general problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic

30 problems related to engine and engine cooling 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.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2025

Vehicle enters into catalyst monitor too early. Monitor fales indicating that the catalyst is below efficiency threshold. A vehicle is run for a significant amount of time before being allowed to enter the driving conditions for the catalyst monitor, monitor will pass. This indicates that there is a programming failure, not an actual component failure. Theory has been tested multiple times. Catalyst had also been tested by temperature sensor as well as by taking readings with a gas analyzer before and after the catalyst. Everything indicates the catalyst is well within operating parameters. Theories, test, and confirmations have been conducted by a certified technician and mechanical engineer.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2024

Was driving in heavy rain when car suddenly cut power and decelerated showed code 84 and the cel came back with p2138. It is a known issue that rain gets up into the connector and causes a malfunction.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a water pump and the thermostat housing failure. The contact discovered technical service bulletin: 14371b; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2022

2013 Chevrolet Sonic 1. 8 l , fuel system lean ,mass airflow sensor, in limp mode preventing acceleration, gas tank when added gas. . . . Shuts down after start up-fuel system/gasoline; may cause possible fuel leak and could combust, alarm system and locks don't properly function - electric system equipment, insufficient welds. . . Around fuel tank and front of vehicle on bottom by driver's side could also cause combustion, bcm codes that came up were communication, electrical, fuel, windows, and airbags! autozone codes were po171 and co561-77,I looked up recalls , several came up for my make and model but weren't specific to my VIN# however my vehicle is doing everything pertaining to them! and I looked up if there was any special coverage on it and said there is. . . Before 120k miles or ten years time. And I was never notified of it & never received anything in the mail . . .

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2022

Multiple parts in my engine have malfunctioned in the past year, the most recent being a tube bursting and getting coolant everywhere. Other problems have been with valves, temperature gauges and even the radiator. It’s like something new breaks every month. I have had every issue fixed and usually I don’t get a warning lamp until I’m broken down on the side of the road.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2022

Boniface hiers Chevrolet dealer in melbourne florida said they did a full inspection before selling this vehicle. 2 days later after purchase the radiator fan stop working even tho they put a new one, missing thermostat, code 3rd gear malfunction.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2021

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear wheels of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard clicking sounds while making turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to her residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2020

The fuel system is running weak, for a car with only 30000 miles, one owner and full maintenance, the engine light came and go all the time and everything was checking.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2020

I purchased my vehicle 3 years ago preowned from the dealer and within these 3 years I have already had a catalytic converter recall, the issue recently is my ac system in my car is out and as a did research on the specific year there's people who have already replaced the ac system up to 5 times for 2013 Sonics. This is a manufacturing issue that needs to be fixed on Chevrolet's behalf.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2020

Tl-the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while at stops the vehicle would suddenly start shaking and gave the indication that it would shut off. Sometimes the vehicle did actually shut off and the contact had to restart and press hard on the gas pedal . The issue would reoccur several times during a single trip. The dealer bob grimm Chevrolet 2271 s main st, morton, IL 61550 (309) 263-2241 set up an appointment to perform a diagnostic and driving test so the vehicle had not yet been repaired . The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 99,000. Tf.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/31/2019

I was driving to work and was coming up to an intersection I had to turn at. I pushed the break pedal, but it was really stiff and didn't do much. My car slid across the road into a wooden electric pole because it would not stop. My car is totaled and now I have to figure out some way to get a different vehicle.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2019

Takata recall - the engine has been misfiring this has also happen to someone else I know who has had the same vehicle. This is very unsafe and they don't have it as a recall yet but all of the dealership are aware of it. The vehicle jerks when your driving or when its parked. This is not the alternator or anything else I had that replaced and nothing was wrong with it and the same issue is still occurring. It a bad part they put in the engine and it neeeds to be recalled. It is unfair and not safe for customers with this issue. The vehicle jerks and when is does it it feels like it hesitates to drive while in drive mode. This has been happening for a couple of months it has just gotten worse and I am truly scared.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2018

Car gave me a code of u0101 and took it to chevy dealership and told me it has something to do with lost communication. They tried fixing issue but couldn�t.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/04/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to sarra Chevrolet (1170 centerpoint parkway, birmingham, alabama 35215, (205) 853-2906) where the thermostat was replaced at approximately 24,000 miles. The contact stated that failure recurred. The dealer diagnosis revealed diagnostic trouble code: p0597 (thermostat heater fault, replace thermostat housing). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,397.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2017

I have had to replace the thermostat 3 times and it has gone out again.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2017

Acceleration is bad, and inconsisten. Also, when shifting gears the shifter button gets stuck everytime never fails. That's a real safety issue considering I accidently bump it, and the car went into manual, while driving. I barely touched it and it moved. This is the last gm car that I will ever buy always something with their cars. The acceleration for this car on the interstate is bad people go around me because it takes so long to accelerate, it also hesitates when accelerating. I've only had this car for about a month.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/07/2016

Key sticks in the ignition, unable to remove when in park position. I work a dangerous job in bad areas and cannot depend on the key being released from the switch after parking. Whatch puts me in a awkward situation in regards to safety.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2016

Car shakes very bad when driving and approaching a stop.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2016

Gm part number 95027313 outlet duct connecting the air box to the throttle body has shredded in 30,000 miles of use. This problem causes the engine to run lean (odb2 error code p0171) resulting in significantly reduced fuel economy, poor acceleration, rough idle, and potential failures to a number of costly sensors and components, as well as allowing dirty, unfiltered directly into the engine. A quick google search reveals 26,000 search results including forums and message boards where countless Sonic owners report the same issue. This is a widespread product defect and gm needs to provide a repair solution for owners of this model vehicle.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2016

While driving my car for the past year now I have noticed my rpm gauge sticking and revving on its own. It is starting to happen more consistently. When I'm driving downhill the rpm gauge will rev high and stay stuck high. Then when I put the car in park it will rev high on its own and stay stuck and eventually come back down. Something new I have started to experience is when I'm at a complete stop the rpm gauge will start revving up and down on it's own while my car lights brighten and dim and my warning light comes on that I'm sliding which is impossible since I'm at a complete stop. I have also noticed the transmission has started to feel jerky lately with everything else. I just purchased this vehicle almost 2 years ago and I only have 58,000 miles on it.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2015

The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the engine revved continuously. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her head and neck that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was unavailable.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2015

The contact leased a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. While driving 10 mph, the vehicle experienced an issue with the air duct. The contact stated that the vehicle's engine ran hot due to the pressure ratio. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed there was a tear in the air duct that needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The tear in the air duct was between the map sensor and the throttle body. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2015

On my way to work noticed the car lacking some power when accelerating to get on highway. Over the next 2 weeks car started sounding different. (like driving with air breather off) while changing oil today noticed air intake tube is cracked. Which could allow dirt and moisture to bypass filter and go into engine causing damage. Now the car has 52130 miles on it 2013 Sonic LS. Air intake tube should last longer then 2 years.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/11/2014

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that there was an intermittent leak in the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the seals and gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact inquired if the engine needed to be repaired and the authorized dealer nor the manufacturer were able to confirm with the contact if the component needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Dyd.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/17/2014

This has happened more than once since I bought the car in October 2013, but it is happening daily now. I put the key in the ignition and it will not turn at all. It is stuck. I take the key out and put it back in and try to turn with no luck. Today it took 15 times of trying to turn the key and taking it out and putting it back in before it would start. I have even videoed myself trying to start my car so I can show the dealership. I am supposed to take it in tomorrow.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2014

After haselwood Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership fixed the transmission seals I noticed that the engine is idling rough when at a stop light I notice this every once in a while.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/28/2014

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact mentioned that after numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to start and function properly. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2014

When in park, the engine idles very roughly. As a result of the rough idle, the fuel economy is not as good as it is supposed to be. Twice, the car has stopped running when at a stop sign/traffic light. When I reported to my dealer, the dealer informed me there was a TSB on the issue and the solution was to run tier 1 gasoline in the vehicle. The dealer indicated that gm does not have a "fix" for the problem. The car has the 1. 8 l gasoline engine with six speed automatic transmission.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2013

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, a tractor trailer crashed into the contact's vehicle from the front driver's side door. The front driver, roof and side air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed of the incident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 2,000. Kmj.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2013

This condition happens during first drive of the day or after the vehicle sits for a while. While accelerating through the automatic transmission the car surges/jolts at or near the shift points. It almost feels as if I started moving the vehicle in the wrong gear, if it were a manual transmission. This condition also exists if you start moving the vehicle forward and then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal and coast. This vehicle is the rs model equiped with the 1. 4 liter turbo.



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