The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 71 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEATS18V3420002018-05-2771 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5
ENGINE
4
SEATS
2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2
WHEELS
2
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1
PARKING BRAKE
1
Total complaints23
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Dear gm executive office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by chevrolet customer assistance that the case I opened (case # [xxx]) was simply a "dealer complaint" and that no further help would be offered - despite my vehicle exhibiting a recurring,…”
“The contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of…”
“The contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of…”
“The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much…”
“The has as well as mileage is not accurate and it constantly changes even while not driving which is adding more miles to car than actually is and you will never know how much gas you have in car truly which is safety concern especially if you are driving on interstate and can’t tell how much…”
“My radio turns off and on, on its own. Also when I have my bluetooth turned on for my phone, it gets stuck after I hang up the phone after a call. I was driving home from work on a state road. My right wheel bearing went out and I had to replace it last year.”
“My radio turns off and on, on its own. Also when I have my bluetooth turned on for my phone, it gets stuck after I hang up the phone after a call. I was driving home from work on a state road. My right wheel bearing went out and I had to replace it last year.”
“The contact owns a 2018 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine a failure and indicated no failure was found. The…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.