The Lemon Index2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 25 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 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 48 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Sonic year. 2016 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 26K to 72K miles on the car (30 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- electrical 2016
The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition.
- 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.
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 1084 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
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 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Sonic 5 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Sonic year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (24%), engine (20%) and electrical (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 26,700 and 72,800 miles. The middle report was at 47,500 miles, from 30 complaints.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Sonic year is better than the 2016?
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