repaired · 2017 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
2016 Chevrolet SonicProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 48 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-257 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has problems
48 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Engine
11Electrical system
8Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
5Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
3Suspension
3Power train
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Vehicle speed control
2Seats
117 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 11 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 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 · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
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.
Best & worst years
2016 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
2016 Chevrolet Sonic safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (12.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Sonic owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene…
Own a 2016 Sonic?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.