Model year guide

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Chevrolet Sonic at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints14
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$12,320

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

2018 Chevrolet Sonic recalls 1

Seats NHTSA Campaign #18V342000 · 27/05/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

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.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,063

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

What's a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic worth?

Low
$9,495
Typical price
$12,320
High
$13,799

From 5 comparable 2018 Chevrolet Sonic listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,315
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,800
Total$14,115
Per mile$0.19

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 ($12,320) with the same model 5 model-years older ($8,510), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic trims & engines on record

Trims
LT · Premier
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl · 1.8L 4-cyl

2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Sonic model years

2018 Chevrolet Sonic — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, seats.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic at about 30 mpg combined (27 city / 35 highway).

How much is a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic worth?

Comparable 2018 Chevrolet Sonic listings run roughly $9,495–$13,799, typically around $12,320 (from 5 vehicles).

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