The Lemon Index2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 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 37 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Sonic year. 2017 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 7K to 55K miles on the car (21 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
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
Car has gone through 4 valve covers in 5 moths. Its a known problem and GM has and will not extend warranty.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic owner · NHTSA complaint 11302113
More owner reports
Passenger side wiper has gap between driver side water runs down windshield in a stream on all wiper speeds. Distracts visibilty. Reported to dealer and Chevrolet.
NHTSA complaint 10985973
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Sonic year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (35%), wipers & visibility (20%) and airbags (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,100 and 55,000 miles. The middle report was at 42,800 miles, from 21 complaints.
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Sonic year is better than the 2017?
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