NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2020 model year, the Chevrolet Sonic achieved a rare distinction: an unblemished performance in every federal crash-test category. This contributed to its "Exceptional" NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100. The complete absence of recalls for this specific model year further bolstered this favorable safety assessment.
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic ranks 24 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 | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This score is identical to the 2019 model, a consistency driven by its crash protection, which contributes 66 of a possible 70 points. This near-ceiling result stems from the 5-star overall, frontal, and side NHTSA crash-test ratings. The only deviation from a perfect crash-test performance is the 4-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 13 percent rollover risk. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is 6 out of 10. This is due to both forward collision warning and lane departure warning being optional rather than standard equipment, though electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score achieves a perfect 20 out of 20, directly reflecting zero recall campaigns filed for this model year. Furthermore, the 10 owner complaints on file are low in volume, and none report a crash, fire, injury, or fatality, thus maintaining the integrity of the defect record score. The 2020 Sonic's safety profile is characterized by exceptional crash-test performance and a clean recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB FWD achieved top marks from NHTSA in key crashworthiness evaluations. This model earned 5 out of 5 stars for its overall crash protection, as well as for frontal and side impact safety. Its performance in rollover testing was somewhat less robust, receiving 4 out of 5 stars with a 13 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14315
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic have any recalls?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisories and no do-not-drive orders are associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as remedy completion on any future campaigns cannot be assumed from the current record alone.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
NHTSA has received 10 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Sonic. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System, cited in 6 reports, followed by Power Train with 3 alleged reports and Engine with 2. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Prospective buyers of a used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic should prioritize a VIN-specific recall verification. While no recalls are currently on file for this model year, new campaigns can emerge at any point. Furthermore, the completion of remedy actions on an older vehicle is never assured without this VIN-level check.
- The 2020 Sonic is the only model year in the data set to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns while simultaneously achieving a perfect 20/20 defect record sub-score, making its clean recall slate a defining characteristic of this specific year.
- NHTSA's 2020 crash-test results show 5 stars in the overall, frontal, and side categories for the 5-door hatchback FWD configuration tested, but the rollover rating stops at 4 stars with a 13 percent rollover risk figure buyers should note.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional on the 2020 Sonic, not standard equipment, which holds the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a key reason the Safety Index does not reach a higher ceiling despite the strong crash results.
- The 10 unverified NHTSA complaints on file for this model year skew heavily toward the Electrical System, which accounts for 6 of the 10 alleged reports, a concentration worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic places
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Sonic safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14315), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Sonic 2020.
- 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 24 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.