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2017 Chevrolet Sonic Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, most often about the engine (51% of complaints, typically around 54,000 miles). It is 6th of 10 Sonic model years by number of complaints.

Complaints37
Recalls0
Crashes reported6
Fires reported1
Injuries reported4

Most common 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems

  1. Engine

    19 complaints · 51%

    Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.

    The contact's daughter owned a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 25 MPH, a fellow motorist had honked at her as she noticed flames forming from underneath the radio inside her vehicle. The contact's daughter initially attempted to extinguish the fire with a cup of water…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 54,136 miles
    The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2026, at 55,000 miles

  2. Air bags

    6 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.

    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. The driver sustained chemical burns from the air bags that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed by…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 55,000 miles
    I was hit head on and the air bag did not deploy it could have been way worse than it was but it should have deployed and my engine is junk. Having issues with it and its less than 70000 miles
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 65,000 miles

  3. Electrical

    5 complaints · 14%

    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. The problem with this is that her front proximity signal didn't sound off…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 4,500 miles
    Vehicle chime changes in sound after calling onstar from vehicle, also speakers crackle after calling onstar from vehicle. I have taken vehicle to dealership several times with no resolve.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 9,180 miles

  4. Visibility and wipers

    4 complaints · 11%

    When starting our 2017 Chevrolet Sonic there is exhaust fumes that are very strong that even make it into the interior of the car. The exhaust when idling will have a loud rattle and will both accompany the exhaust fumes and at times when there isn't the strong exhaust fumes. We have also recently had to start turning…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 10,200 miles

  5. Other or unspecified

    4 complaints · 11%

    When starting our 2017 Chevrolet Sonic there is exhaust fumes that are very strong that even make it into the interior of the car. The exhaust when idling will have a loud rattle and will both accompany the exhaust fumes and at times when there isn't the strong exhaust fumes. We have also recently had to start turning…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 10,200 miles
    Was driving about 30 MPH , air conditioning was on recirculate I blacked out and totaled the car . Hospital ran a carbon monoxide test and it was high ,was the cause of blackout. Now have memory problems and severe back pain
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 12,000 miles

  6. Fuel system

    4 complaints · 11%

    Chevy Sonic 42,000 miles 1 1/2 years old had to replace evap solenoid that regulates air and fuel. $513 mostly labor gm will not cover any cost at all. Does not stand behind their vehicles. 1st time and last time I ever buy a chevy!!!!!!
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 42,000 miles
    Lights come on after driving about 12 miles, the engine looses power bad , when you let up on gas foot it takes very long to get it going slow to build up power.regular roadway, no hills .lights go out when parked a while then come back on after 12 miles.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 28,395 miles

  7. Steering

    4 complaints · 11%

  8. Speed control

    3 complaints · 8%

    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. The driver sustained chemical burns from the air bags that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed by…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 55,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (19 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); air bags (6 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); electrical (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2017 a bad year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
It is 6th of 10 Sonic model years by number of complaints, with 37 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.

Other Chevrolet Sonic years

Chevrolet Sonic problems by year