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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system6
- Power train3
- Engine2
- Seats1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Steering1
- Air bags1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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.”
Power train
“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”
Engine
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.6%
- 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
| 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
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.