2017 Chevrolet Sonic
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
51% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
16% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251104
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180714
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180613
14% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
11% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170516
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161007
11% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Chevrolet Sonic — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.