2012 Chevrolet Sonic: Recall Alert

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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3,579 views Aug 27, 2012

2012 Chevrolet Sonic, New York City launch event, October 2011

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General Motors is conducting a safety recall of certain 2012 model year Chevrolet Sonic subcompact cars to fix problems with windshield wiper reservoirs.

A notice in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site lists the number of vehicles potentially affected at 44,658. Affected vehicles were built from May 5, 2011 and February 24, 2012.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

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At issue is the windshield wiper washer hose that may separate from the windshield washer fluid reservoir. This is a failure to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 104, “Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems.” In the event that the hose separates from the reservoir, no fluid may reach the windshield. This decreases driver visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

GM will notify owners and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent its separation from the washer fluid reservoir. The GM safety campaign is expected to begin on or about September 7, 2012.

In the meantime, owners of 2012 Chevrolet Sonic cars with any questions or concerns may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. Reference the GM safety campaign number 12176.

Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may also contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.  Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V408000.

This is the second recall involving the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The first recall, NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V599000, was conducted in January 2012 and involved some 4,296 Sonics that may have been missing a front brake pad. Affected vehicles were built from June 2, 2011 through November 21, 2011.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA in January 2012.