Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid
The Chevrolet Sonic years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2011 is the cleanest year on record.
1,420
Total complaints
16
Recall campaigns
2011–2020
Years covered
4
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Sonic years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 519 | |
| 2013 | High complaints + open investigation | 322 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 230 | |
| 2015 | High complaint rate | 171 |
Every Sonic year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 16 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 23 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 59 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 69 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 171 | 3 | |
| 2014avoid | 230 | 4 | |
| 2013avoid | 322 | 6 | |
| 2012avoid | 519 | 7 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Chevrolet Sonic years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonic years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest year on record is 2011.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Sonic?
By complaint volume, 2011 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Sonic years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sonic have?
Across all model years, the Sonic has 16 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,420 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.