Recall 12V408 affects 44,668 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles for a washer hose that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 44,668 2012 Sonic vehicles because the windshield washer hose can separate from the washer fluid reservoir. The driver can lose washer fluid for the windshield, which can impede the view and increase crash risk; the Chevrolet dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield washer hose on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a small fluid line that runs from the washer fluid reservoir to the windshield spray nozzles. When you press the washer control, the pump sends fluid through this hose so the wipers can clear dirt, road spray, and salt from the glass.
On affected Sonics, the hose can separate from the washer fluid reservoir. The problem is the hose connection itself: it does not stay attached as intended. Once it separates, washer fluid stays in the reservoir instead of reaching the windshield, so the wipers move across the glass without added fluid. That makes it harder to clean the windshield while driving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign is likely that the washer control runs, but no washer fluid reaches the windshield.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | wiper system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 44,668 |
Not every 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 12V408, a lack of washer fluid can impede the driver's view and increase crash risk. If washer fluid stops spraying, keep the windshield clear and schedule recall service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to ask about the free washer-hose service that secures the hose so washer fluid reaches the windshield.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V408 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair. Keep the windshield clean and stop safely if road spray blocks your view.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician secures the windshield washer hose so it stays connected to the washer fluid reservoir. That restores the path for washer fluid to reach the windshield washer system. The recall record says the safety recall began on September 7, 2012, and the repair is free of charge. If your VIN is included in campaign 12V408, ask a Chevrolet dealer to confirm the hose repair under this recall.
Timeline
| August 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V408?
Recall 12V408 covers 44,668 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with a windshield washer hose that can separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If that happens, washer fluid is unavailable to the windshield, which can block the driver's view and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonic is included in recall 12V408. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask the service desk to secure the windshield washer hose. Reference recall 12V408 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers secure the windshield washer hose free of charge under recall 12V408. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic with this recall?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is loss of washer fluid to the windshield, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free hose repair with a Chevrolet dealer.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Sonic used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is included, then give recall 12V408 to the Chevrolet dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V408000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-866-694-6546 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V408 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V408000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →