The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is about average by owner complaints: 102 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 92, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 28 to 32 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Sonic year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 217 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Sonic year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 21K to 85K miles on the car (163 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 38K–89K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 24K–95K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 27K–78K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2023
The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
- equipment 2016
The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door.
- equipment 2014
In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Show all 6 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
- electrical 2013
Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
- electrical 2012
When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1726 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine rattle/knock noise, loose or broken front crankshaft pulley bolt and/or flywheel bolts
- Buick/chevrolet: there is an oil/fluid leakage under front of vehicle, possibly from wheel…
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
After haselwood Chevrolet buick GMC dealership fixed the transmission seals I noticed that the engine is idling rough when at a stop light I notice this every once in a while.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic owner · NHTSA complaint 10598257
More owner reports
Car shakes very bad when driving and approaching a stop.
NHTSA complaint 10889356
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 92; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Sonic year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), engine (19%) and transmission & drivetrain (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Sonic problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 21,000 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 50,000 miles, from 163 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Sonic year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works