2016 Chevrolet Sonic
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 14 of 48 complaints (29%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 114 in 2015 to 48 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | |
| Combined MPG | 28–32 | 28–32 | 28–32 | 28–32 | 28–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24–28 / 33–38 | 24–28 / 33–38 | 24–28 / 33–38 | 24–28 / 33–38 | 25–28 / 34–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 276–318 | 276–321 | 276–321 | 281–317 | 280–311 | |
| Complaints filed | 149 | 114 | 48 | 37 | 14 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 19 | 6 | 4 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
Engine: 14 of 48 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic get?
EPA rates it 28–32 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,250 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 276 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 26 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 302 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 295 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 321 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (low) | 34 mpg | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 26 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 305 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 26 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 302 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 321 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 276 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 295 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 24 mpg (low) | 34 mpg | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 318 g/mi |
Show 1 more configuration
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 26 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 305 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 16V422000 · Jun 10, 2016
Defect: 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."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 16V257000 · Apr 28, 2016
Defect: 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."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: 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.