2017 Chevrolet Sonic

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car that offers a sporty and fuel-efficient ride. It’s offered with two engine options: a 1.4L turbocharged engine with 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine with 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The 1.4L engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 1.8L engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission only.

Drivers appreciate the Sonic’s agile handling and impressive fuel economy, but some have experienced issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other components.

Engine

• 1.4L Turbocharged Engine
  • Premature Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The water pump fails prematurely, leading to overheating and engine damage. Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating gauge readings, and reduced engine power.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 1.8L Naturally Aspirated Engine
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The clutch master cylinder fails, resulting in a loss of clutch pressure and the inability to shift gears. Symptoms include a spongy or stiff clutch pedal, difficulty shifting gears, and grinding noises during shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission Control Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission control module (TCM) fails, leading to erratic shifting, delayed shifts, and transmission slipping. Symptoms include rough or delayed gear changes, loss of power, and illuminated check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the TCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mounts
  • Premature Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts fail prematurely, leading to poor ride quality, excessive noise, and reduced handling. Symptoms include clunking noises, vibrations, and a bouncy ride.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $450+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Premature Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery fails prematurely, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or electrical system malfunction. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and malfunctioning electronics.
    • Solution: Replace the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Premature Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, leading to a loss of electrical power and the inability to charge the battery. Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering electronics, and a dead battery.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Power Window Motors
  • Premature Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors fail, resulting in the inability to operate the power windows. Symptoms include intermittent or complete failure of the power windows.
    • Solution: Replace the power window motors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found
• Cruise Control Switch
  • Premature Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The cruise control switch fails, resulting in the inability to use the cruise control system. Symptoms include intermittent or complete failure of the cruise control, and inability to set or cancel cruise control.
    • Solution: Replace the cruise control switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is a reliable and fuel-efficient compact car, but it has experienced some issues with its engine, transmission, and other components. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific problem and the affected component.