Vehicle Data Hub

2013 Chevrolet Sonic engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 61 complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 19% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
61 19% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
72,000 miles 48 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
3 and 3
Injuries and deaths
1 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 72,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 12 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 4 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 5 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 5 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 12 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 4 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 4 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 1 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 1 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 72,000 miles
Based on 48 complaints that include mileage. 44% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles12
20k to 40k miles4
40k to 60k miles5
60k to 80k miles5
80k to 100k miles12
100k to 120k miles4
120k to 140k miles4
140k to 160k miles1
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles1

What the data shows

Of the 48 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 72,000 miles, and 44% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 3 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injury.

What owners wrote

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 chevrolet sonic. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the engine revved continuously. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her head and neck that required medical attention. A police report was filed.

Reported at 48,000 miles, October 2015 CrashInjury

My 2013 chevy sonic developed ticking sound shortly after I bought it at 60000 miles. The ticking got worse over time and then check engine light came on. I scanned the codes and multiple four codes were found. P0171, p0496, p1101, and p2270. After doing some research it seemed to be that most cruze, sonic, and trax vehicles all had the same issues. I took it to the dealer for diagnostics and was informed the vehicle needed a new intake manifold, purge valve, pcv hose, and valve cover.

Reported at 80,000 miles, October 2020

Other problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Chevrolet models