2018 Chevrolet Sonic: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic: 1 recall, 14 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #18V342000 · 2018 · 71 vehicles
What's wrong: A joint in the driver's seat-back frame May not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Why it matters: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back May fail, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (4): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Wheels (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has 14 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 10 Sonic model years for complaints (well below the 95 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 27,475 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (37 complaints, 0 recalls), 2019 (8 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 | 37 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 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 2018 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (5), engine (4), seats (2).
What gas mileage does the 2018 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 2018 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.