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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is fairly new & is already showing an early trend of transmission problems.

Owners report hesitation when shifting & grinding/hard shifting into gears. Some dealers are calling the condition "normal". Another owner reported his dealership replaced the transmission under warranty, but the new transmission had the same exact grinding problem. Design defect?

6.8

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,500
Average Mileage:
57,250 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. needs recall!!!! (1 reports)
  3. replace air duct (1 reports)
  4. replace thermostat (1 reports)
  5. replaced thermostat housing (1 reports)
2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Comments

problem #12

Apr 032023

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

check engine light on check engine light on check engine light on check engine light on check engine light on check engine light on

Lost my car for almost 3 weeks. On disability and cannot afford to pay this bill or worry about my engine seizing or running out of oil. The manager went to bat for me to get the right parts - he only uses genuine GM parts. He was told people have to die or there have to be more complaints before something can be done. I did I say they knew about it. I shouldn't have to worry every time I turn the key!!!!!

Update from Apr 18, 2023 Got my car after 3 weeks and $3,000 that I can't afford. Still try to get over my anxiety of the engine light. Car drove like brand new for 2 days. The engine light went on again and all the oil ended up in my antifreeze because of the part that should be recalled!!!! Not sure how much this is going to cost me, but it needs to be recalled.....maybe everyone else has smartened up and got rid of there cars already?

- Patricia G., North Grosvenordale, US

problem #11

Sep 012017

Sonic LT 1.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 150,000 miles

This car has been incorrectly diagnosed at different dealers. The had me replace MAF, MAP, Coil pack, intake manifold, o2 sensors, coolant sensor, and more - I don’t remember. The engine light still comes back on, the engine still seems to miss when under torque. Climbing hills, acceleration etc.

I've given up and simply drive it as is. Does okay as long as I keep rpm up. Mileage is at 320000 + now. I just deal with it.

- Duwane C., Gerald, MO, US

problem #10

Jun 132016

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Bought my car January 2012 and a few months later the check engine light came on, returned to three different dealerships and no one could tell me the problem. One shop told me to check the gas cap, another told me it may be short somewhere and the other had no clue. Told me he could turn it off or don't worry if it weren't affecting the car. In my state you have to have Emissions, just my luck the freaking light came on so that's an automatic FAIL!!!! The WORST CHEVY DEALER, JERRY'S Chevrolet in LEESBURG, VIRGINIA! The are horrible money hungry people. They told me it would cost $325.00 to repair after they charged $125.00 for diagnostic without my permission. Told me I wouldn't have to pay $125.00 if I allowed them to do the repairs.

- Jacqui M., Leesburg, VA, US

problem #9

Aug 172016

Sonic

  • Manual transmission
  • 61,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I get a temp higher then normal reading. What the hell is that. Get rid of the freaking sensors and put a gauge in place you f's. It doesnt overheat so what the f is with the engine light!!

- Lonnie S., Tulsa, OK, US

problem #8

Sep 022016

Sonic 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,125 miles

On Sept. 2, 2016, I went to a local dealership to have my emissions taken care of. My car had been running fine, no issues lately. I was given my paperwork when it was completed, and I left to run more errands. I never really check my dummy lights though I know I should. When I drove onto the high way I realized my check engine light was on. I went back. They told me it was some type of "oxygen" related code. I told them to just reset it and if it came back I would have a diagnosis done. Two days later on Sunday, the check engine light came back on. Now I have to have a diagnosis done. I went in for a simple emission. Why am I dealing which this? Coincidence?

- patriciact, North Grosvenordale, CT, US

problem #7

Jun 012013

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

The check engine light went on 5-6x, causing other functions not to work, such as remote start. Also caused gas mileage to lower significantly. They would think it was resolved and the light would return as soon as I drove out of the workshop driveway.

They kept the car for a number of days and it seemed to be resolved - they said it was the fuel access door

It has happened again December 2015 - this time they said it was the thermostat.

- lzolinski, Cudahy, WI, US

problem #6

Oct 292015

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light appears. Get the code read and they tell me that my engine is getting too much air and its lean. So I'm guessing the repair from what I've been looking into is going to run me about $500....completely irritating side I only drive to work and back and max speed is 55mph.

- Marie F., White Lake, MI, US

problem #5

Mar 042015

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Engine light comes on. I checking my fluids WHERE IS THE TRANSMISSION DIP STICK??? I can't believe I can't find it. Then it's some special someway for only a professional to check it. Oh right, what price tag is that 30 dollars for the first 1/2 hours that's the mechanic details how much money he thinks he going tom dick you for. The the rest of the time the rate is at 200 dollars an hour.

It's a shame that when I got my first oil change there wasn't an air filter available.. Now when I try to get one at an auto supply place it's 40 bucks and then I have to pay for it in advance and then wait 4 days for it to be shipped from the vendor. If I get it from the dealer it's 60+. the price for parts for this sh*tty car isn't worth the money. I can't wait til I'm finish paying off this car. I will not get another Chevy again...Oh yeah.. I finally found a replacement air filter for 11 bucks and installed it myself.

- Henrietta G., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #4

Mar 022015

Sonic LTZ 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,332 miles

Check engine light going on and off. I took the car to my regular mechanic who pulled the codes (for free) Six codes all pertaining to the thermostat and/or engine temp. He suggested I take the car to the dealer since it is so new. They end up fixing for free.

- tattoofink, Lakewood, CA, US

problem #3

Jun 052015

Sonic LTZ 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,785 miles

Check engine light on. Gas mileage horrible. Repair not under warranty.

- tattoofink, Lakewood, CA, US

problem #2

May 142014

Sonic 4 Door 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Service engine light fixed only to return to the same problem as before.

- Paul B., Saint John, NB, Canada

problem #1

Sep 072012

Sonic LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,400 miles

thermostat housing made fix engine light come on

back to the dealership. service dept still not able to get me in computer separate from my husband's vehicle. they call him at work to tell me my parts are in

Update from Sep 19, 2012: check engine light, not fix engine light.

- petprincessga, Atlanta, GA, US

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