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2014 Chevrolet Sonic Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical and air bags. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Gear shifter button sticking and key-lock failure.” 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.

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4 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.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V543000 · Sep 9, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 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 and second-stage deployments.

Risk: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #16V257000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Campaign #13V464000 · Sep 26, 2013

Issue: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.

Risk: If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic.

Reported to NHTSA

Gear shifter button sticking and key-lock failure

POWER TRAIN

23 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2022-04

“THE BUTTON ON THE SIFTER HANDLE HAS BROKEN AND GETS STUCK IN ALLOWING THE SHIFT HANDLE TO MOVE FREELY. THIS HAS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO ALLOWED MY VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKED POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139035
“SHIFTER BUTTON HAS CRACKED AND CAUSES THE BUTTON STUCK. THIS ALLOWS THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON AND ALSO PREVENTS THE KEY FROM BEING REMOVED. THE CAR COULD EASILY ROLL AWAY IF BUMPED DUE TO IMPROPER SHIFT LOCKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11254011
“WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SHIFTER BECAME STUCK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GO INTO PARK, WHICH CAUSED THE KEY TO BECOME STUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072410

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant leak and engine overheating

ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2026-02

“It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719576
“I'VE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR. THE MAIN ONE BEING THAT MY ENGINE HAS WARPED AND THE CAR IS JUNK NOW AS I CAN'T AFFORD THE 5400 TO REPLACE IT. THE COOLANT KEPT LEAKING AND AFTER WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT REPAIRS DID NOTHING IT FINALLY BROKE DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267878
“THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ONE OF THE ENGINE COOLANT OUTLETS WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRUMBLED INTO PIECES WHERE THE HOSE CONNECTS TO IT. THE BOLTS WERE ALSO BROKEN OFF INTO THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191642

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system stall and power shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2024-06

“The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594533
“This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499123
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10678597

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag on/off indicator malfunction

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2024-06

“"off" remains illuminated on my passenger airbag light whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat. It's actually somewhat rare to see "on" illuminated. There was a recall on this model for airbag issues but my vehicle specifically was not recalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11596073
“THE PASSENGER "AIRBAG OFF" REMAINS ILLUMINATED IF YOU HAVE A 100LB OR 250LB PERSON IN THE SEAT. EVERY SO OFTEN, WHEN A 200+LB PERSON SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE LIGHT WILL EXTINGUISH INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG IS ACTIVATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156580
“MY PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981145

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in a crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2021-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10872005
“WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A VAN DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073247
“ANOTHER CAR RAN A RED LIGHT & MY SON, IN THE SONIC RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE OTHER CAR. HIS SONIC WAS TOTALED & DESPITE THIS FACT THAT THE OTHER CAR'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT, HIS SONIC AIRBAGS DID NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906325

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss while driving

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2026-04

“Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734965
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle then stalled. The contact pulled over at a gas station and parked the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466713
“TWICE IN ONE MONTH THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. POWER STEERING WAS ALSO LOST. MILEAGE APPROX. 31,000. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER PUTTING IT IN PARK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10980845

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt pretensioner cable failure

SEAT BELTS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2024-07

“The pretensioner cable that secures the end of the seatbelt to the seat frame had severed. I am told the pretensioner has a small explosive inside its barrel that I assume releases some sort of spring internally upon impact of a collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603215
“DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT TENSIONER CABLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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.

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)

83 crashes 1990–2024

How the 83 occupant deaths break down

62

driver deaths

21

passenger deaths

83

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2014 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2014 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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