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2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Sedan (Manual)

The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Sedan (Manual) is a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 sedan with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $19,705 MSRP and is rated at 33 mpg combined.

It makes 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 1850 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (33 mpg combined).

The Sonic measures 173.1 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,847 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,705 ($27,056 *)
MSRP with Destination$20,530 ($28,189 *)
Destination Charge$825
Engine
Engine TypeEcotec 1.4L Turbo I4
Displacement1.4 L
Horsepower138 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Torque148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Redline6,500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16 valves, VVT
Bore and Stroke2.85 x 3.25 in (72.4 x 82.6 mm)
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City29 MPG
Highway40 MPG
Combined33 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded (87 octane)
Tank Capacity12.2 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks
Rear SuspensionSemi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17" x 8.0"
Wheels Rear17" x 8.0"
Tires FrontP205/50R17
Tires RearP205/50R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length173.1 in
Width68.3 in
Height59.7 in
Wheelbase99.4 in
Front Track59.4 in
Rear Track59.4 in
Ground Clearance4.9 in
Cargo Volume14.9 ft³
Curb Weight2,847 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.7 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front41.8 in
Legroom Rear34.6 in
Shoulder Room Front53.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear53 in
Hip Room Front51.4 in
Hip Room Rear51.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (12.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet SONIC. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 28, 2016 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

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."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V257000

Sep 9, 2014 · AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.

Consequence: If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.

NHTSA campaign 14V543000

Jul 2, 2014 · 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 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.

Consequence: 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 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.

NHTSA campaign 14V417000

Sep 26, 2013 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 13V464000

150 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet SONIC

Owner Complaints

150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet SONIC (11 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System49
Engine38
Unknown Or Other34
Air Bags24
Power Train20
Fuel/Propulsion System15
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical System Fire
“A new EverStart Maxx lead-acid battery (Group Size H5/47, 12V, 650 CCA) was bought at Walmart on 07/14/2026 and installed the same day in a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. It was installed correctly: correct…”
Apr 30, 2026 · Steering
“Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.”
Mar 2, 2026 · Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition”
Feb 21, 2026 · Unknown Or Other, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil”
Dec 31, 2025 · Engine
“Around April of 2025, I noticed loud engine noises and cold start loud noises coming from the engine. My car has been in the shop multiple times since then and I opened a case with GM about multiple…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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