2012 CHEVROLET SONIC Complaints

View complaints related to 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. There are more than 340 complaints submitted for the 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. You can submit your own complaint to the NHTSA or call the Hotline, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.

  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Willoughby, OH

    I was experiencing issues with the transmission on my vehicle. I lost control and when it stop abruptly in a ditch after hitting a fallen limb of a tree the airbags did not deploy. Since this incident I have extreme pain in neck, dizziness, and weakness in both my arms. My vehicle is not listed as part of the recalls and the violent stop of my vehicle upon hitting the object was severe enough to snap both tierod ends yet airbags did not deploy. I have significant injuries as a result and a wrecked car that I feel was hard to control due to the problematic acceleration of transmission

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Los Angeles, CA

    The gear shift in the car started sticking about 3 years ago but it would still shift so I wasn't too concerned. Since then it's gotten gradually worse until tonight where it took me 5 minutes to put it into park. I couldn't released the key or get it out of reverse and it was terrifying. Mine and others safety was put at risk because my car not going into park means it can roll anywhere and cause an accident. I haven't taken it to a dealer to get checked and it hasn't been inspected by anyone else. There never have been any warnings from the car that there is an issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - YORKVILLE, IL

    I have a 2012 Chevy Sonic giving a P2138 error code. I have replaced the Throttle Position Sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Sensor and the problem is not going away. I have spent over $700 on this repair and they cannot fix it. It is a known problem with this vehicle but GM is there is no recall for this issue. I wish something could be done. The acceleration loses power and drops to is unable to go above 45 MPH.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Austin, TX

    After original P0011 engine code dealer bought from replaced VVT actuators, oil control solenoid, VCG, timing belt, water pump, antifreeze, idler and tensioner on 10/27 -11/21. Vehicle ran for one week and all thru Dec 2021 intermittently kept running rough and stalling and throwing P0011 code Camsgaft Position Sensor intake and P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. Smelled burning oil too. Replaced all separate throughout month -Camshaft position sensor intake, changed oil, spark plugs and now the ignition coil. Each time ran one day and code P0011 kept coming back. Running rough, poor gas mileage and stalls. Have extended warranty going back to dealer bought from.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Austin, TX

    Vehicle keeps throwing P0011 codes with engine running rough and stalling when moving from stopped or slowing down

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Plattsburgh, NY

    The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The failure nearly caused a collision. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V315000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Della Chevrolet of Plattsburgh (5101 U.S. Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 12901). Both dealers informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Shelby township, MI

    Driving 2012 Chevrolet Sonic approximately 50mph, car down shifted on its own to 20mph nearly getting rear ended. Tried driving in auto transmission and manual mode, transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Had to drive 11 miles on busy road at 20mph, speed limit is 50mph. Car is at dealer, has turbine shaft break and wave plate broken. Because car has 1-2012 on sticker, no warranty is available. My option is $4800 to replace transmission or junk it. Car only has 93 thousand miles and was always mainted very well, lucky there was no injuries.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Roanoke, VA

    On Sunday, my transmission had a Complete Failure; according to the dealership, on Monday afternoon, we had the vehicle towed to Pinkerton in Salem 925 N Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 540-562-1337. The vehicle has only had 48,900. They said that there was a flaw possible in the transmission but have been waiting to see if they have a fix for the problem since it was possibly a manufacturing issue since the vehicle was service regularly at the dealership. We were on the highway when this was happening, and the vehicle what to stall out, so we had to come home. On Monday, we had the vehicle towed since it would not reverse out of the driveway.. No warning light, and the car was driving fine until 07/25/2021

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - El Paso, TX

    Shift Lever (Gear Shifter) started getting stuck in park when I attempted to put it in drive. My vehicle key would also get stuck in the ignition. These two problems put my personal safety at risk because in not being able to shift from park to drive and (or) take my key out of the ignition, I would be left stranded out in public.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - CHICAGO, IL

    DURING STOP-AND-GO CITY TRAFFIC, THE CAR WILL STRUGGLE TO CHANGE GEARS, AND HAS (BETWEEN 5-10 TIMES) "STOPPED RESPONDING," MEANING THAT THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO PRESSING THE BRAKE OR GAS, ALTHOUGH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTINUES TO RUN. THE ONLY SOLUTION WE HAVE FOUND TO THIS IS PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, TURNING IT OFF, AND TURNING IT BACK ON AGAIN, BUT THIS IS VERY SCARY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY ON 5/8/21 BUT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE