KnownCarProblemsHome › Chevrolet › Sonic › 2016
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, most often about the engine (29% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles). It is 5th of 10 Sonic model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Engine
14 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles.
Purchased my car in october of 2018. In july of 2019, my check engine light came on, followed shortly afterward by the temperature overheat gauge. Took my car in and was told that my thermostat needed replaced and that this is common with my make/model. Replaced the thermostat. In january 2020, check engine light came…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle overheated, stalled, and completely shut off. The vehicle was taken to jeff wyler dixie Chevrolet (5340 dixie hwy, louisville, ky 40216, ([phone]) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a power train…
Electrical
11 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 50,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition.
As I was driving on a street, possibly two minutes after departing my home, is when I'd realized the air bag indicator light was illuminated. Everytime for the next three days, the warning light would illuminate as soon as the car turned on. It finally shut off after I went out to shop. It was illuminated on my way to…
My car was bought in oct of 2015. It did not come with a rear camera back up system, however the center display (radio & controls panel) started displaying an error message about this back up system. At the same time the phone & radio controls located on the steering wheel also stopped working. When blue toothing a…
Other or unspecified
8 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles.
The upper dash panel (closest to the windshield) has begun to melt. It has an obviously sticky or tacky feel to it at all times. The stickiness is most noticeable in the afternoon and evening on warm, sunny days. After sitting in the dark all night long, the stickiness is less prominent although still noticeable. This…
Car shuts off and check engine light comes on, when it is being driven. Always when we have had rain. We have taken car to dealer and they cannot find the problem. Once we put heat in the gas tank it starts to drive until another rain hits.
Air bags
8 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles.
Car was in motion going down the highway. Stopped at a redlight. Continued qhen light turned green but not fast as the next light was turning red. Brake failure resulted in a car accident. Upon collision the air bags malfunctioned and did not deploy. Many others are experiencing the same issues with the Chevrolet…
As I was driving on a street, possibly two minutes after departing my home, is when I'd realized the air bag indicator light was illuminated. Everytime for the next three days, the warning light would illuminate as soon as the car turned on. It finally shut off after I went out to shop. It was illuminated on my way to…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 10%Cars computer/programming is remotely controlled ,brakes tranmission lights suspension do notb perform as intended by manufacturer.hacking involved while driving stationary freeways/city streets.
Car hesitated to start after getting gas. When it does finally start it sputters and have to rev motor some to make it stop. Idles high. After get started and start to drive it it's ok, but when stopped at a light it idles higher. I have had the purge valve replaced, but it's still doing it.
Suspension
3 complaints · 6%Cars computer/programming is remotely controlled ,brakes tranmission lights suspension do notb perform as intended by manufacturer.hacking involved while driving stationary freeways/city streets.
Stability control
3 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intake…
Transmission
3 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle shut off without warning while at a complete stop. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the oxygen sensor…
Purchased my car in october of 2018. In july of 2019, my check engine light came on, followed shortly afterward by the temperature overheat gauge. Took my car in and was told that my thermostat needed replaced and that this is common with my make/model. Replaced the thermostat. In january 2020, check engine light came…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
Electrical: software
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on july 22, 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Gm's number for this recall is 45340.
Full defect summary
General motors llc (gm) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 chevrolet sonic and trax, and 2013-2015 spark vehicles equipped with a bring your own media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 208 "occupant crash protection" and 114 "theft protection."
Electrical: software
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: 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. Gm's number for this recall is 17130.
Full defect summary
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. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 114 "theft protection."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (14 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles); electrical (11 complaints, typically around 50,500 miles); other or unspecified (8 complaints, typically around 26,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 10, 2016 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
- It is 5th of 10 Sonic model years by number of complaints, with 48 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.