2013 Chevrolet Sonic
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 217 |
| 2014 | 149 |
| 2015 | 114 |
| 2016 | 48 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: engine — 55 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THINGS STARTED AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER A CAR HIT ME AND TOOK OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171218
25% of complaints: electrical system — 55 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THINGS STARTED AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AFTER A CAR HIT ME AND TOOK OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171218
18% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241223
Car accident November 3, 2023. A dear ran in front car while traveling 55mps. As the impact took place causing front and of the car to be smashed Air bags in the car did not deployed. Causing head to hit steering wheel.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231105
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A TRACTOR TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER, ROOF AND SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130508
6% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Contr
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-8
Campaign 12V454000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 201
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's rec
Campaign 13V220000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap b
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-52
Campaign 13V464000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014.
Campaign 14V417000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V257000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023.
Campaign 23V516000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Chevrolet Sonic — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V454000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V220000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V464000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V417000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V257000 (electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V516000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.