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2013 Chevrolet Sonic

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz, 5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
Length
159.1–173.2 in
Curb weight
2,690–2,727 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 173 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,727 lb (4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 24% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Sonic →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz173.2 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,727 lb62/38
5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS159.1 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,690 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+24%$2,100276
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+26%$2,100276
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+16%$2,250290
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+19%$2,250290
Sonic1.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+12%$2,300305
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+15%$2,300305
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 29+15%$2,300301
Sonic1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+8%$2,400317
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+11%$2,400317
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+11%$2,400321
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.9 MPG2013 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.

Similar 2013 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Chevrolet Sonic (this car)32 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated0
2013 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated4
2013 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated5
2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jul 27, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V516000 · 767 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles

Problem
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 with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
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.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2,990 vehicles

Problem
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 oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Fix
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. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Sep 26, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V464000 · 1,558 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
Risk
If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights · May 24, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V220000 · 10,210 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. Originally, in May 2013, GM recalled 1,627 model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; and model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. In October 2013, GM informed the agency that it was adding model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles to this campaign , representing an additional 8,050 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 9,677. On the affected vehicles, the brake lamps may intermittently flash without the brakes being applied and the cruise control may disengage. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owner's may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's recall number is 13158.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Sep 17, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V454000 · 4,716 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 29, 2012, through August 29, 2012. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the condition to the driver. Thus, These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the driver is not aware that the turn signal is not functioning and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle's key fobs, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

180Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
60,070 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine45
Electrical System45
Unknown Or Other43
Power Train33
Air Bags20
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)12
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Steering11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/12: 321/02: 121/07: 121/09: 121/12: 122/02: 122/05: 122/06: 222/07: 122/09: 122/11: 122/12: 123/02: 123/10: 123/11: 124/04: 224/07: 124/11: 124/12: 125/02: 125/03: 125/04: 125/06: 126/01: 120/1221/0922/0522/0923/0224/0424/1225/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 45 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 33 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,070 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sonic years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Sonic29174 in★★★★★010
2019 Sonic31174 in★★★★★08
2018 Sonic32174 in★★★★★115
2017 Sonic32174 inNot rated037
2016 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated248
2015 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated3114
2014 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated4137
2012 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated7248

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →