2016 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car that was available as a sedan or hatchback. Engine options included a 1.8L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque and a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual (1.8L only), a 6-speed manual (1.4L Turbo only), and a 6-speed automatic, available with either engine. Owners generally appreciate the Sonic’s fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and available technology features. Common complaints revolve around the car’s relatively small size, road noise, and some reported reliability issues, particularly with certain engine and transmission configurations.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noise from the turbocharger, check engine light. Can occur due to oil starvation or bearing failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger. Inspect oil lines for blockage and ensure proper oil changes are performed regularly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, check engine light, oil leaks, increased oil consumption, vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, sweet smell under the hood. Often occurs at the water outlet or thermostat housing.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking components, such as the water outlet, thermostat housing, or hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, check engine light, possible vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Applies to both 1.4L Turbo and 1.8L)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, slipping sensation during acceleration, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Can be due to low fluid level, degraded fluid, or internal damage to the transmission. A fluid change may help if the issue is minor. More severe cases require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear. Affects control arm bushings and stabilizer bar bushings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, needing frequent jump starts. Could be due to a parasitic draw or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic draw or replacement of the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MyLink infotainment system freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update (if available), or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update if available) - $500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues such as lights not working, sensors malfunctioning, or the engine not starting.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of the damaged wiring harness. Rodent damage is a common cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Side Mirror Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power side mirrors stop adjusting or moving. The motor inside the mirror assembly fails.
  • Solution: Replacement of the side mirror assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters stop working or function intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, while appreciated for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability, does present some reliability concerns. The 1.4L turbo engine faces potential turbocharger and PCV valve issues, while the 1.8L may encounter intake manifold problems. Transmission problems, especially with the 6-speed automatic, can lead to costly repairs. Electrical and suspension issues are also present, albeit less frequently. Repair costs can range from relatively minor expenses (e.g., ignition coils) to substantial investments (e.g., transmission replacement), making it crucial for prospective buyers to have a pre-purchase inspection performed.