2015 Chevrolet Sonic Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering software and radio/tape deck/cd etc.. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Gear shift push-button sticking.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16V422000 · Oct 6, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

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

Campaign #15V416000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic.

Reported to NHTSA

Gear shift push-button sticking

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2022-07

STATIONARY. 2015 CHEVY SONIC. THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON/KNOB WAS STICKING AND FINALLY BROKE. I'VE HAD TO FIDDLE WITH IT (FOR THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS OR SO) TO GET THE CAR IN AND OUT OF GEAR USING A SCREWDRIVER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11265276
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, OR RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT THE VEHICLE ROLLING FORWARD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183092
WHEN SHIFTER FROM ANY GEAR INTO PARK THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER STICKS IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION MAKING IT EASY TO BUMP THE SHIFTER BACK INTO GEAR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10950194

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Catalytic converter failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-02

Vehicle shows P0420 code (Bad Catalytic Converter) at relatively low miles 92,000 miles on a 2015 model with a 1.8L engine
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465060
Catalytic converter failed at 110,000 miles. Same exact catalytic converter recalled for 2013 and 2014 sonic models, for some reason not covered by the recall for 2015 models
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11454520
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490021

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Transmission control module and clutch failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-09

Code U0101 is set. Unable to communicate with TCM. Troubleshooted and found TCM is bad. Removed necessary components for tcm replacement. Removed the tcm/valve body assembly and replaced
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616544
TRANSMISSION IS SURGING IN GEAR, IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, AT ANY SPEED. SENSATION IS STRONG ENOUGH TO NOTICE EVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FEELS LIKE RESISTANCE BUILDING AND THEN RELEASING RAPIDLY. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE IN COLDER WEATHER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266781
We have a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic Lt that we bought from car country in Aurora Indiana the transmission has gone the dealer told that the had been serviced but it never was so now we can't drive the car and its just sitting in the our driveway we reported it to car country about
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525910

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Front airbags failed to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2023-04

Passenger side front airbags did not deploy during a front end vehicle crash. All other airbags in vehicle did deploy. Injury did occur due to this
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519192
MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER HIT A DEER GOING ABOUT 60 MPH. THE DEER HIT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FROM THE GRILL TO THE CORNER. AFTER THE IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE COULD BE A TOTAL LOSS JUST WAITING ON THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10761416
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE MERGING INTO THE LEFT LANE, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894206

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Door locks cycle and engine stalls while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2023-09

Once again, my doors unlocked then relocked, my dashboard lights went out and the engine stalled. I was on the KU campus when this happened 3 times within 6 blocks. This is getting very scary, especially when i am in a busy area of town
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483637
3 times yesterday - September 1, 2022, my car locks unlocked then locked again and the engine stalled. Dash lights did not go off, but the car died 3 times in a matter of 10 minutes
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482611
While driving, the locks on the car will unlock then relock quickly, the dash will go black and the motor will rev like I am trying to go in the Park position. This has happened several time in town where I live
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482351

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Coolant leak and engine overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2023-06

CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND THE RADIATOR IS RUSTED/CORRODED. THIS KIND OF CORROSION SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. I KEPT SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SO I STARTED MONITORING THE COOLANT LEVELS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11090198
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was white smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442568
ANTIFREEZE OVERFLOW HAS A LEAK AND IS BUBBLING OVER THE ENGINE LIGHT ON EVEN AFTER TAKING IT TO CHEVY DEALER. CAR STUTTERED AND HAD BAD SMELL AIR DOES NOT GET COOL WE HAD TO PULL OVER AND THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED THE CAR WOULD NOT START
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11221906

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Passenger airbag occupant sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2026-05

Passenger seat airbag shows that it is still off even when there is someone in the Passenger seat
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739750
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM TURNS OFF EVEN WITH AN ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES IT TURNS ON AND THEN TURNS OFF MIDWAY THROUGH A TRIP, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WITH NO EXPLANATION. IT WORKS SOMETIMES AND OTHER TIMES DOES NOT FOR NO RHYME OR REASON. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326637
THE PASSENGER SIDE (OCCUPANT SENSOR) AIR BAG SWITCH IS INCONSISTENT. IT WILL NOT ALWAYS TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. SOMETIMES IT DOES SOMETIMES IS DOES NOT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291833

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Airbag warning light from SDM module fault

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2023-06

Air bag light on. There are 4 codes in the SDM, due to an internal fault in the sensing diagnostic module. The dealership states that it has to be replaced and will cost close to $1100 to have repaired and to clear all of the codes
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528703
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE WITH THE SDM MODULE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904469
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10702727

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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)

84 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.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2015 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.