2018 Chevrolet SonicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

“My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down after the ignition is turned off. I must follow a specific shutdown procedure or occasionally remove the infotainment fuse to prevent battery drain. On October 10, 2026, after a three-day trip, the vehicle was completely dead. My 2,000-amp portable jump starter could not start it. Another running vehicle had to supply power before it would start. The vehicle then operated and restarted normally for approximately three days. On October 13, 2026, after several successful starts, I parked at 10 AM. By 4 PM, the vehicle produced rapid clicking sounds, then lost all electrical power. My jump starter again failed. Another person had to help push the car into the street and connect jumper cables to a running vehicle before it could start. AutoZone testing initially showed battery failure, but subsequent tests passed. The alternator and starter reportedly passed. I purchased a replacement battery on October 13 for approximately $135. The vehicle started normally afterward,…”

“Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring, safety-related malfunction covered under Special Coverage N232395330 - Turbocharger Replacement. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request a resolution regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with my son’s 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier (Turbocharged engine), VIN: [XXX] This past January we brought the vehicle to Ziegler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood an authorized due to overheating and a warning light. We paid $210 for a diagnosis and an additional $520 for a repair, totaling $730. The only action taken was the replacement of the coolant reservoir. The issue was not fully diagnosed, and the root cause was not addressed. On [XXX], the same issue has returned: Red heat warning light illuminated after less than one mile of driving. Coolant reservoir nearly empty upon inspection. Engine went into reduced power (“limp mode”). Scanner showed only a low coolant level but no…”

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that operating the vehicle, the front driver side seat would erroneously slide forward causing the driver's knees to make contact with the dash panel. In addition, while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control unit hardware was faulty. Also, the emergency brake cable was hanging low to the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.”