NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic presents a compelling safety profile, earning an Exceptional band rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100. This assessment is supported by a clean recall record and a low volume of owner complaints to NHTSA. The Sonic received strong crash-test scores from NHTSA, contributing to its high safety standing.
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic ranks 25 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.6% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic achieved a rare perfect defect record score of 20/20, marked by zero recall campaigns. This strong showing is paired with near-ceiling crash protection, earning 66 out of 70 points. These factors contribute to an Exceptional overall Safety Index of 92/100. In crash testing, the Sonic performed well, receiving 5 stars in three categories. Its rollover rating of 4 stars is notable; this result is mitigated by a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test and a 13 percent rollover risk. The primary area where the 2019 Sonic's safety profile could improve is in crash-avoidance technology, which scored 6 out of 10. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are available only as optional features, not standard equipment. Electronic stability control is standard across the model line. While a year-over-year comparison is not possible due to a lack of prior data, the 92/100 Safety Index score is a strong result. The vehicle's eight reported owner complaints, none involving crashes or injuries, are a low volume for this model year and do not impact the defect record component of the Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic achieved the highest possible crash-test ratings from NHTSA, earning 5 out of 5 stars for overall, frontal, and side crash protection. Its rollover performance was a single star lower, at 4 out of 5, with a 13 percent risk of rollover in the agency's dynamic tip test, which concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14015
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall databases are updated continuously and a remedy could be added after any given review.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
Eight owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified allegations. The top components cited are Unknown Or Other with 3 reports, Engine with 2, Fuel/Propulsion System with 2, Engine And Engine Cooling with 2, and Electrical System with 1. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
No recalls are currently on file for the 2019 Sonic, indicating no open safety remedies from the manufacturer. Purchasers should nonetheless verify a specific vehicle's recall status via the VIN on the NHTSA database. Shoppers should also confirm whether the unit under consideration includes the optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, as these are not standard features for the 2019 model year.
- The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, earning a perfect 20/20 defect record component in the Safety Index calculation.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 5 stars for overall, frontal, and side crash protection, with rollover rated at 4 stars and a 13 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic test result.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning individual units vary in active-safety equipment and buyers should verify what each specific vehicle carries.
- Eight unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with no allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, representing a low complaint volume for a vehicle now seven years into the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic places
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Sonic safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sonic years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14015), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Sonic 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 25 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.