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
- 37
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
None on file
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 37 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 217 |
| 2014 | 150 |
| 2015 | 114 |
| 2016 | 48 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
51% · 19 reportsShow 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, 2023-12-19
Also filed under Electrical system
Air bags
16% · 6 reportsShow 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, 2025-11-04
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, 2018-07-14
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, 2018-06-13
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
14% · 5 reportsVisibility/wiper
11% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2017-05-16
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, 2016-10-07
Steering
11% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Chevrolet Sonic — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.