repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
2014 Chevrolet SonicProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 150 owner complaints about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-417 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic has problems
150 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
49Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
38Engine2 crash/fire/injury
24Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
20Power train1 crash/fire/injury
15Fuel/propulsion system
13Steering3 crash/fire/injury
8Electronic stability control (ESC)
6Service brakes
5Exterior lighting
1910 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 49 | 2 |
| Engine | 38 | 2 |
| Air bags | 24 | 7 |
| Power train | 20 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 19 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2014 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Air bags
Risk. If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Equipment: electrical
Risk. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Tank assembly: mounting
Risk. If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
50kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 34 electrical system complaints. 91% were reported before 100,000 miles.
12under 30k miles31under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2014 vs. every other Sonic year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonic median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2014 Chevrolet Sonic safety ratings
2014 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (12.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Sonic owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct polarity, both terminals tight and free of corrosion, hold-down secured. The car ran normally for…
Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard.…
The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it…
Own a 2014 Sonic?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.