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2012 Chevrolet Sonic Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical and automatic transmission. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure to shift or engage gear.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #14V417000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V315000 · Dec 6, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.

Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V300000 · Jun 6, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Campaign #11V599000 · Dec 28, 2011

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.

Risk: A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 2012

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Campaign #12V408000 · Aug 20, 2012

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to the windshield.

Risk: A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #12V522000 · Oct 31, 2012

Issue: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #13V023000 · Jan 24, 2013

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission failure to shift or engage gear

POWER TRAIN

63 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2026-02

“Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear. Transmission does not engage into gear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715161
“MY SON AND WIFE WERE DRIVING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR HIGHER GEARS. THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS LIMITED TO ABOUT 25-35MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930307
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE THEN DECELERATED TO 30 MPH, JERKED BACK AND FORTH WITH A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE, AND THEN WENT INTO IDLE MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992707

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic shift lever button sticking

POWER TRAIN

28 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2019-10

“AUTOMATIC SHIFTER RELEASE BUTTON STICKING YOU CAN NOT GET THE CAR TO GO INTO PARK TO SHUT OFF CAR ALSO IT STAYS DEPRESSED CAUSING YOU TO BE ABLE TO EASLY HIT THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTERAL OR REVERSE WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196762
“AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT BUTTON STICKS. SHIFT LEVER CAN MOVE FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL TO REVERSE TO PARK WITHOUT LOCKING AS THE BUTTON IS STUCK DEPRESSED. KEYS CANNOT BE REMOVED WHEN CAR IS IN PARK. STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. MULTIPLE TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870723
“SHIFTER BUTTON IS STICKING (WILL NOT RELEASE) WHICH PREVENTS REMOVAL OF THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, COULD ALLOW THE THE VEHICLE TO BE SHIFTED INTO OTHER GEARS (PARK, REVERSE, ETC) WHILE IN MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897961

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cooling system coolant leak

ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2024-11

“Water pump is leaking in front of motor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566713
“COOLANT LEAK FROM WATER PUMP, APPLICABLE HOSES AND SURGE TANK. REPLACED WATER PUMP, SURGE TANK AND HOSE IN 2016. NEED TO REPLACE WATER PUMP, HOSES AND SURGE TANK AGAIN IN 2018. THERE IS ALSO AN ENGINE OIL LEAK YET TO BE IDENTIFIED. 1.8 L ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083798
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A BEEPING NOISE STARTED. ALSO, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10863100

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system self-crank and stall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2023-08

“WITH THE KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION THE CAR TRIES TO CRANK ITSELF BUT WON'T ACTUALLY START OR STAY RUNNING. MY LIGHTS, RADIO ETC HAVE TURNED THEMSELVES ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121567
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES IN THE MORNING, THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO CRANK ON ITS OWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024695
“CAR WILL START BY ITSELF AFTER KEY IS PARTIALLY INSERTED INTO IGNITION AND CAR WILL TRY TO START OVER AND OVER IF LEFT IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF. TOOK TO DEALER THEY BLAMED ON AFTERMARKET RADIO. HOWEVER, I AM PRETTY SURE HAS DONE ALMOST FROM THE POINT PURCHASE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10808660

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment failure during crash

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2023-05

“MY 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY TO ME BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10947808
“ME AND THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP AS WAS EVERYONE ELSE, WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED PRETTY FORCEFULLY AND TO THE POINT THAT AFTER SLAMMING HARDER ON MY BREAKS, MY VEHICLE WAS STILL SHOVED INTO THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066611
“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY AND PULLED FORWARD AT THAN 2 TO 3 MPH AND HIT AN OBJECT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE WAS STILL AND CONSUMER WAS INJURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182314

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

99 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

27

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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