Print this page

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?

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
650 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 072023

Sonic

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine oil change services, there was an abnormal oil odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was coming from underneath the hood and after opening the hood, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #3

Dec 012011

Sonic

  • miles
When I am driving on city streets and am behind a car that is turning I have to slow down. When I give it gas at around 2K RPM. The car has some hesitation like it cant find a gear to be in. It has done it seance about 100 miles. Has 7000 miles on it now. Was told it was the transmission trying to find its shift points as you break it in at 1000 miles.(berger Chevy) also when in garage and start car it sounds fine. But once I put it in rev. I hear lost lot pings coming from the engine area. Started after deer crash. Took to berger Chevy where car was bought. They found nothing but just body damage. Hood, front end, and passage side all replace. With 600 miles on car.

- Kentwood, MI, USA

problem #2

Mar 182012

Sonic

  • 2,500 miles
First problem was the check engine light came on. Called onstar and they said it had something to do with emission. Called dealer, they checked it out and said it was a faulty evap solenoid. Dealer replaced solenoid on 3-22-2012. While there, they also told me there was a recall on the drivers side airbag. I never received any notice about a recall. Said they fixed that too. Problem # 2- today 4-15, 2012, when I apply the brakes, its making what seems like a rubbing sound !! called onstar again, but they couldn't tell me anything. I will be taking this piece of crap car back to the dealers !! this car is only 4 months old with 2800 miles on it. !!

- Paradise, PA, USA

problem #1

Feb 042012

Sonic

  • 100 miles
I turned on windshield wipers & the engine died. This was the first time it had rained after I bought the car & really did not at this time associate the wipers & the engine dying until later that same day when contacted a friend of mine to drive the car. The dealer contacted GM about the problem but they don't seem to be very concerned about the problem. The dealer replaced the wiper motor but that did not solve the problem. It is a long story & I'm very concerned for the safety of myself & others. It died the other day in traffic when it started to rain & I turned on the wipers and almost was hit by a truck. Please contact me, it would be easier for him to explain in person about the problem.

- Buchanan, TN, USA

Not what you are looking for?