repaired · 2019 Q3
Seats
Risk. In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
2018 Chevrolet SonicProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 18V-342 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Electrical system
4Engine
2Seats
2Wheels
1Seat belts
1Steering
1Visibility/wiper
1Parking brake
1Exterior lighting
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2018 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.
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
2018 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
2018 Chevrolet Sonic safety ratings
2018 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove…
The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas…
MY RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, ON ITS OWN. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY BLUETOOTH TURNED ON FOR MY PHONE, IT GETS STUCK AFTER I HANG UP THE PHONE AFTER A CALL. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE ROAD. MY RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT LAST YEAR.
Own a 2018 Sonic?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.