2017 Chevrolet Sonic Problems
Shopping for a used 2017 Chevrolet Sonic? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 37 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 37 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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2017 Chevrolet Sonic Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2017 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.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has 37 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Sonic
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 37
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Inspection Focus
- Request service records specifically for engine-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and airbag systems before purchase.
- Check for any electrical system issues during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records specifically for engine-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and airbag systems before purchase.
- Check for any electrical system issues during a test drive.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 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
Complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic are concentrated in engine problems, which account for over half of all reports. Airbag malfunctions and electrical faults also appear as recurring themes, though the total number of complaints is low and confidence in the data is limited.
- Engine problems represent the most frequently reported component issue for the 2017 model year.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most common complaint category.
- Six complaints are crash-related, but no recalls have been issued for this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2017 Chevrolet Sonic complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 20 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally rough sound, the transmission failed to shi…
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver's side B Pillar center region of the other vehicle. The air …
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminished; however, when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and …
Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.
Roof molding is coming unglued on both sides of the vehicle, possible that it may fly off while traveling on highway or streets .My Dads Santa Cruz was recalled for what is happening to my Sonic. I noticed this after going through a car wash and the dryer made it flop around.
steering wheel will lock up when you turn on car, we took it to Paradise Chevrolet, and they found power steering module has update available however need 12 Volt battery to be a higher CCA to reprogram p/s volt battery testing at 356 CCA recommend replacing battery and reprogram…
Vehicle has 53k miles. I have had the error code p0011 (camshaft, vvt bank 1 too advanced) for most of the time I've had this car. Spend thousands at a certified dealership to get this issue fixed, only for it to pop up again. I was told the solution for this code is a new engine…
The heating and cooling system has failed numerous times. The water outlet has been defective causing the engine to overheat along with the thermostat housing. The water outlet failed within a month of buying the car. It wasn't even 3 years old and only had 60 000 miles on it. …
Throttle Housing cracked. Lessing the power in the engine.
Purchased this vehicle in February 2022 with 105,000 miles. Oil sticker indicated recent oil change and oil color was light and clear. The day after purchase the check engine light came on. Diagnostic scan indicated bad thermostat assembly and 2 oil sensors needed replacement. Ra…
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 30 mph, the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver s…
The thermostat has gone out in this vehicle 4 times in the past 14 months. Luckily for me I had the vehicle repaired at a shop that offers a warranty on the thermostat. But I still have to pay out of pocket every single time for a rental car in order for this vehicle to get repai…
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, A FELLOW MOTORIST HAD HONKED AT HER AS SHE NOTICED FLAMES FORMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE RADIO INSIDE HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER INITIALLY ATTEMPTED TO…
MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON , SO I HAD IT RAN FOR A TEST WHICH P2076 HAS CAME UP AS 1 OF THE CODES. PRIOR TO FINDING THIS OUT MY CAR HAS CUT OFF ON ME 3 TIMES JUST BEING STROPPED AT A RED LIGHT. LAST TIME WAS ON THANKSGIVING 2020, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY TURNE…
THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED IT FROM. IT'S ONLY BEING FIVE MONTHS AND I AM HAVING THESE ERRORS AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE COOLANT HAS LEAKED OUT AND I HAD TO REFILL THE COOLANT.
MY COOLANT HAS CONTINUOUSLY LEAKED SINCE I GOT THE CAR. IT MAY BE A HOSE ISSUE, BUT MY "ENGINE OVERHEATING- IDLE ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, AND MY COOLANT RESERVOIR KEEPS EMPTYING QUICKLY. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR INSTANCES WITH THIS PARTICULAR YEAR OF THE CHEVY …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
Safety recalls
2017 Chevrolet Sonic recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Chevrolet Sonic buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 37 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
#1: Engine Problems (20 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 37 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?▾
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Sonic reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 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.