2015 Chevrolet Sonic recalls and problems
The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic has 3 safety recalls and 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
Recall 16V-422: Electrical System, Equipment
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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 15V-416: Equipment
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 34 | |
| Air Bags | 27 | |
| Engine | 23 | |
| Unknown or Other | 22 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | |
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Equipment | 4 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 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 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic: 16V-422 (electrical system, equipment), 16V-257 (electrical system, equipment), 15V-416 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (34 reports), followed by air bags (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 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.