The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is a wagon that came with a choice of 1.4L 4-cyl and 1.8L 4-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars, Midsize Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S6), Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 24–28 city / 33–38 highway / 28–32 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,100–$2,400 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 276–321 grams per mile |
| EPA fuel economy score | 7–8 out of 10 |
| EPA greenhouse gas score | 7–8 out of 10 |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 2,820 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,609–3,878 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 12 configurations: Sonic, Sonic RS, Sonic 5 RS, Sonic 5 |
| Age | 10 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such…
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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…
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA. 8 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 6 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Hb, FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 12.6% |
| 4 Dr, FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 12.6% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 1,083 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2016 Sonics that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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