Four problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic based on all problems reported for the 2013 Sonic.
Air intake system. Not long after we bought the car the check engine light came on reading a code ph171. We were told it was a knock sensor which we replaced and it didn't fix the problem, after we were told it was the air intake hose, checked it and it looks like it's a new hose no issues with it. Now we are trying everything we can to figure out the problem. We check online forums and found out that this is a huge problem with this car and almost no one knows exactly what it is to fix it. When the car is driving it seems fine but as soon as you stop and it idles it seems like it wants to die and almost has a few times. Was just curious if this is such a huge problem that so many people are having why there has not been a recall?.
Things started after my vehicle was repaired after a car hit me and took off. I noticed the check engine light came and stayed on, at certain times the car either while driving or while stopped the car will either shake for 2-3 minutes or also while stationary the traction system light will come on then turn off. I've also experienced issues with slow or not as responsive acceleration or unprompted rpg gauge revving and sometimes thats coupled with the shaking to the point that my has shut off while driving down a city street. I was never aware of any recalls so im not sure if it has anything to do with a possible recall that hasnt been diagnosed but theres great cause for concern. - I wasnt able to choose every affected part.
The car has been having intermittent reduced engine power since September 2016. The car was taken to the dealer, the check engine light never illuminated and no problem was diagnosed. During a recent trip the car began to have reduced engine power and surging. The check engine light illuminated. Trouble code p0171. The car was taken to the dealer who set an appointment. Check engine light turned off after a couple of days. On the way to the dealer the car almost died at a stop light. The problem was diagnosed as evap purge control solenoid.
When the car came to a complete stop at a stop light the engine was surging without application of the accelerator pedal. The check engine light came illuminated. We continued driving until about an hour later when the car was put in park in the driveway the engine surged until I shut it off. The check engine light remained illuminated and was taken to the local dealer the next day. The service advisor requested we bring it back the following Monday. The check engine light turned off while driving Saturday. During the drive back to the dealer for the Monday appointment and stopped at a stop light the engine rpm's dropped in half and ran rough for a few seconds. The rpm decrease and rough running has been a longer term issue that has been previously diagnosed with no resolution. I was advised based on current diagnosis that the evap purge control solenoid needs to be replaced.