The Lemon Index2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 9 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 1 recall, and it gets 28 to 32 mpg combined. It's the best Chevrolet Sonic year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2012
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 15 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Sonic year. 2018 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 16K to 73K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- seats 2018
A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
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 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.
In owners' words
My driver seat drops a level while I drive . Very dangerous and hazardous.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic owner · NHTSA complaint 11151389
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (44%), seats (22%) and wheels (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1 safety recall (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
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