2020 CHEVROLET Sonic

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The passenger seat adjustment mechanism has failed, causing the seat to become stuck in the farthest rear position. The malfunction is likely related to either the motor, seat track, or the electrical system controlling the adjustment. The seat is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The stuck seat presents a safety hazard because it is positioned too far back, which can prevent proper seating posture or seatbelt positioning for a passenger. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash, as the passenger may not be secured properly or may be too far from the airbag deployment zone. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and two other individuals knowledgeable about cars. The problem has been physically inspected, and the seat remains stuck in the rear position despite attempts to adjust it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives yet. However, it has been looked at by independent service providers, who have confirmed the issue with the passenger seat. My car is no longer secure by the bumper-to-bumper warranty despite only having 52K millage. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue with the seat adjustment occurred suddenly, with no prior indication that there was a problem.

UNKNOWN -- During driving the vehicle the radio and power steering will stop working, locks and key for occasionally have issues, and the car shuts down and has to be re-started. Sometimes will take a minute or two to be able to be re-started. If car stalls at high speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, injuring possibly killing driver or other drivers due to not being able to control the car. Car has recently been serviced replacing the radiator, coolant tank, and purge valve (this was throwing the check engine light). No codes can be found and the problem cannot be duplicated. Happens at random times, nothing triggers it.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driver’s and passenger’s side air bags erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the roadway. The vehicle was not involved in a crash before the air bags deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

MANUFACTURERS OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION / ELECTRICAL FAILURES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRAVELING. THE RECREATIONAL TOWING INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE THAT FUSES BE REMOVED (STEP 5) BEFORE NEXT STEPS INCLUDING SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION . THOSE STEPS ( 6-9) CAN NOT BE EXECUTED IF STEP 5 IS EXECUTED FIRST. OWNERS WHO ATTEMPT TO PREPARE THE VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL TOWING BY USING A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE RUN THE RISK OF DAMAGING THEIR VEHICLES AND/OR CAUSING SEVERE ACCIDENTS IF THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP UNDER TOW (MOVING). DEALER CLAIMS IS VIN SPECIFIC. IT IS NOT VIN SPECIFIC. I TESTED SEVERAL IDENTICAL VEHICLES ON THE DEALER LOT AND THEY ALL FAIL, USING THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.