEVERE ACCIDENTS IF THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP UNDER TOW (MOVING). DEALER CLAIMS IS VIN SPECIFIC. IT IS NOT VIN SPECIFIC. I TESTED SEVERAL IDENTICAL VEHICLES ON THE DEALER LOT AND THEY ALL FAIL, USING THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
10/26/2020
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.
3/7/2023
POWER TRAIN
3 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CAN NOT BE EXECUTED IF STEP 5 IS EXECUTED FIRST. OWNERS WHO ATTEMPT TO PREPARE THE VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL TOWING BY USING A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE RUN THE RISK OF DAMAGING THEIR VEHICLES AND/OR CAUSING SEVERE ACCIDENTS IF THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP UNDER TOW (MOVING). DEALER CLAIMS IS VIN SPECIFIC. IT IS NOT VIN SPECIFIC. I TESTED SEVERAL IDENTICAL VEHICLES ON THE DEALER LOT AND THEY ALL FAIL, USING THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
10/26/2020
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.
3/7/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2020 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE KEYLESS IGNITION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IT WAS POSSIBLE TO TURN OFF THE KEYLESS ENTRY WITHOUT FIRST PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK BEFORE STARTING THE IGNITION. *JS
2/11/2020
AIR BAGS
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driverâs and passengerâs side air bags erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the roadway. The vehicle was not involved in a crash before the air bags deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
6/28/2021
STEERING
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.
3/7/2023
ENGINE
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also overheats creating hazardous leaks of anti freeze at boiling temperatures ability to burn anyone who comes in contact. This remains an ongoing issue with vehicle, vehicle now back in possesion of bank Santander Consumer USA, this is being reported to protect any innocent parties involved to avoid injuries or even fatality
3/9/2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving.
7/28/2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving.
7/28/2024
SEATS
1 Report7% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position. The malfunction is likely related to either the motor, seat track, or the electrical system controlling the adjustment. The seat is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The stuck seat presents a safety hazard because it is positioned too far back, which can prevent proper seating posture or seatbelt positioning for a passenger. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash, as the passenger may not be secured properly or may be too far from the airbag deployment zone. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and two other individuals knowledgeable about cars. The problem has been physically inspected, and the seat remains stuck in the rear position despite attempts to adjust it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives yet. However, it has been looked at by independent service providers, who have confirmed the issue with the passenger seat. My car is no longer secure by the bumper-to-bumper warranty despite only having 52K millage. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue with the seat adjustment occurred suddenly, with no prior indication that there was a problem.
11/15/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Are complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Are complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Sonic: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 15
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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