Sonic shock problems

[wpgsonic]

I bought a 2014 Sonic LT hatchback a few months ago and I only have 12.000 kms on it.It started making a rattling noise coming from the rear passenger side.Took it to the dealer and they replaced the rear passenger shock.A week later same issue happens.Take it back to dealer and they say nothing is wrong its normal "Road Noise" which was complete garbage!.

Took it to a different dealer and they replaced the driver side rear shock saying it was defective.2 days later same problem happens again with the rattle and clunk in the rear passenger side.Back to the dealer again and they replace the passenger side rear shock again saying it was defective.Problem is still not cured but it is better.Now I am getting noise from the driver side front wheelwell!.I am starting to think I bought a car that is complete cheap garbage.It has barely been driven and well looked after and I am really worried what will happen when the warranty expires.Anyone here have the same issues?.

 

[Natesriv]

Get KYBs, I put them on years ago, no more noise . OEM's get louder in cold weather . You'll need a shock absorber tool .

 

[Natesriv]

Lisle 20400 Front End - Mechanics Tools

 

[Natesriv]

For the front, replace the swaybar end links with moog units that fit a Chevy Cobalt .

 

[wpgsonic]

Can you provide a part number for the KYB's rear shock I can use?.Also,would the ride be stiffer?.Thanks.

 

[Maddmatts]

I wonder if the problem is the upper mount and not the shock itself?

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Mine squeak if I hit a hard bump going too fast.

 

[Natesriv]

NOT the upper mount. It mounts all externally, you can't access from the inside of the car (on the hatch that is)
KYB 343459

My OEM shocks sounded rattly, in colder weather it was worse. A sign of either the fluids inside, or the valving being crap in cold weather. Switched them out, no problem. Same with front swaybar links, OEM's rattle and the Moogs.... they are still going strong.

 

[wpgsonic]

The problem is worse in the colder weather here for sure.It seems to make the most noise at lower speeds 50 kph and under.I had the whole suspension checked a few times now and it seems they say everything is fine minus these shock replacements that dont last.
Dont want to void the warranty or spend money on something I should not have to on aftermarket units.I have heard lots of problems about the swaybar links on the forum but not alot on the shocks here but I find it hard to beleive more owners dont have this problem.

 

[Natesriv]

You can't void your warranty by using non GM parts. As long as they are direct Replacements you are fine

 

[wpgsonic]

I talked to the dealer and they said there are no direct replacements available for the Sonic they will consider and told me again any thing different then the GM ones would void my warranty.Getting really frustrated.Their shock design is obviously bad here.I really am surprised that there is no recall on this issue.3 shocks replaced in a month or so at 2 different dealers and problem wont go away.I dont drive my Sonic hard either.

 

[$ub$onic]

There is no recall because it's not really a issue.

The fact that you have gone through so many shocks means it's more then just the shock.


To mean it sounds like try are not reinstalling correctly and they are coming loose causing the noises.


Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

 

[Natesriv]

They are 100% full of ****.
"Included in the protections for reasonable use in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the right for consumers to have the vehicle serviced at a business of their choice and the option to use aftermarket parts, meaning potentially money-saving alternatives to those that came on the car, while retaining the original warranty. The automaker is not allowed to void a warranty just because a nonfactory part is used."

here's those same shocks on Rock Auto
2013 CHEVROLET SONIC 1.4L L4 Turbocharged Shock Absorber | RockAuto



This is your shock set up

The left is the upper mount. Two bolts into the side of the car, the shock mounts into that. The bottom of the shock mounts into the rear suspension.

This is the upper mount with the shock attached, hence that tool I linked earlier.

Here's the shocks side by side

 

[backroads]

While I understand and generally agree with your comment about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, there is another way to look at it. The Act does include a disclaimer of sorts, if that is the right word. You can go to a business of your choice, and use aftermarket parts, but the work and parts must be appropriate for your product. If that other shop doesn't do things correctly, or uses incorrect parts, the warranty does not have to cover it, as I understand things. Here is where the issue can devolve into a shouting match over what is "appropriate." I think it is a bad loophole, and would be upset with a dealer who chooses to get nitpicky about it, but I would not want to spend money hiring an attorney to challenge it. It puts the consumer in a tough situation.

 

[Natesriv]

More than one site shows that KYB as a direct replacement, so the argument can go that direction too...

I just put mine on and never bothered with it again, they've been 100% quiet and reliable. Same with the front sway bar end links.

 

[backroads]

warranty issues

Wpgsonic: Natesriv is right about aftermarket parts like these KYB shocks being direct replacements and thus not voiding your warranty. And if you want to spend the money on KYBs and either do the work yourself, like he did, or have someone else put them on for you, then in the future the dealer could not refuse warranty repairs on any other part of your car unless it could prove the KYB shocks were the direct cause of the problem needing repair. That being said, we are talking about U.S. law. I am guessing from a few clues that you might live in Canada, e.g., the province of Manitoba. If that is the case, you should find out if Canada has an equivalent to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and how our Federal Trade Commission enforces warranty issues. Good luck.

 

[wpgsonic]

I am taking it back to the dealer again this week and will report back with what happens.Does anyone have the part number for the KYB shocks?.Thanks.

 

[Natesriv]

I linked to it above.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I am taking it back to the dealer again this week and will report back with what happens.Does anyone have the part number for the KYB shocks?.Thanks.

Hello wpgsonic,

We’re very sorry to learn of this situation, and apologize for any inconveniences caused. While I understand you’re seeking opinions, please know that our team welcomes the opportunity to assist you with this vehicle concern. Unfortunately, because we are not certified mechanics, we are not able to provide you any mechanical feedback. However, we'd be happy to look into this on our end. If interested, please send us a private message with your VIN, current mileage, location, full contact information and name of preferred dealer.

Helen
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[wpgsonic]

Here is a update,took the car back to the dealer for same issue again.The service tech test drove the car and they heard the noise as well.This time they contacted GM and told them about the problem.GM instructed the dealer to change the right rear shock again and that is what they did for the 3rd time.

2 days later the issue is back.The dealer told me that I would have to drop the vehicle off for a extended period of time to further investigate and would offer a loaner car.Looking at how simple the rear suspension is on this car there cant be many other things to look at.If anyone else on the forum has had the same issues as I am having,please share your comments.