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2013 Chevrolet Sonic: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, most recently filed July 2023. Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 3 electrical · 1 air bag · 1 fuel system Source: NHTSA Complaints 217filed Owner reports, 2011–2020 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 32mpg combined $2,041/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 1.4 L 4-cyl· 6-speed manual 10 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
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Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V516000 Filed Jul 27, 2023

Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
44.4% repairedof 767 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V516000
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V257000 Filed Apr 28, 2016

No 'Key Left in Ignition' Warning Chime/FMVSS 114

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
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.
81.2% repairedof 317,572 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V257000
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V417000 Filed Jul 2, 2014

Engine Block Heater Power Cord Damage

Equipment · electrical
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
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.
78.8% repairedof 2,990 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V417000
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V464000 Filed Sep 26, 2013

Fuel Tank may Separate from Car

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · mounting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
91.5% repairedof 1,558 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V464000
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V220000 Filed May 24, 2013

Brake Lights Flashing Intermittently/FMVSS 108

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.
94.6% repairedof 10,210 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V220000
Listed for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V454000 Filed Sep 17, 2012

Turn Signal Failure

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Repair progress not yet reported4,716 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V454000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Sonic years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Chevrolet SonicAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (217)

217 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

24involved a crash
4involved a fire
20injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 217.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other Sonic years

Best and worst Sonic years →
1 354 217 150 114 48 37 14 8 10
2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 12.6%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 32 mpg combined

32
mpg combined
28
city
38
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,100
CO₂ tailpipe
276 g/mi
EPA class
Compact Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,041per year
$170per month
469gallons a year

Miles ÷ 32 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Chevrolet Sonic configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32$2,100276
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32$2,100276
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30$2,250290
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30$2,250290
1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29$2,300305
1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29$2,300305
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 29$2,300301
1.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28$2,400317
1.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28$2,400317
1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28$2,400321

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 Sonic for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Sonic years

Where to next

Which Sonic years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Chevrolet Sonic report150 complaints · 4 campaigns →2012 Chevrolet Sonic report354 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Chevrolet Sonic FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 23V516000 (air bag), 16V257000 (electrical), 14V417000 (electrical), 13V464000 (fuel system), 13V220000 (brake), 12V454000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Sonic problems?

Owners filed 217 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (56), Engine (55), Unknown or other (45) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic get?

EPA rates the 1.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 28 city, 38 highway and 32 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (12.6% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 Sonic compare with other years?

Among the 2011–2020 Chevrolet Sonic model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2012 the most (354). The 2013 drew 217. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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