VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sonic years?

Sonic NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonic years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System522%
Engine417%
Other29%
Seats29%
Fuel System29%
Tires & Wheels29%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Brakes14%
Lighting14%
Seat Belts14%
Steering14%
Airbags14%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V342000SeatsMay 27, 2018 · 71 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

Consequence

In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2020

“The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much gas…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2022

“MY RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, ON ITS OWN. ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY BLUETOOTH TURNED ON FOR MY PHONE, IT GETS STUCK AFTER I HANG UP THE PHONE AFTER A CALL. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE ROAD. MY RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT LAST YEAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 1, 2021

“My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and consulting a personal mechanic, they informed me that this could be a recall issue and that I should…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 5, 2018

2018 Chevrolet Sonic — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Sonic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints), seats (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.