2013 CHEVROLET SONIC Complaints

View complaints related to 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. There are more than 210 complaints submitted for the 2013 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.

  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Jackson, MI

    The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic pulled over to the side of the road. The incident occurred near the mechanic's shop. The contact stated that the workers of a nearby recreation center extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - West Sacramento, CA

    Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Supply, NC

    On 7-27-2023 General Motors issued a recall on 2013 models of Sonic, my VIN was not included in this recall. However on 4-16-2025 my sonic was involved in a impact incident in which the air bags should have deployed, and did not. It is my opinion that Chevy, knowing of the issues with the model of car, should have issued a recall for my vehicle as well, but did not. As a result I suffered additional strain and injury during my impact as no airbags deployed.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Dayton, OH

    The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the ignition key remained stuck in the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact noticed that the gear shift indicator was indicating that the transmission was in park(P) and in drive(D) simultaneously. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter in and out of park(P) several times, and shifting back to park(P), the contact was able to release the key. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gear shifter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,419.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Casa Grande, AZ

    UNKNOWN. Our car caught fire but I'm not sure what actually caused it, it was in perfect working condition before. I saw articles online saying there was a voluntary recall due to faulty welding in the fuel tank so it could be that. I believe it's a dangerous defect and should be an official recall. My family and I almost lost our lives because of it

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Algonquin, IL

    The Sonic rear ended a stationary vehicle going close to 50mph. No airbags deployed.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - East Liverpool, OH

    Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the CEL came back with P2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Los Angeles, CA

    Last week when I was driving my car on the street, and wanted to make a left the steering wheel was very hard to turn. And the next day It happened again , steering hard to turn and it’s been intermittent but not driving my car right now, thanks for your attention

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Denver, CO

    The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 14371B; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
    - Clarksboro, NJ

    Car accident November 3, 2023. A dear ran in front car while traveling 55mps. As the impact took place causing front and of the car to be smashed Air bags in the car did not deployed. Causing head to hit steering wheel.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE