Is your car affected?
Check by VIN to confirm the
exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (1)
Seats
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
Canadian recalls (1)
Show 1 Canadian recall
Seats and restraints
2018-05-24 · campaign 2018-278 · 11 vehicles
On certain vehicles, the driver’s seat frame may not have been properly welded during the manufacturing process, reducing the strength of the seat back. In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat back may fail, creating an increased risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver’s seat back.
Owner complaints (15)
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. Among 10 model years of this model, it ranks #7 for the most complaints (median 48).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Electrical system | 6 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Unknown or other | 2 | |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2018 Chevrolet Sonic version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Sonic 1.4 L Automatic (S6) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Sonic 1.4 L Manual 6-spd | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Sonic 1.8 L Automatic (S6) | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Sonic 1.8 L Manual 5-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sonic 5 1.4 L Automatic (S6) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Sonic 5 1.4 L Manual 6-spd | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Sonic 5 1.8 L Automatic (S6) | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Sonic 5 1.8 L Manual 5-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.