Research · Compact Cars
2017 Chevrolet SonicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. Most complaints involve engine (19) and air bags (6). The EPA rates it 28–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28–32mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
37
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
37 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Apr 2026
- Engine19
- Air bags6
- Electrical system5
- Steering4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Visibility/wiper4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- Service brakes2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
19 reports1 crash1 fire
“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”
Air bags
6 reports6 crashes
“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 responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported sustaining injuries to her head and face, which she characterized as a bubble on her forehead, as well as bruising to the torso, but refused medical treatment. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V349000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The contact also stated that this was the second of two collisions where the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Electrical system
5 reports1 crash
“In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery, which is a known issue, and caused an electrical short in the system. It caused the ECU and electronic power steering to short out. They replaced the ECU, but have not been able to replace the eletronic power steering because it's no longer being manufactured. The vehicle at the time of incident was only 6 years old. I feel like this is a violation of the Magnuson-Moss Act. There are no third party vendors that make this part. It has only ever been available through GM directly.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
8 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6) · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | $2,000 | 281 |
| Sonic 5 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | $2,000 | 281 |
| Sonic Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,150 | 295 |
| Sonic 5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,150 | 295 |
| Sonic Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Sonic Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 312 |
| Sonic 5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Sonic 5 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 312 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 32mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.6%
Overall
5 / 5
Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.6%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 Sonic questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (19), air bags (6), electrical system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic at 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026