2017 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Report
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (36) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic with 8 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Sonic Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Sonic years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic | 14 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | 48 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Sonic | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Sonic | 113 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic | 9 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Chevrolet onlyEngine And Engine Cooling,Power Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Reliability Score
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Electrical System Engine and electrical system failures are common, leading to sudden loss of power and vehicle deceleration. This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering And Power Steering Steering and power steering issues are frequent, causing the steering column to lock up and the vehicle to lose power. This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Visibility And Wipers Visibility and wiper systems are prone to failure, reducing driver visibility. This can be hazardous, especially in poor weather conditions. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Thermostat Thermostat failures are frequent, leading to engine overheating and potential damage. This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic:
Engine and electrical system failures are common, leading to sudden loss of power and vehicle deceleration.
Steering and power steering issues are frequent, causing the steering column to lock up and the vehicle to lose power.
Visibility and wiper systems are prone to failure, reducing driver visibility.
Thermostat failures are frequent, leading to engine overheating and potential damage.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 6 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 shift as intended, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact exited the highway and continued to drive ...
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 bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. ...
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 my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery,...
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 the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to ga...
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 reprogramming P/S module. Of course, this was not covered under our Protection Plan and should be covered, I had to pay. $578.37 ...
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. This was after I spend thousands and my power train warranty expired. Oil changes and Routine maintenance were all don...
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. Last month it failed. Just last week the thermostat housing failed. Now today the water outlet failed again. This car ...
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. Radiator fluid was low. AC didn't cool. Repairs completed almost $900. The check engine light came on again the next day. ...
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 sustained a head laceration and right and left knee injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken ...
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 repaired. I now have to put it back into the shop for the 5th time in 14 months for the thermostat to be replaced yet again b...
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 EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A CUP OF WATER BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THEN CALLED...
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 TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, BUT IT DID CUT BACK ON. THE OTHER 2 TIMES THAT MY CAR SUDDENLY CUT ...
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 SONIC. MY AIR ALSO GETS WARM VERY OFTEN, WHICH IS LINKED TO THE COOLANT ISSUE. MY CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS LIGHT COMES...
LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 12 MILES, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER BAD , WHEN YOU LET UP ON GAS FOOT IT TAKES VERY LONG TO GET IT GOING SLOW TO BUILD UP POWER.REGULAR ROADWAY, NO HILLS .LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN PARKED A WHILE THEN COME BACK ON AFTER 12 MILES.
Showing 20 of 36 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Has the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC been recalled?
No, the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC have?
The 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
The 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC involve engine (10 complaints), air bags (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, visibility/wiper, engine and engine cooling,power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC out of 36 total complaints (16.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC out of 36 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC is generally recommended. It has 36 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC are: 1. ENGINE (10 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 10 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
Be cautious of engine and electrical system failures, steering and power steering issues, and thermostat problems. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues. The 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC has 36 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
The 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 36 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Electrical System and Steering and Power Steering.
What are the known issues with the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC?
Known issues with the 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC include: Engine and Electrical System, Steering and Power Steering, Visibility and Wipers, Thermostat. These are based on patterns found across 36 NHTSA complaints.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
Engine and electrical system failures, steering and power steering issues, and thermostat problems are the most common.
How can I prevent engine overheating in my 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
Regularly check and replace the thermostat, and ensure proper coolant levels and quality.
What should I do if I experience sudden loss of power while driving?
Pull over safely, check for any warning lights, and seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and electrical system failures, steering and power steering issues, and thermostat problems. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The data includes 36 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14