2020 Chevrolet SONIC: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
3,400 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 10 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 30.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 30.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 20.0% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 20.0% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 10.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
Electrical System: 5; Power Train: 3; Engine: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Seats: 1; Steering: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 3; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11308173 · 2020-02-11 (February 11, 2020)
2020 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE KEYLESS IGNITION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IT WAS POSSIBLE TO TURN OFF THE KEYLESS ENTRY WITHOUT FIRST PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK BEFORE STARTING THE IGNITION. *JS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11308173 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11366483 · 2020-10-26 (October 26, 2020)
MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CAN NOT BE EXECUTED IF STEP 5 IS EXECUTED FIRST. OWNERS WHO ATTEMPT TO PREPARE THE VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL TOWING BY USING A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE RUN THE RISK OF DAMAGING THEIR VEHICLES AND/OR CAUSING SEVERE ACCIDENTS IF…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11366483 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11422656 · 2021-06-28 (June 28, 2021)
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driver’s and passenger’s side air bags erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the roadway. The vehicle was not involved in a crash before the air bags deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage …
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11422656 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11510643 · 2023-03-07 (March 7, 2023)
UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11510643 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11513468 · 2023-03-23 (March 23, 2023)
There was an instance a couple months ago where I was driving and my ignition stopped. To my luck, I was in a safe area to stop but it is dangerous for this to be happening with my car while I am driving.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11513468 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11576430 · 2024-03-09 (March 9, 2024)
1st occurence at approximately 37k miles on Vehicle has issue based on climate temperature sensor triggers a computer code 84 vehicle goes into limp mode to prevent engine failure however, this happens instantly no time to react and more than one occasion creating a hazardous driving situation in heavy traffic, vehicle also overheats creating hazardous leaks of anti freeze at boiling temperatures ability to burn anyone who comes in contact. This remains an ongoing issue with vehicle, vehicle now back in possesion of bank Santander Consumer USA,…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11576430 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11604956 · 2024-07-28 (July 28, 2024)
Having trouble with leaks and the evap purge system. I repaired it three times. The vehicle will turn off while driving.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11604956 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11625449 · 2024-11-15 (November 15, 2024)
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position. The malfunction is likely related to either the motor, seat track, or the electrical system controlling the adjustment. The seat is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The stuck seat presents a safety hazard because it is positioned too far back, which can prevent proper seating po…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11625449 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.