2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems and complaints

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The most-reported areas: Engine (19), Air Bags (6), Electrical System (5).

Key takeaways

  • 37 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 6 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1951%
Air Bags616%
Electrical System514%
Steering411%
Unknown Or Other411%
Fuel/Propulsion System411%
Visibility/Wiper411%
Vehicle Speed Control38%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)38%
Service Brakes25%
Structure13%
Engine And Engine Cooling13%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD5/55/55/54/5
2017 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Structure,engine - filed 2026-04-21

Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak

Engine And Engine Cooling,power Train,engine - filed 2026-02-06

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shift as intended, and the vehicle failed t...

Air Bags - filed 2025-11-04

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held ...

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More for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.