Chevrolet Sonic owners have reported 4 latches/locks/linkage related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common latches/locks/linkage problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's latches/locks/linkage (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driver’s lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the while the vehicle was turned on with the transmission in park(p), the doors would erroneously lock. On several occasions after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who checked the battery but found no failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Tl the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact just purchased the vehicle and noticed that the chime failed to sound when the key was placed in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact to take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer. The vehicle was taken to gold rush Chevrolet (located at 570 grass valley hwy, auburn, CA 95603, (530) 392-4672), but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The contact also stated that all the doors failed to remain unlocked when exiting the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case number: 9-5199799138. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
I have found the switch blade key used by many Chevrolet products has a tendency to operate when the key is put in your pants pocket. On many occasions I have locked or unlocked the doors or released the trunk latch simply by sitting down or walking down the steps. This is a minor problem until you realize there is an auto start feature on this key and I worry that I could accidentally start the car by sitting in my lazyboy with the key in my pocket. The results could be death due to carbon monoxide with the garage being under the bedrooms. The buttons are not recessed and are easily activated by rubbing on your leg. I have had a similar key fob from Ford for many years and have never had any problem like this.