2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT — 1.8L 4 Cyl, Automatic. Sedan/Saloon.
Safety & Recall Score: Caution
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
VIN 1G1JC5SH7C4114661 identifies a sedan — the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT. This specific unit was assembled at the ORION, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA) facility, one of Chevrolet's North American production plants.
This vehicle carries a significant 7 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include equipment:electrical, power train:automatic transmission, air bags. All recalls must be repaired by a Chevrolet dealer at no charge to the owner. Contact a dealer with this VIN before finalizing any purchase. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), which represents moderate fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $2650 at national average gas prices.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT falls in an estimated used-market range of $7,100–$11,100. The high recall count may suppress resale value — factor this into price negotiation. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. Get the full history with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to unlock it. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: PASSENGER CAR
- Body: Sedan/Saloon
- Plant: ORION, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
7 Open Recalls- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year...
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year...
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year...
Owner Complaints
353 filed with NHTSA- The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact...
- Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear....
Fuel Economy
EPA data unavailable- Fuel: Gasoline
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Vehicle Overview
VIN Breakdown
Engine & Powertrain
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Safety & Driver Assistance
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Towing & Utility
Wheels & Tires
Manufacturing & Identity
Recall & Safety Summary
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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...
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: 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...
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission...
Risk: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may...
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to...
Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014....
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.
Risk: A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING,...
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."...
Risk: A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September...
AIR BAGS
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag...
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11,...
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13,...
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
This free report does not include accident records, mileage history, or title status. Get a full history from one of these trusted providers:
GoodCar
Full vehicle history at the best price. Unlimited VIN lookups — accidents, title records, odometer, recalls, salvage, flood damage, and more.
- Accident & collision history
- Title status (salvage/flood/junk)
- Odometer records
- Number of owners
- Open recalls
- Theft records
Carfax
The most trusted name in vehicle history. Shows accidents, mileage rollback, flood/fire damage, number of owners, service records, and title problems.
- Accidents & damage
- Mileage history
- Number of owners
- Title & lien status
- Service records
- Flood/fire damage
AutoCheck by Experian
Powered by Experian. Includes AutoCheck Score — a 0–100 rating comparing this vehicle to similar ones.
- AutoCheck Score (0-100)
- Accidents & salvage
- Mileage history
- Auction records
- Title brands
- Odometer rollback
EpicVIN
Comprehensive report with photo history and market value. Covers US and international vehicles.
- Photo history
- Market value comparison
- Accident records
- International vehicles
- Ownership cost data
- Title checks
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Chevrolet Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Chevrolet dealer.
Find Chevrolet Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for 1G1JC5SH7C4114661 →Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that on several occasions, while coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly remained in second gear. There were...
Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear....
Transmission shaft malfunction. Doesn't shift out of 1st gear. Transmission does not engage into gear.
Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting...
Reviving the p2138 code for throttle/accelerator sensor. Still getting code after replacing 3 accelerator peddles. Possible manufacture issue with wiring that water gets into connectors shorting out that...
UNKNOWN
UNKNOWN
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the brakes, ABS, traction control, and braking system warning lights were...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine OBD reader had lost communication with the...
I purchased this car 2 years ago and it...
I purchased this car 2 years ago and it has caused me absolutely nothing but trouble. We have replaced the fan 4 times (twice due to the resistor...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a friend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and struck...
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Estimated depreciation for this 2012 CHEVROLET Sonic based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
Chevrolet trucks rank well; some car-based models and early EV platforms have had more issues. Strong dealer network.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2012 CHEVROLET Sonic:
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2012 CHEVROLET Sonic.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2012 CHEVROLET Sonic:
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
Check Free →Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
❤ Support VinForFree
VinForFree offers a free VIN check with no signup required. If this report helped you, consider supporting the site.
3JjL1STPyfyhiQk1E91Xss8FSa5brW8LG3
0x962Efcc84463D599beC4F5F0575D1ebF60c83745
MUZk3ZDrpM4KmQjAZsnd5t12bYKqfhNtx4
addr1vy8zgurtrdxyq4lyz9wzgpguj3eraxl79shu2hgh9r2ux6cdgmjc5
Free VIN Check — No Signup Required
Decode any 17-character VIN instantly. Recalls, specs, fuel economy, crash ratings, and market value.
🔍 Search Another VIN