2012 Chevrolet Sonic
1G1JC6SH6D4120975
Vehicle record for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic (VIN 1G1JC6SH6D4120975). Red, hatchback, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 7 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 1G1JC6SH6D4120975
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 2012 Chevrolet Sonic data →
What's a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic worth?
What comparable 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Rollover risk: 12.6% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 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. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. 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 2012 Chevrolet Sonic — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…
NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021Air Bag Non-deployment Closed
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying. These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see…
NHTSA #RQ13002 · Air Bags · opened May 2013 · closed Jul 2014An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1589
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 1589.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 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 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060,…
Bulletin PIC5650M · Aug 2025This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Bulletin PIP4902S · Jun 2025Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SONIC FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 8
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The headlamp high-beam lens is not marked with the bulb type, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: An manufacturing change has been undertaken to prevent this non-compliance condition from continuing. No correc…
Transport Canada #2017051 · Feb 2017Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2012368.
Transport Canada #2014306 · Jul 2014Accessories
On certain vehicles, insulation on the engine block heater power cord may become damaged if the cord is handled during very cold days (temperatures below -25C). This could create an electrical shock hazard, which could result in personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater cord.
Transport Canada #2014274 · Jul 2014Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.8L engine and 6 speed automatic transmission, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture, disabling transmission gears 3 through 6. If this were to occur while the transmission is in 1st or 2nd gear, the transmission would fail to up-shift past 2nd gear, limiting vehicle speed. If this were to occur while the transmission is in 3rd through…
Transport Canada #2014229 · Jun 2014Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary or secondary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2014306.
Transport Canada #2014213 · Jun 2014Airbag
On certain vehicles, the primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted). Failure of an airbag to deploy correctly could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil.
Transport Canada #2012368 · Oct 2012Source: 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 7
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix …
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020
NHTSA Campaign #14V417000 · manufacturer #14257 · 02/07/2014POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.
NHTSA Campaign #14V315000 · manufacturer #14234 · 12/06/2014AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a short…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
NHTSA Campaign #14V300000 · manufacturer #12261 · 06/06/2014AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
NHTSA Campaign #13V023000 · manufacturer #12261 · 24/01/2013AIR BAGS
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
NHTSA Campaign #12V522000 · manufacturer #12261 · 31/10/2012VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
NHTSA Campaign #12V408000 · manufacturer #12176 · 20/08/2012SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON
NHTSA Campaign #11V599000 · 28/12/2011Note: 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 354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 27 involved a crash 🔥 5 involved a fire 🚑 18 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 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.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
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 354
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
I purchased a 2012 Chevy Sonic with 65k miles on it from Carvibe LLC earlier this month. When I took it into Firestone for a full inspection, they found that the car has severe rusting to the mechanical parts along with the body of the vehicle - the entire structure of the vehicle is compromised. Someone spray painted the rust black but Firestone was still a…
NHTSA ODI #11758358POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that on several occasions, while coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly remained in second gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the vehicle to shift into another gear. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed …
NHTSA ODI #11720417POWER TRAIN
Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear. Transmission does not engage into gear.
NHTSA ODI #11715161ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting code after replacing 3 accelerator peddles. Possible manufacture issue with wiring that water gets into connectors shorting out that system
NHTSA ODI #11671614VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI #11658643SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the brakes, ABS, traction control, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took longer than normal to slow down. The contact stat…
NHTSA ODI #11656528POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the transmission. The contact merged to the side of the road. The contact then went to auto parts store and attempted to change the speed sensor; however, the parts store had given the contact the i…
NHTSA ODI #11654601ENGINE
I purchased this car 2 years ago and it has caused me absolutely nothing but trouble. We have replaced the fan 4 times (twice due to the resistor thats part of the fan failed), headgasket job, intercooler punctures (once inward, once outward), failed valve cover, intake maniford, turbo seals twice, failing check values, new relays for the fan (twice), anothe…
NHTSA ODI #11624090+ 346 more complaints on record.
