First generation (Gamma II)
2014 Chevrolet Sonic
The most reported problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is airbag, with 24 complaints, usually around 67,000 miles.
- 137owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 60,259median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic has 137 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 148 for 2014 hatchbacks on this site. Of the 6 Sonic model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2014 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, airbag, covers 24 of the 137 complaints (18%), and stalling is next with 18 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 18 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 40,000 miles, and half by about 67,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 13 of the 137 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 9 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 7 of 10, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 4 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2018 at 33 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 2. So far in 2026, 4 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 24 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
137 complaints is 2.2 times fewer than the median 2014 model on this site and about the median for a 2014 hatchback. Among the 2 Sonic model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet filed 1,506 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. 84 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 24 complaints
Driver Airbag Connector Terminal Retention Loose
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 3 bulletins · 18 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This preliminary informational bulletin provides diagnostic tips that may be helpful in correcting a customer concern about a whistle noise heard from the engine area after the vehicle has warmed up, or for up to 10 seconds after the engine is shut off.
1 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
Check engine light or misfire 25 bulletins · 15 complaints
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
23 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. The technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0299 or P0234 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a rough idle or misfire. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 set in the Engine Control Module.
This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This informational bulletin provides information to the tech to test the PCV for proper performance before replacing the camshaft cover to correct a MIL On w/DTC P0171.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the evap canister for vehicles with the condition of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0446 or P0455 Set due to spiders laying a nest within the canister.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the keyless entry is inoperative. Technician should inspect the ignition key cylinder door sticks in the up position.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0341 and or P0366 set.
Plus 13 older ones not listed here.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 5 bulletins · 14 complaints
14371B SPECIAL COVERAGE (LABOR CODE REVISED). SOME 2011-2014 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES AND SOME 2012-2014 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES WITH THE 1.4L ENGINE MAY HAVE AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP.
14371A SPECIAL COVERAGE (REVISED WARRANTY INFORMATION). SOME VEHICLES WITH THE 1.4L ENGINE MAY HAVE AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP.
3 more on this problem
GENERAL MOTORS: 2011-2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE CHEVROLET SONIC/ W 1.4L ENGINE(RPO LUJ OR LUV): SOME MODEL VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ENGINE COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP. THIS COULD REDUCE COOLANT PERFORMANCE AND CAUSE OVERHEATING.
This preliminary bulletin provides information on diagnosing a water pump for what is considered a leak and replace the pump correctly.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information on water pump replacement.
Battery dies or the car will not start 14 bulletins · 11 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a wire to wire repair on the engine wire harness to correct a condition of no start, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) ON, and possible loss of steering assist.
12 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the OnStar module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with a diagnostic tip for the OnStar back-up battery failure. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code B1446 or B1447 and the OnStar LED is red.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON STEPS TO PERFORM TO DETERMINE IF THE CUSTOMER'S BATTERY DRAIN CONCERN IS BEING CAUSED BY A KNOWN CONCERN WITH BLUETOOTH CALL TRANSFER OPERATION WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE CONCERN OF A DEAD BATTERY AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE DURING A BLUETOOTH CALL.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure on how to take the vehicles out of transport mode for vehicles with the condition of Transport Mode On Message Displayed in Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or Battery Light is Flashing
This informational bulletin provides information that may be useful in diagnosing/testing batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or set in cold weather climates to correct a customer concern of symptoms that include, but not limited to, a slow ...
This technical bulletin provides repair procedure information to correct a customer concern of Transport Mode On message displayed in Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or battery light is flashing.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to disconnect the battery if the repairs were done to the vehicle and the technician was unable to clear the codes.
GM: INFORMATION CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL PAN HEATER CORD. IF THE HEATER CORD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THEN COMPLETE BATTERY HARNESS MUST BE REPLACED. *JS
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have brake lights remain on with the vehicle off and parked and/or the vehicle battery goes dead. Technician will need to inspect for aftermarket parts.
Plus 2 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 29 bulletins · 11 complaints
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Loss of Radio Audio Shortly After an OnStar In-Vehicle Voice Message Is Heard.
This Preliminary Information communicates reason forAC Inoperative and/or Ambient Temperature Display Missing from the Radio. Dealer to isolate and repair open circuit to the ambient temperature sensor.
27 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D-37 history in the Vehicle Communication Interface Module or telematics communication interface control module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that may complain of various concerns when using Bluetooth components.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information to the customer that the rear vision camera only shows 3/4 of the radio display screen and is a normal characteristic in which no parts are to be replaced for this condition.
This informational bulletin provides information on On rare occasions, a security code input message with SPS error code E5659, M5304, and/or M5530 may be displayed in TIS2web when the technician is programming any module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have an OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation the system that is inoperative.
Plus 17 older ones not listed here.
Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 6 bulletins · 7 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT AIR CONDITION INOPERATIVE AND/OR AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DISPLAY MISSING.
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have heated seats inoperative. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code U0209 in the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning.
A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct the customers concern of odor coming from the Air conditioning.
Air Conditioning Odor
Complaints filed by year
33 complaints came in 2018, 2.5 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 4 recalls on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
Airbag, with 24 of the 137 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 67,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Sonic problems start?
Of the 95 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 37,000 miles and half by about 60,000.
How many 2014 Chevrolet Sonic complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
13 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 14V-543. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.