Research · Compact Cars

2020 Chevrolet SonicRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2020 – Jun 2026
  1. Electrical system6
  2. Power train3
  3. Engine2
  4. Seats1
  5. Fuel/propulsion system1
  6. Steering1
  7. Air bags1
  8. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sonic model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2012354
2013217
2014150
2015114
201648
201737
201815
20198
202010
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

6 reports
“Purchased from Carvana. Nine days after purchase came out to a dead battery took it to the authorized dealer and they said the battery was a bad cell battery. Replace the battery. Six days after they replaced the battery it was dead again. This time they had it in the shop for two weeks before they found the issue. It had been aftermarket wired with a GPS tracking system that was draining the battery. They said if I have any further issues with it, I need to take it to a dealer. They gave me a bag full of multiple components that had been added to the vehicle. I do not know how Carvana missed them all.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2025Electrical systemODI 11696953

Power train

3 reports
“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, this is being reported to protect any innocent parties involved to avoid injuries or even fatality”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11576430

Engine

2 reports
“Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic composite, cracked completely open without warning, causing an immediate, rapid loss of engine coolant. This constitutes a severe safety hazard. A sudden, catastrophic loss of engine coolant under normal driving conditions puts the vehicle at immediate risk of severe engine overheating and sudden engine stalling or seizure while in motion. If the engine stalls unexpectedly in high-speed traffic, it strips the driver of power steering and braking assistance, drastically increasing the risk of a serious collision. General Motors is fully aware of this pervasive material defect across the Chevy Sonic model years, yet they refuse to issue a safety recall, forcing owners to operate vehicles with inherently flawed, dangerous plastic cooling components. They also refuse to help in getting the vehicle repaired or share the cost.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026EngineODI 11745643
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonic
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
263429$2,200308
Sonic 5
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
263429$2,200308
  • Sonic
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Sonic 5
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet 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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14315Vehicle 14314
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2020 Sonic questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Sonic problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), power train (3), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026