Before you buy
This 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 48 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2016 Chevrolet Sonic Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2016 Chevrolet Sonic trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
12.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
12.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has 48 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Sonic
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 48
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
This CHEVROLET SONIC year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CHEVROLET SONIC has 48 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 48 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 8 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2016 Chevrolet Sonic complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer…
Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic w…
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery.
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additi…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's frien…
My vehicle malfunctioned Driving on my way to work entering a large parking area connected stores. I saw a available parking spot in between 2 cars I drove in the spot lined up car and put my car in park completely stopped.I looked to my right then to my left to be sure I wasn't …
Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn’t my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn’t my fault and it’s the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I ha…
THE HEAT DOESNT WORK. KEEPS BLOWING OUT COOL AIR. THIS PAST SUMMER THE AC WOULDN'T WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT THEY FIXED IT. I BELIEVE THE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS DO NOT MAKE SOUND WHEN ACTIVE
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER STOPPED WORKING. I CLICK THE BUTTON, THE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THEN SHUTS RIGHT BACK OFF. I'VE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AND BACK OFF AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING.
THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING EVERY TIME I HAD TO PUT GAS IN IT THEN IT WOULDN'T CRANK AT ALL AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETREMINE THAT THIS FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE HAS CREATED AN INABILITY TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND EVERY TIME WE GET IT RUNNING IT REPEATEDLY CUTS OFF TILL WE REV IT UP MUL…
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROX 2 MONTHS.
I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVY SONIC LT IN JANUARY OF 2020. IT HAS ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. INITIALLY, I BELIEVED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS JUST SLOW. IN MARCH, 2020 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD TURN THE CAR ON THE RADIO/COMPUTER WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE SEVERA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WA…
RAZOR SHARP PEELING CHROME FROM INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES CUTS FINGERS AND HANDS, SAFETY HAZARD TO A DRIVER AWAY FROM HOME OR NOT NEAR BANDAGES. COMMON GM PROBLEM FROM SONIC, CRUZE, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, EQUINOX, SILVERADOS. ALL GM MODELS
CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY DURING STOP LIGHTS. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND HAVE FOUND IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY MODEL. WHEN IDLING IT WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND WON'T TURN BACK ON FOR A FEW SECONDS TO MINUTES. IT WILL DO IT AT STOP SIGNS STOP LIGHTS. EVEN IN IM JUST PARKED.
EMISSIONS (EVAP) CODE. LOSING POWER, FEELS AS IF ENGINE IS SLIPPING/DRAGGING WHEN ACCELERATING. ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS & TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ONLY WHEN REACHING HIGH RPMS. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
Safety recalls
2016 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Chevrolet Sonic buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 48 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET SONIC year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
#1: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (11 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 48 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
This CHEVROLET SONIC year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Sonic reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.