2014 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic has 4 safety recalls and 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2014 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
Recall 16V-257: Electrical System, Equipment
Problem: 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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: 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.
Recall 14V-543: Air Bags
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
Risk: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.
Recall 14V-417: Equipment
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Recall 13V-464: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.
2014 Chevrolet Sonic problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 49 | |
| Engine | 38 | |
| Unknown or Other | 34 | |
| Air Bags | 24 | |
| Power Train | 20 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | |
| Steering | 13 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 8 | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 1
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2014 Chevrolet Sonic complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Sonic years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic: 16V-257 (electrical system, equipment), 14V-543 (air bags), 14V-417 (equipment), 13V-464 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (49 reports), followed by engine (38). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.