2017 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car offered in both sedan and hatchback configurations. It was available with two engine options: a 1.8L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a 5-speed manual (1.8L only), a 6-speed manual (1.4L only), or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sonic for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and user-friendly infotainment system. However, some common complaints include a somewhat cramped rear seat, a less refined interior compared to some competitors, and occasional reports of reliability issues.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, reduced acceleration, hissing or whining noises from the engine bay, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running engine, poor fuel economy. Can be caused by a leaking PCV valve integrated into the manifold.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, sweet smell coming from the engine bay. May be leaks around the water outlet/thermostat housing or radiator hoses.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the coolant leak. Replace damaged hoses, gaskets, or the thermostat housing as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, engine knocking or ticking noises.
  • Solution: This can stem from a number of causes. Some have had luck switching to a heavier weight oil, but more serious cases need piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts between gears, the engine revving high before engaging a gear, hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update may resolve the issue. In other cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software Update) - $3000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during low-speed acceleration, especially around 40 mph. Can also cause stalling at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, bottoming out over bumps, leaking fluid from struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps. Poor handling and steering response.
  • Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain. Check for aftermarket accessories that might be causing the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, not responding to touch inputs, Bluetooth connectivity issues, screen flickering.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $800+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Weak or no cold air blowing from the vents, unusual noises from the A/C compressor.
  • Solution: Recharge the A/C system, repair or replace the A/C compressor, condenser, or other components. Check for leaks in the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic can be a fuel-efficient and practical small car, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 1.4L turbo (turbo failure, intake manifold) and 1.8L (oil consumption), and transmission issues are potential concerns. Suspension and electrical issues also appear with some frequency. Repair costs can range from relatively minor (sensor replacement) to quite significant (engine or transmission rebuild), making a thorough pre-purchase inspection highly recommended.