VehicleVerdict

2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic sits mid-pack among Sonic years: 69 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 64, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (15), electrical system (14), and airbags (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

69

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Sonic years?

Sonic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonic years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1522%
Electrical System1420%
Other812%
Airbags812%
Fuel System57%
Transmission34%
Suspension34%
Brakes23%
Seats23%
Speed Control23%
Steering23%
Body & Structure23%
Latches & Locks11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2016 · fire

“THESE ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BOTH IN MOTION AND STILL.THE RIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS QUITE EXCESSIVELY. THE MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE REAR INDICATOR TO TURN OFF AND THE PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND YOU CANNOT SEE YOU USING A TURN SIGNAL. ALSO THE SUSPENSION DOES NOT BRACE IMPACT OR ADJUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 3, 2017

“Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn’t my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn’t my fault and it’s the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 18, 2021 · crash

“CARS COMPUTER/PROGRAMMING IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ,BRAKES TRANMISSION LIGHTS SUSPENSION DO NOTB PERFORM AS INTENDED BY MANUFACTURER.HACKING INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING STATIONARY FREEWAYS/CITY STREETS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 7, 2016 · crash

“CARS COMPUTER/PROGRAMMING IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ,BRAKES TRANMISSION LIGHTS SUSPENSION DO NOTB PERFORM AS INTENDED BY MANUFACTURER.HACKING INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING STATIONARY FREEWAYS/CITY STREETS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 7, 2016 · crash

2016 Chevrolet Sonic — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sonic: 69 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Sonic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), airbags (8 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.