Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is fairly new & is already showing an early trend of transmission problems.

Owners report hesitation when shifting & grinding/hard shifting into gears. Some dealers are calling the condition "normal". Another owner reported his dealership replaced the transmission under warranty, but the new transmission had the same exact grinding problem. Design defect?

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
86,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace defective module (1 reports)
2012 Chevrolet Sonic electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 312021

Sonic LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

According to my ASE certified independent mechanic, the module that tells the car to start has decided to NOT do so. The car is PAID OFF not even 4 months. I now have a 3,000 pound PAPER WEIGHT! Am I pissed????

- Tracie F., Snellville, US

problem #2

Nov 172016

Sonic 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,904 miles

Engine light flashed while driving and then it shut off. Had to run a red light to get it out of the road. Took it to a mechanic and checked everything over. Battery, alternator, starter and motor are okay. Fuel does get to the engine, but still will not start. My mechanic does not work at a dealership but is amazing and he thinks it is either the esm module, or the car will need to be reprogrammed. This car is now having to go to the dealership to be checked out. and will cost more money. Advise everyone to not buy this car,

- Judy M., Regina, SK, Canada

problem #1

Jan 052016

Sonic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Took my 2012 Sonic in to have a minor muffler repair. When the car was being pulled into the garage it died and to date have not been able to start the car. They hooked it to the computer which tells them there is no car there. We have tried a new parts, new keys and it is still a no go. However, the mechanics are scratching their heads. I have been 3 1/2 weeks without a car and I am really thinking I have myself a lemon. Truly phenominal to me that everyone is standing around scratching their heads unable to figure out what is wrong with the car. The "GM engineer" relayed the possibility of a lightening strike...call you insurance. Insurance is pretty much....yeah right. Feeling really frustrated with the whole ordeal.

- Sk R., Dry Ridge, KY, US

Not what you are looking for?