Research · Compact Cars
2019 Chevrolet SonicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. Most complaints involve engine (2) and fuel/propulsion system (2). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
8
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2019 – Nov 2024
- Engine2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Electrical system1
- Other / unknown3
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 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
2 reports
“The thermostat housing and water pump keeps failing and leaking.The seat heaters dont work. The car started leaking antifreeze real bad which cause it to overheat and lock up. Yes it has been confirm by a dealer that alot of the chevys been coming for new thermostat housing and water pumps. No vehicle was only inspected by a dealer. The overheating like came on and then 10 seconds later the car locked up”
Fuel/propulsion system
2 reports
“cooling ISSUES - the WATER PUMPLE , cooling TANK . the WHOLE COOLING . my CARE HAS BEEN SHOP 5 TIMES AT JBA for cooling system”
Engine and engine cooling
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while pulling into the garage, the high engine temp warning light illuminated, and the engine was overheating. The contact immediately turned off the vehicle. The contact stated there was coolant underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact had learned that the water pump failure was common for the vehicle and believed that the water pump had failed. The contact was able to identify an extended warranty for the failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure when it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,400.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- 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 28, 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 | 27 | 38 | 31 | $2,050 | 285 |
| Sonic Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,200 | 308 |
| Sonic 5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,200 | 308 |
| Sonic 5 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 | 301 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 HB 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.
2019 Sonic questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (2), fuel/propulsion system (2), engine and engine cooling (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026