2017 Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 21, 2026 · 37 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sonic years
Fewer complaints than other years 6th of 10 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. That ranks 6th out of 10 Sonic model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (19 complaints, 51%), typically at around 54,136 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Sonic. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Wavys, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine19 · ~54,136 mi
Air Bags6 · ~55,000 mi
Electrical System5 · ~6,840 mi
Fuel/propulsion System4 · ~35,198 mi
Steering4
Unknown or Other4 · ~11,100 mi
Visibility/wiper4 · ~250 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)3 · ~19,298 mi
Vehicle Speed Control3 · ~55,000 mi
Service Brakes2 · ~23,900 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1951%54,136——
Air Bags616%55,000——
Electrical System514%6,840——
Fuel/propulsion System411%35,198——
Steering411%———
Unknown or Other411%11,100——
Visibility/wiper411%250——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)38%19,298——
Vehicle Speed Control38%55,000——
Service Brakes25%23,900——
Engine and Engine Cooling13%55,000——
Exterior Lighting13%———
Power Train13%55,000——
Structure13%———
Suspension13%10——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2020, with 7 complaints
2016: 1201612017: 2201722018: 6201862019: 4201942020: 7202072021: 1202112022: 3202232023: 4202342024: 4202442025: 3202532026: 220262

n = 37 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Chevrolet Sonic recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak

Structure · received Apr 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732795

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and…

Engine · received Feb 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11716327

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy…

Air Bags · received Nov 4, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11697488

Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds

Electrical System · received Aug 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11681189

I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.

Engine · received Mar 5, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11646466

Other Chevrolet Sonic years

← 2016 Sonic · 2018 Sonic →

See all Chevrolet Sonic problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owners most often report engine, air bags, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 19 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sonic model years, the 2017 has fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.