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2018 Chevrolet Sonic

Gas
Compact Cars
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
A
Safety Signal
92 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns1
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA14
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA32 mpg
20202019201820172016

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact car with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sonic, is EPA-rated at 32 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of A. Owners have filed 14 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
SonicGasFWD1.4L 4-cyl turbo283732$1,950
Sonic 5GasFWD1.4L 4-cyl turbo283732$1,950
SonicGasFWD1.4L 4-cyl turbo273530$2,100
Sonic 5GasFWD1.4L 4-cyl turbo273530$2,100
SonicGasFWD1.8L 4-cyl263529$2,150
Sonic 5GasFWD1.8L 4-cyl263529$2,150
SonicGasFWD1.8L 4-cyl253428$2,250
Sonic 5GasFWD1.8L 4-cyl253428$2,250

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39146, 39182, 39145, 39181, 39425, 39447, 39424, 39446.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (1)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

18178
71 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskIn the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V342000reported May 27, 2018General Motors LLC

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
14complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2025: 2

Most-cited components

Electrical System5
Engine4
Seats2
Wheels2
Unspecified2
Exterior Lighting1

What owners describe

“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, safety-related malfunction covered…”Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“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 fuel. The contact stated t…”May 15, 2025 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA owner report
“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 manufacturer was notified of…”Jun 28, 2022 · Air Bags · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆13%
5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆13%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Sonic model years

A

2020 Chevrolet Sonic

0 recalls · 10 complaints

A

2019 Chevrolet Sonic

0 recalls · 8 complaints

A

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

0 recalls · 37 complaints

A

2016 Chevrolet Sonic

2 recalls · 48 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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