Chevrolet Sonic research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Sonic is a small, solid-feeling commuter car offered as a sedan or a practical hatchback. Every Sonic has 138 hp: a 1.8L four through 2018 or a 1.4L turbo with more low-end torque, standard for 2019-2020. The 2014 model added available forward collision and lane departure alerts, and the 2017 refresh made a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a rear camera standard. Production ended in 2020.

Model years covered: 2012–2020. The U.S. Sonic ran from 2012 through 2020; production ended in October 2020. There is no 2011 Sonic (the Aveo was sold instead) and no 2021 or later U.S. Sonic sedan or hatchback.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Low purchase price
Solid ride for a subcompact
Practical hatchback body
Peppy 1.4 liter turbo torque
Apple carplay and android auto 2017 and later
Inexpensive parts and service
Sporty rs model

Things to know before you buy

Confirm engine by VIN both rated 138 hp
Turbo engine coolant and pcv checks
2017 is the refresh year
Check VIN for open recalls
Smaller rear seat than compact cars
Discontinued after 2020
Fuel economy trails some rivals

Generations

Generation 1 (2012–2020)

The Sonic (internationally the second-generation Aveo) was built at GM's Orion Assembly plant in Michigan for 2012-2020. It offered a 138-hp 1.8L four with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and a 1.4L turbo (138 hp, 148 lb-ft) with a 6-speed manual or automatic. The RS arrived for 2013, driver alerts for 2014, a refresh with standard CarPlay/Android Auto for 2017, and the turbo became the only engine for 2019.

Buyer takeaway: For the most features per dollar, choose a 2017-2020 Sonic, which has CarPlay, Android Auto and a rear camera standard. Budget shoppers can save with a 2012-2016 1.8L. Drivers who want more punch should pick a 1.4L turbo or the RS, and check its cooling system and PCV.

Chevrolet Sonic by model year

2020 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2020 Sonic is the last one; production ended in October 2020 when GM converted the Orion plant to build the Bolt EUV. Mechanically it matches the 2019, with the 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo and CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. Parts and service remain available through Chevrolet dealers, and it is the newest used Sonic you can buy.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual availability verify by VIN
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Final model year
Production ended october 2020 at orion assembly
Plant converted to electric vehicle production

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

2019 Chevrolet Sonic

For 2019 Chevrolet dropped the 1.8L and made the 1.4L turbo standard on every Sonic, with the same 138 hp but 148 lb-ft of torque for easier passing; it is rated about 26/34 mpg city/highway with the 6-speed automatic. The lineup is otherwise carried over from the refreshed 2017-2018 car, including CarPlay and Android Auto.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual availability verify by VIN
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

1.8 liter engine dropped
1.4 liter turbo standard on every trim
Rated about 26 34 mpg with the automatic

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2018 Sonic carries over the refreshed 2017 car with LS, LT and Premier trims, standard CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear camera. It is the last year of the 138-hp 1.8L base engine; the 1.4L turbo (138 hp, 148 lb-ft) is the torquier choice. Confirm the engine by VIN, since the two are easy to confuse in listings.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2017
Last year of the 1.8 liter engine

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2017 refresh brought a new hood, grille, headlights, bumpers and LED daytime running lights, plus a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a standard rear camera on every trim. LTZ became Premier and RS became an appearance package. Engines are unchanged (138-hp 1.8L or 1.4L turbo), making 2017 and later the best-equipped used Sonics.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling with LED daytime running lights
Standard 7 inch touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto
Standard rear camera
Ltz renamed premier
Rs becomes an appearance package

2016 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2016 Sonic is the last of the original-look cars, offered in LS, LT, LTZ and RS form with the 138-hp 1.8L or the 138-hp 1.4L turbo. A Dusk appearance package dressed up the LTZ sedan. Because the 2017 refresh added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a standard rear camera, a 2016 should be priced below a 2017 with similar miles.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Dusk appearance package for ltz sedan
Rs offered as sedan and hatchback
Last year before the refresh

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Radio software recall completion; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

2015 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2015 Sonic carries over the 2014 lineup: LS, LT, LTZ and RS, with the 138-hp 1.8L (about 25/35 mpg with the automatic and 26/35 with the manual) or the 1.4L turbo. Some 2015 Sonics were recalled for radio software that could lock up the display or skip required warning chimes, a quick dealer fix worth confirming by VIN.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2014
Radio software recalls on some cars

2014 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2014 Sonic was one of the first small cars to offer Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning (available on all but the base LS). A rear camera, shown on the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen, is standard on LTZ and RS and available on LT. Engines carry over: the 138-hp 1.8L or the 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo. Look for an LT or LTZ with these options if safety tech matters.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Available forward collision alert and lane departure warning
Rear camera standard on ltz and rs available on lt
Mylink 7 inch touchscreen on upper trims

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Fuel tank strap recall completion; Rear camera and driver alert operation; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic

For 2013 Chevrolet added the Sonic RS, a sportier model with the 138-hp 1.4L turbo, firmer suspension and sport styling, rated about 27/34 mpg with the 6-speed manual. Other Sonics carry over with the 1.8L or 1.4L turbo. Some 2013-2014 cars were recalled for weak welds on a front fuel-tank strap bracket, and a small number of 2013s for a driver air bag inflator, so a VIN recall check matters.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Sporty sonic rs with 1.4 liter turbo arrives
Rs rated about 27 34 mpg with the manual
Fuel tank strap bracket weld recall on some 2013 2014 cars

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Fuel tank strap recall completion; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2012 Sonic replaced the Aveo and was built in Orion, Michigan, as a sedan or hatchback. The base engine is a 138-hp 1.8L four (5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, about 25/35 mpg city/highway with the automatic); LT and LTZ buyers could choose a 1.4L turbo with the same 138 hp but more torque (148 lb-ft), mostly with a 6-speed manual. Early 2012 cars were part of a recall to check for a missing front brake pad, so confirm recall status by VIN.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 138 hp 125 lb ft; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8 liter; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.4 liter turbo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

All new subcompact replaces the aveo
Built at orion assembly in michigan
Sedan and hatchback body styles
Optional 1.4 liter turbo engine

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Front brake pad recall completion early 2012 builds; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump on 1.4 liter turbo; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Oil change records; Automatic transmission shift quality; Manual clutch engagement if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

1.4L Turbo Coolant Leaks (2012–2020)
The 1.4L turbo (optional 2012-2018, standard 2019-2020) is widely reported to develop coolant leaks as it ages, most often at the plastic water outlet or thermostat housing and the water pump. It is a known repair rather than a certain failure, but low coolant can lead to overheating.
What to do: Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue around the engine; documented repairs are a plus.
1.4L Turbo PCV and Valve Cover Leaks (2012–2020)
On the 1.4L turbo, the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is built into the valve cover. When it fails it can cause a whistle, rough idle, lean-running codes or oil leaks; the usual fix is a replacement valve cover.
What to do: On a turbo Sonic, listen for a whistle at idle and scan for codes before buying.
Early 2012 Missing Front Brake Pad Recall (2012)
GM recalled certain 2012 Sonics built from June to November 2011 because a front inner or outer brake pad could be missing, reducing braking performance. Dealers inspected the brakes and replaced parts as needed.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that this recall was completed on an early 2012 Sonic.
Fuel Tank Strap Bracket Weld Recall (13V464) (2013–2014)
NHTSA campaign 13V464 covers certain 2013-2014 Sonics whose front fuel-tank strap bracket may have insufficient welds and could separate, which can lead to a fuel leak.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the fuel-tank strap recall was completed.
Radio Software and 2013 Driver Air Bag Recalls (2013–2016)
Several smaller recalls apply to specific Sonics: radio software that could skip required warning chimes (2013-2016) or lock up the display (some 2015s), and a 2023 campaign (23V516) for a driver air bag inflator on a limited number of 2013 cars. These are VIN-specific and simple to confirm.
What to do: Run the VIN through NHTSA or Chevrolet before buying and have any open recall completed.
Automatic Shift Quality and Manual Clutch Check (2012–2020)
Sonics use a 6-speed automatic or a 5- or 6-speed manual depending on engine and year. High-mileage automatics can develop harsh or delayed shifts, and hard-driven manuals (common on the RS) can show clutch wear.
What to do: Road test cold and warm and ask about transmission or clutch service history.
Sonic Engine and Model Disambiguation (2012–2020)
Both Sonic engines are rated 138 hp, so listings often confuse them. The 1.8L (2012-2018) is non-turbo; the 1.4L turbo has more torque and was standard for 2019-2020. The Sonic replaced the Aveo; the smaller Spark is a separate model, and a newer crossover using the Sonic name in some markets is unrelated to this car.
What to do: Confirm the engine, transmission and body style before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

Does this Sonic have the 1.8L or the 1.4L turbo?
What changed on the 2017 Sonic?
Which Sonics have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
What is the Sonic RS?
What should I inspect on a used Sonic turbo?
What fuel economy does the Sonic get?
Why was the Sonic discontinued?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
Sedan or hatchback: which Sonic should I buy?
What similar cars should I consider?