2018 Chevrolet Sonic Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 22, 2025 · 14 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sonic years
Far fewer complaints than other years 7th of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. That ranks 7th out of 10 Sonic model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (5 complaints, 36%), typically at around 26,950 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering 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.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems

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

Electrical System5 · ~26,950 mi
Engine4 · ~56,500 mi
Seats2 · ~21,500 mi
Unknown or Other2
Wheels2 · ~96,000 mi
Air Bags1 · ~15,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel/propulsion System1
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~85,000 mi
Parking Brake1 · ~28,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System536%26,950——
Engine429%56,500——
Seats214%21,500——
Unknown or Other214%———
Wheels214%96,000——
Air Bags17%15,000——
Exterior Lighting17%———
Fuel/propulsion System17%———
Fuel System, Gasoline17%85,000——
Parking Brake17%28,000——
Seat Belts17%39,000——
Steering17%———
Visibility/wiper17%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 3 complaints
2018: 2201822019: 3201932020: 2202022021: 2202122022: 3202232025: 220252

n = 14 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

SeatsMay 27, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V342000 · 71 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

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.

Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring…

Engine · received Jul 22, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11675305

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received May 15, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11661264

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…

Unknown or Other · received Nov 6, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11492498

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The…

Air Bags · received Jun 28, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11471326

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…

Electrical System · received Apr 30, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11462831

Other Chevrolet Sonic years

← 2017 Sonic · 2019 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 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine, seats problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 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 2018 has far 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.