Model year guide

2016 Chevrolet sonic

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Chevrolet sonic is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2016 Chevrolet sonic — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 Chevrolet sonic at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints48
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$8,558

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2016 Chevrolet sonic recalls 2

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #16V422000 · 10/06/2016

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 Motor Vehicle Safet…

Fix: 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.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc. NHTSA Campaign #16V257000 · 28/04/2016

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 vehicles fail to comply …

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2016 Chevrolet sonic common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
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.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2016 Chevrolet sonic MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,063

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2016 Chevrolet sonic worth?

Low
$6,995
Typical price
$8,558
High
$11,498

From 24 comparable 2016 Chevrolet sonic listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Chevrolet sonic costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,315
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,650
Total$11,965
Per mile$0.16

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.

2016 Chevrolet sonic trims & engines on record

Trims
LT · LS · LTZ
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 1.4L 4-cyl

2016 Chevrolet sonic vehicles on record

2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SG2G4174800 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SG7G4138892 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SH2G4158191 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA5SH9G4182259 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA5SH0G4155080 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SH1G4130012 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LTZ1G1JE6SBXG4160471 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA6SH4G4176441 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JB6SH2G4114517 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SHXG4109797 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SH3G4116158 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SG9G4131612 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA6SH5G4110321 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LTZ1G1JE5SB9G4137810 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SG9G4150001 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SH0G4122087 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA5SH2G4167683 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC6SB8G4157994 2016 Chevrolet sonic LS1G1JA5SH8G4123834 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SG2G4112300 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SGXG4184555 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LT1G1JC5SG5G4162754 2016 Chevrolet sonic 2016 Chevrolet sonic LTZ1G1JE6SB5G4150981 2016 Chevrolet sonic LTZ1G1JE6SB3G4160571

Other Chevrolet sonic model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2015 2014 2013 2012

2016 Chevrolet sonic — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet sonic have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet sonic. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet sonic?

Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet sonic get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet sonic at about 30 mpg combined (26 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2016 Chevrolet sonic worth?

Comparable 2016 Chevrolet sonic listings run roughly $6,995–$11,498, typically around $8,558 (from 24 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.