Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 27% |
| Air bags | 2 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 5% |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 5% |
| Structure | 1 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Steering | 1 | 3% |
| Steering | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine ma
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and collided with the driver'
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the entire vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that after the vehicle was left idling, the shaking and vibration diminish
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Steering Colom locks up, 4 different times. Engine shuts off. NO power to turn vehicle. Vehicle at Paradise Chevrolet since 3\18\24. Only Steering Colom, - service power steering ASAP.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
| Reliability raw | 83 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 79 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 78 | good |
| Performance | 43 | below average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 10 of them (27%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 83/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 79/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 75/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.