Three problems related to engine stall have been reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic based on all problems reported for the 2012 Sonic.
Multiple reports of daewoo Sonics (and cruzes, also sourced from daewoo though assembled in the united states) equipped with the 1. 4l turbocharged engine stalling out and/or accelerating poorly in warm/hot conditions when using 87 octane fuel. These vehicles are unsafe in warm weather when owners use regular, unleaded gasoline, even though the manufacturer does not prohibit low octane fuel from being used. (premium fuel is "recommended" but not required, and the demographic groups that will purchase these cars likely will not wish to spend additional money for premium fuel for economical, subcompact automobiles. ) NHTSA needs to investigate these examples of government motors once again endangering the general public.
Idles roughly, idle increases dramatically while the car is at a stop, and the engine stalls very frequently, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. On start-up, or while stopped with the engine running, the idle will become rough and vary between 200-3,000 rpm, but not stall. Also at times, while stopped, the idle will increase from normal, smooth idle up to about 3,000 rpm for approximately one second, then drop back down to 750 rpm (normal idle speed) without touching the accelerator. The engine will also stall at parking lot speeds when I push in the clutch to shift from 2nd to 1st gear. The car also often stalls when pulling out from a stop. A re-start cannot be attempted for approximately 3 seconds. Turn the key, nothing happens. I've owned this vehicle (1. 4l turbo engine with 6 spd manual transmission) since 05/21/2012, and over 8,000 miles later, it still idles roughly and stalls every time I drive it. The dealerships say, "cannot reproduce. Operating to specifications. ".
Idles dramatically while the car is at a stop, and the engine stalls very frequently, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. On start-up, or while stopped with the engine running, the idle will become rough and very between 200-3,000 rpm. Also at times, while stopped, the idle will increase from normal, smooth idle up to about 3,000 rpm for approximately one second, then drop back down to 750 rpm (normal idle speed) without touching the accelerator. The automatic shifting from 1st to 3rd gear completely skips around. The car shifts are hard to the point, once you come to a stop it feels like the transmission is going to fall out.