What 149 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic

Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition

NHTSA ODI 11721600

It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil

NHTSA ODI 11719576

Around April of 2025, I noticed loud engine noises and cold start loud noises coming from the engine. My car has been in the shop multiple times since then and I opened a case with GM about multiple repair issues with my 2014 Chevy Sonic LT even though I take excellent care of the vehicle and perform all maintenance on the vehicle, and now this loud engine noise issue and leaking oil. I was driving home from a relative's home Saturday night Dec 27th late evening on the expressway when I noticed my car driving very sluggish and jerking and make extremely loud engine noises and continued burning oil smell in the cabin of the vehicle. No check engine light or oil light, now I had stopped by the service department earlier in the week when and oil pressure light came on, and they stated no issues. I made it home without incident, but the car was not running right. The car was brought to the dealership service department Monday Dec 29th, and they informed me they found broken plastic pieces of guard rails that secure the timing chains in the engine which may have caused serious damage to the engine. The dealership wanted 4k dollars to repair it after they could not properly diagnose a known online issue that I found out a lot of these Chevy drivers have found out about and having me repair other items on the car instead of fixing the leaking oil problem and whatever was going on in the engine. The manufacturer has not inspected this issue now only the service department at the local Chevy dealership has, however I had a case open with GM before this final incident occurred on Nov 1st after my last repair and complaint to the dealership about loud engine noises. GM would not take my concerns seriously and stated we are sorry, but your car is out of warranty even though this is a known issue of this plastic guard rail failing and other serious engine issues with Chevy. I would like the NHTSA to be involved in this matter and investigate this matter if possible.

NHTSA ODI 11708125

My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.

NHTSA ODI 11530002

Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard

NHTSA ODI 11528587

Overall and to the best of my knowledge, the malfunctioning and failures on my vehicle were the suspension and engine. They are the culprits and it’s honestly very scary and traumatizing to have them completely fail, especially since no one is ever prepared for accidents and/or potential death to happen. Otherwise it wouldn’t be called an accident. With the suspension overall, it’s just awful. CV Axel, control arms, everything with the suspension just failed. With driving over the tiniest bump on the road you feel your is about to literally fall apart at any minute because of the clunking and metal in metal noises it produces. The engine is faulty as well and I am pretty sure the faulty engine happens due to the faulty suspension. When I look under my car there’s something leaking. I don’t know what it is, but it’s poses a safety risk not only for the driver and the passengers, but also to the rest of the world. I know that there was a recall early on about fuel tank breakage or something that could lead to fire ignition. But my vehicle according to my VIN wasn’t on this recall. I have contacted the dealership and a certified service center to inspect these issues. It’s been roughly 4 weeks now and they have been extremely negligent and apathetic. With these issues, everyone’s safety is at risk. My suspension went out and could’ve caused a more catastrophic accident. A fire could’ve broken out with other vehicles surrounding me cause major injuries and death. I’ve seen and read many posts and testimonials and threads online from various independent resources that state very very closely the same issues. Almost verbatim. I’ve been trying to get these issues inspected by the dealership, but they all give me the runaround and don’t want to fix not find a solution. The check engine light has always been on since I’ve Owen the vehicle and the dealership where I purchased this vehicle said having the check engine light on is okay. I need help getting repairs done!

NHTSA ODI 11498488

The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving approximately 35 MPH she noticed smoke being emitted from under the hood. The contact stated his spouse saw no warning light being illuminated. The spouse pulled off to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely when a fire began to burn from under the hood. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames with water. The police were also on the scene and wrote an incident report. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact was advised by his insurance provider that the vehicle would be listed as a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11468254

Car has no temperature gauge. Car had oil change. Then went to put gas. When I started in the highway. The temperature sensor turned on. This was terrifying as it was night time and I was on a highway on my way to visit family. The car could of caught on fire. Pulled over called a tow truck. Water pump was replaced and cylinder heads and gaskets. This was done through the warranty company. Car was returned to me on 14 December 2021 and was in a repair shop the following day because of the check engine light was on. Car now needs new motor as coolant was going inside the motor. Sensors had never gone off before that day. Currently car is in the chevy dealer for over a month trying to figure out who will pay for the repairs as I also had an extended warranty. Car had 57000 miles when it failed. Chevy repairs will be of about $7000.

NHTSA ODI 11450519

LOSING RADIATOR COOLANT SOMEWHERE

NHTSA ODI 11399062

THIS IS A 1.4 TURBO ENGINE. IT HAS A NOISE DUE TO THE FRONT CRANK SEAL WITH A VACUUM LEAK AS PER A GM SERVICE BULLETIN P11297B. I "THINK" THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN ON A RECALL FOR THE SAME ENGINE IN THE CRUZE MODEL. IF SO WHY IS THE SONIC MODEL INCLUDED? THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A RETIRED PERSON. ALSO THIS CAR DOESN'T HAVE 34,000 MILES ON IT YET.

NHTSA ODI 11398008

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE COVER, INTAKE MANIFOLD AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BANKS CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 137 MANCHESTER ST, CONCORD, NH 03301 (844) 511-2874, TO NOTIFY THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,200.

NHTSA ODI 11342081

VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. RECALL WAS SERVICED BY DEALER AND PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST FOR 3 MONTHS THEN SAME ISSUE BEGAN AGAIN WITH SAME CODES BEING GIVEN BY THE VEHICLE AND EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND PROBLEMS AS BEFORE.

NHTSA ODI 11310355

UPON ACCELERATING MY SONIC HAS LACK OF POWER AND GEARS DON'T ENGAGE OR THEY ARE DELAYED WHICH CAUSES ME TO BE VERY UNSAFE FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR DECIDES TO ENGAGE I CAN THEN CONTINUE DRIVING. I ALSO HAVE A ISSUE WITH THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REFUSING TO CHIME WHEN KEYS ARE LEFT IN IGNITION AS A WARNING SOMETIMES I PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON AND ALL THE LOCKS LOCK AND MY CAR DOES THE REFUSAL TO ENGAGE IN GEAR THING AGAIN AND MY LIGHTS FLICKER MY WHOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM WENT DEAD AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHY I ONLY BOUGHT THE CAR 6 MONTHS AGO FOR 12,000 SO I COULD HAVE RELIABILITY AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS OR ANYTHING FOR QUITE SO TIME MY OLD CAR IS SAFER THAN THIS NEW ONE

NHTSA ODI 11287984

I'VE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR. THE MAIN ONE BEING THAT MY ENGINE HAS WARPED AND THE CAR IS JUNK NOW AS I CAN'T AFFORD THE 5400 TO REPLACE IT. THE COOLANT KEPT LEAKING AND AFTER WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT REPAIRS DID NOTHING IT FINALLY BROKE DOWN. THE SHOP SAYS THE ENGINE IS SO BADLY WARPED THEY CAN'T EVEN IDENTIFY WHERE THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM MAY HAVE BEEN.

NHTSA ODI 11267878

I HAD A RECALL ON A COMPONENT OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO MOVE AT A LOW EFFICIENCY. I TOOK IT IN TO MOSS BROTHERS CHEVROLET TO BE REPAIRED. IT SEEMED FINE UNTIL 1-2 DAYS LATER WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I CALLED MOSS BROTHERS TO INFORM THEM OF THIS SITUATION, HOWEVER, THEY TOLD ME THAT IF I WANTED TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. HOWEVER, I DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR BEFORE TAKING IT TO THEM. IT WASN'T UNTIL AFTERWARDS. SO IF SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE RECALL IS WRONG, I WOULD BE WILLING TO BET THAT IT WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE ON THEIR PART. I TOOK IT INTO AUTOZONE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTICS AND IT SAID 'CATALYST SYSTEM LOW EFFICIENCY' WHATEVER THEY DID, DID NOT FIX MY CAR BUT ONLY MADE IT WORSE. I CALLED GMC TO SEE IF THERE WAS A WAY AROUND THE FEE SHOULD IT BE A DIFFERENT CAUSE(IF IT IS, I BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY MOSS BROTHERS) AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL TO ME AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI 11229083

THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ONE OF THE ENGINE COOLANT OUTLETS WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRUMBLED INTO PIECES WHERE THE HOSE CONNECTS TO IT. THE BOLTS WERE ALSO BROKEN OFF INTO THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THIS REPAIR COST $1,200 AND WAS DONE TWICE WITHIN 2 MONTHS TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11191642

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DYER CHEVROLET (4200 US-1, FORT, FLORIDA 34982, (772) 242-3116) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM RETURN UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RADIO SOFTWARE SYSTEM FAILED AND DID NOT ALERT HIM WHEN THE TIRES WERE LOW. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR ALSO FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V257000 (EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11191645

AIR BAGS ON &OFF (DRIVING) THERMOSTAT NOT WORKING CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT ON

NHTSA ODI 11185061

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SONIC WITH 70,000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN DROPPING COOLANT WHILE STATIONARY OVERNIGHT AFTER BEING DRIVEN DURING THE DAY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. AFTER THE REPAIR, IT STARTED TO LEAK AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF A LEAK, DESPITE MY SHOWING EVIDENCE OF A LEAK (PHOTOS AND COLLECTED COOLANT). SEVERAL INTERNET POSTINGS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES INDICATED POSSIBLE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DEXCOOL COOLANT SPECIFIED BY GENERAL MOTORS. MY OWN MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING THIS COOLANT BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 11182727

THERMOSTAT DAMAGE AND AIR CONDITIONER NOT START CORRECTLY ONLY START FAN

NHTSA ODI 11180548

ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. ENGINE RANDOMS SHUTS OFF. CAR WONT START AFTER FILLING CAR UP. T/C COMES ON RANDOMLY AND CAR STARTS SHAKING. LIGHTS OF CAR DIM WHEN YOU ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI 11180554

ISSUE STARTED WITH CAR NOT RESPONDING TO FOB SPORADICALLY. NOW CAR WONT EVEN HAVE POWER UNLESS KEY IS IN IGNITION AND ALL THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. ESCALATED TO NO POWER AT ALL UNTIL I SLAMMED THE CAR HOOD DOWN, THEN THE CAR MIRACULOUSLY REGAINED POWER. NOT A BATTERY ISSUE, DEFINITELY ELECTRICAL. CAR ALSO COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. POWER STEERING GOES OUT, RADIO TURNS OFF, DASH TURNS OFF. MUST THROW THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART WHILE COASTING ON THE FREEWAY. HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WILL DIM DURING ACCELERATION AND RADIO GOES BLACK. CAR WILL SOMETIMES SHUT OFF WHEN THROWN IN REVERSE. I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS IN DANGER.

NHTSA ODI 11174918

ALMOST A YEAR SINCE ENGINE LAST STALLED WITHOUT WARNING (HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN ABOUT 3 MONTHS). WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP, HEARD 3 CHIMES AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP (TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE POWER DOWN, CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE CAR ASAP). ENGINE AT LOW POWER, WAS ABLE TO DRIFT INTO PARKING LOT. RESTARTED CAR AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, ALL LIGHTS EXCEPT CHECK ENGINE WENT OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER I PUT GAS IN THE CAR THE NEXT DAY. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR. LONG STORY SHORT THE DEALER WAS GOING TO WORK WITH ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK, BUT BANK WOULD NOT RELEASE TITLE (LOAN IS VERY UPSIDE DOWN) UNTIL ANOTHER MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE CAR. BANK WANTED ME TO UTILIZE MY WARRANTY PROGRAM I HAD PURCHASED WITH THE CAR LOAN. MECHANIC FOUND P2138 APP SENSOR CODE. WAS LEANING INTO THE DRIVER SIDE ON THE FLOOR TO LOOK UNDER THE DASH AND HIS ELBOW GOT WET. FOUND DRIVER FOOTWELL COMPLETELY SOAKED: CARPET, LINER, AND CARPET PAD. REST OF THE CAR WAS DRY. DISCOVERED THE SUNROOF HAD BEEN LEAKING DOWN INTO THE CAR AND NOT DRAINING OUT PROPERLY ON DRIVER'S SIDE. COULD NOT CHECK ENTIRE DRAIN SYSTEM WITHOUT REMOVING HEADLINER. FOUND WATER HAD COMPROMISED THE SIDE AIR BAG AND WIRE HARNESS; SEVERAL CONNECTORS CORRODED. SPRAYED WATER ON WIRES AND WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE ENGINE POWER LOSS. CONFIRMED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE ONTO THE WIRE HARNESS. TEMPORARILY FIXED THE ISSUE WITH DIELECTRIC GREASE TO PREVENT CONNECTORS FROM GETTING WET. MECHANIC LEFT THE PANELS OFF SO I CAN MONITOR THE SUNROOF LEAKING. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE AIR BAG BEING WET AND MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY, THE WET CARPET PAD WHICH COULD CAUSE RUST AND MOLD, AND THE CORRODED WIRE TERMINALS. WILL CONTACT DEALER AND BANK TOMORROW. I AM HOPING THEY WILL TAKE THE CAR OFF MY HANDS AS IT WILL BE A FEW YEARS TIL I CAN PAY IT OFF AND I DON'T WANT AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THEN.

NHTSA ODI 11150872

I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO GM HEADQUARTERS AS WELL AS SEVERAL OF THE CHEVY DEALERSHIPS IN MY LOCAL AREA! I HAVE BEEN TO ALMOST EVERY CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN TOWN FOR SERVICE AND NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM, OR TELL ME WHAT IS CAUSING ME THE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH MY CAR SINCE NOVEMBER 2015!! I RECENTLY HAD A NEW BATTERY PUT IN (THE 5TH BATTERY ON THE CAR, THE 2ND ONE THIS MONTH!!) BUT THE BATTERIES KEEP DYING! OF COURSE I AM BEING HIT WITH COSTS WHEN THIS HAPPENS OR THE "SEARCH" FOR THE ISSUE IS INITIATED. I HAVE FOUND ONLY 1 DEALERSHIP THAT ACTUALLY CARES ENOUGH ABOUT ME AND THIS CAR TO EITHER WAIVE OR MODIFY THESE COSTS. EITHER WAY, THIS IS UNFAIR TO ME IN THAT YOU ARE NOT RECALLING THE VEHICLE, BUT I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I FEEL THAT YOU KNEW WHEN YOU ROLLED THE PIECE OF JUNK OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE THAT IT WAS NOT GOING TO BE WOTH ANYTHING AFTER THAT FIRST YEAR! THOUGH MY VIN DOES NOT RENDER ANY RESULTS IN THE RECAL SEARCH PORTAL, IT SHOULD! I HAVE HAD SO MUCH MAJOR WORK DONE ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN 10 YEARS YET! I NEED GUIDANCE IN FILING A CLASS ACTION AGAINST CHEVROLET BECAUSE YOU KNOW THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, YET YOU WON'T ISSUE A RECALL. I HAVE READ SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE A RECALL ISSUED. I CAN'T STOP FOR GAS, ERRANDS ETC WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY IF THE CAR WILL CRANK BACK UP OR RESTART! IT IS SO UNRELIABLE AND IT IS DEFINATELY NOT SAFE! I HAVE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AT LEAST 6 TIMES FOR A JUMP HELP IN THE LAST MONTH! I HAD TO CALL TWICE IN ONE DAY MOST RECENTLY!! THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A REPLACEMENT BATTERY OCT 4TH AND BY OCT 12TH IT HAD 5% VOLTAGE! THE CAR WAS SITTING IN MY SON'S DRIVEWAY THAT DAY--THEN THIS HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT MORNING AS I WAS LEAVING A DR APPT--I WAS PLANNING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE!

NHTSA ODI 11144530

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (VAN CHEVROLET, 8585 E FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, 1-480-696-5884) PERFORMED SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS THAT INCLUDED THE WATER PUMP, A GASKET BOOT IN THE ENGINE, AND THE BATTERY LINES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WIRING KEPT BURNING OUT, BUT THE DEALER HAD NOT PROVIDED A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11139235