Model year
2018 Chevrolet Sonic
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 15 complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6), ENGINE (4), SEATS (2). NHTSA rated 2 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 28–32 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,100–$2,400, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2012 354 complaints
- 2013 217 complaints
- 2014 150 complaints
- 2015 114 complaints
- 2016 48 complaints
- 2017 37 complaints
- 2018 15 complaints
- 2019 8 complaints
- 2020 10 complaints
Recalls
18V342000 · May 27, 2018
SEATS
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.
Complaints
15 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.126 | NHTSA photo |
| 5 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.126 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic · 1.4L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 35 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| Sonic · 1.4L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 37 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| Sonic 5 · 1.4L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 35 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| Sonic 5 · 1.4L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 37 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| Sonic · 1.8L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 34 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Sonic · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 35 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| Sonic 5 · 1.8L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 34 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Sonic 5 · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 35 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2018 Chevrolet Sonic at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.