2016 Chevrolet Sonic: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic: 2 recalls, 48 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Equipment Vehicle recall #16V257000 · 2016 · 317,572 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without audible indicators, the driver May leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.
Electrical, Equipment Vehicle recall #16V422000 · 2016 · 18,780 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without audible indicators, the driver May not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (5), overheating (4).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (3), door / lock issues (3).
- Other / unknown (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (8): the most common themes are warning light on (3), fails to deploy (3).
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 48 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 10 Sonic model years for complaints (well below the 95 average). Complaints peaked in 2020 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 47,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (114 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (37 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (13), electrical (11), other / unknown (8).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.4 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.