VehicleVerdict

2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 171 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Sonic year — the 2015 model ranks #4 of 10 Sonic years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (39), airbags (27), and engine (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

171

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

19

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Sonic years?

Sonic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted519 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 519 complaints2013: 322 complaints2014: 230 complaints2015: 171 complaints2016: 69 complaints2017: 59 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 16 complaints
Sonic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonic years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3923%
Airbags2716%
Engine2615%
Other2414%
Transmission127%
Fuel System127%
Steering64%
Brakes53%
Tires & Wheels42%
Lighting32%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Speed Control11%
Suspension11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V422000Electrical SystemJune 10, 2016 · 18,780 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

16V257000Electrical SystemApril 28, 2016 · 317,572 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

15V416000Electrical SystemJune 30, 2015 · 45,785 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES AND DIED ON THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 13, 2015 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 8, 2015 · crash

“VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS VIBRATING WHILE IN IDLE AND WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKES. THERE WAS VERY LOW ACCELERATION AND IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 20-25 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I TOOK MY CAR IN AND HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION COIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2019

“TAKATA RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY,NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD AND THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP BECAUSE IT KEEPS DYING. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ABOUT 8 TIMES NOW AND HAD TO GET TOWED TO THE CHEVY GARAGE.NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN PLUGED IN TO THE CAR. IT IS BRAND NEW. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN IT I DONT TRUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 8, 2016

“I PURCHASED MY CAR ABOUT A YEAR A HALF AGO AND IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME NON STOP ENGINE AND LEAK ISSUES. I HAVE A 2015 CHEVY SONIC TURBO AND SO FAR I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC 8 TIMES TO FIX COOLANT LEAKS, FIX MY FUEL THERMOSTAT AS WELL AS REPLACE A HEAD GASKET AFTER HAVING IT BLOW.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 16, 2020

2015 Chevrolet Sonic — common questions

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 171 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 10 Sonic years. It is one of the Sonic years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Sonic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (39 complaints), airbags (27 complaints), engine (26 complaints).

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Sonic years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonic years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Sonic years belongs to 2011.

How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.