The Lemon Index2014 Chevrolet Sonic.
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is better than average by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 53, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 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 150 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Sonic year. 2014 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 13K to 72K miles on the car (112 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 13K–72K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 19K–75K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 35K–78K miles
Recalls 4
- 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.
- airbags 2014
Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage…
- equipment 2014
In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Show all 4 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
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 1507 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…
- Buick/chevrolet: due to loss of wastegate preload, the malfunction indicator lamp is illuminated
- Buick/chevrolet: vehicle powers up, whether key in ignition or left in ignition, with cranking…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
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.
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 53; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Sonic year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2014 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (31%), engine (17%) and airbags (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have?
4 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Sonic problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 13,900 and 72,800 miles. The middle report was at 50,700 miles, from 112 complaints.
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Sonic year is better than the 2014?
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