Is the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet SONIC has 69 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC?

Top problems: ENGINE (15 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (11 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet SONIC?

The 2016 Chevrolet SONIC gets 30 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1600. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Chevrolet SONIC?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Chevrolet SONIC

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet SONIC has 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 69. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: 2016 chevrolet sonic. consumer writes in regards to significant rodent damage to engine compartment insulation causes a minor fire. *smd. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 8 crash reports 5 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

15 complaints

22%

• 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, STALLED, AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER DIXIE CHEVROLET (5340 DIXIE HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40216, (502) 448-2820) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO
• TAKATA RECALL- THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON I HAVE TAKEN IT TO AUTO SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY WRONG TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALER THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BUT MY CAR SHAKES AND STALLS ON ME. IT'S VERY FRASTRATING SPENDING ON THE VECHILE AND ONE CAN FIND WHAT'S GOING ON.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC

Based on 45 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 48K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Reported earliermedian 26K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 58K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 53K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE10/06/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet SONIC

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,600

Per month

$133

Per mile

13.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet SONIC

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SONIC Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 SONIC, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 69 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT RODENT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSULATION CAUSES A MINOR FIRE. *SMD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: AS I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET, POSSIBLY TWO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTING MY HOME, IS WHEN I'D REALIZED THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. EVERYTIME FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS, THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AS SOON AS THE CAR TURNED ON. IT FINALLY SHUT OFF AFTER I WENT OUT TO SHOP. IT WAS ILLUM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN THE RIGHT LANE IN THE AREA OF MILE MARKER 7 IN SOUTH CAROLINA A PIECE OF FOREIGN DEBUS WAS RAN OVER BY THE CAR IN FROM OF ME. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL BOUNCED OF THE ROAD AND HIT THE FRONT BUMPER GRILL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER ( 24 INCH PIECE OF METAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG INDICATOR SHOWS "OFF" WHEN A NORMAL SIZED ADULT IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION I.E DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME.. MOVING IN THE SEAT, CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING SEAT BELT, OPENING AND CLOSING PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT CHANGE THE INDICATION. INDI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)