2016 Chevrolet Sonic
1G1JC5SH3G4148845
Vehicle record for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (VIN 1G1JC5SH3G4148845). Black, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1G1JC5SH3G4148845
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2016 Chevrolet Sonic data →
What's a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic worth?
What comparable 2016 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,558) with the same model 4 model-years older ($7,239), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 1085
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 1085.
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026PI to help diagnose A/C concern
Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…
Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902T · Aug 2025Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SONIC FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with a "Bring Your Own Media" (BYOM) radio may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection and CMVSS 208 - Occupant Protection in Frontal Impacts. The radio software may fail to provide an audible warning/reminder chime that meets the requirements of the standard when the key is left in…
Transport Canada #2016292 · Jun 2016Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with a "Bring Your Own Media" (BYOM) radio may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection. The radio software may fail to provide an audible warning/reminder chime that meets the requirements of the standard if the ignition key is left in the off position and the driver delays opening…
Transport Canada #2016191 · Apr 2016Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic may refer to:Chevrolet Sonic (crossover), a subcompact crossover SUV sold from 2026 Chevrolet Sonic (2012), a subcompact hatchback/sedan, the second generation of the Chevrolet Aveo
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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 Mo…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V422000 · manufacturer #45340 · 10/06/2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicle…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
NHTSA Campaign #16V257000 · manufacturer #17130 · 28/04/2016Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 8 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 6 reported injuries
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 48
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
ENGINE
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but t…
NHTSA ODI #11718737UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.
NHTSA ODI #11713403STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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…
NHTSA ODI #11683159ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts need…
NHTSA ODI #11595505ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery.
NHTSA ODI #11541260ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
NHTSA ODI #11541262POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activa…
NHTSA ODI #11492766ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the cool…
NHTSA ODI #11444626+ 40 more complaints on record.
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