CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA, including 24 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (57 reports).
2013 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
Driver Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator can explode when the airbag deploys because of a manufacturing defect.
Missing key warning chime can raise theft risk
Some 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles with a Bring Your Own Media radio may not sound the audible warning chime when the key is left in the ignition after the ignition is turned off and the driver waits 10 minutes or longer before opening the door.
Most common 2013 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Problem areas named in the 217 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 57 |
| Engine | 55 |
| Unknown Or Other | 45 |
| Power Train | 38 |
| Air Bags | 25 |
| Steering | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 12 |
| Service Brakes | 11 |
| Structure | 8 |
What owners report
The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously sustained undercarriage damage while driving at 20 MPH and hitting a pothole. The undercarriage was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. A coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into the Walmart parking lot and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was towing the vehicle to the repair shop, the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic pulled over to the side of the road. The incident occurred near the mechanic's shop. The conta
Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor Fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical enginee
On 7-27-2023 General Motors issued a recall on 2013 models of Sonic, my VIN was not included in this recall. However on 4-16-2025 my sonic was involved in a impact incident in which the air bags should have deployed, and did not. It is my opinion that Chevy, knowing of the issues with the model of car, should have issued a recall for my vehicle as well, but did not. As a result I suffered additional strain and injury during my impact as no airbags deployed.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the ignition key remained stuck in the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact noticed that the gear shift indicator was indicating that the transmission was in park(P) and in drive(D) simultaneously. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter in and out of park(P) several times, and shifting back to park(P), the contact was able to release the key. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gear shifter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was ap
UNKNOWN. Our car caught fire but I'm not sure what actually caused it, it was in perfect working condition before. I saw articles online saying there was a voluntary recall due to faulty welding in the fuel tank so it could be that. I believe it's a dangerous defect and should be an official recall. My family and I almost lost our lives because of it
2013 Chevrolet Sonic questions
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic: Driver Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Missing key warning chime can raise theft risk; Equipment:Electrical; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting; Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic?
Based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (57), Engine (55), Unknown Or Other (45).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.