Recall 12V454 covers 4,716 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles for a turn-signal warning defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 4,716 2013 Sonic vehicles because the Body Control Module does not warn the driver when a turn signal lamp stops working. If the driver keeps using the vehicle without knowing the signal failed, other drivers are not alerted before a turn, increasing crash risk; the repair at a Chevrolet dealer will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The turn signal lamps on the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic tell other drivers when you are changing lanes or turning. The Body Control Module, or BCM, is the electronic controller that watches lighting circuits and sends the driver a warning when a lamp stops working. That warning matters because the driver cannot see every exterior signal from the seat.
In this recall, the turn signal lamp itself can fail, but the BCM does not recognize the failed lamp. Because the controller misses the fault, it does not give the normal driver indication that the signal is out. The result is a Sonic that has lost a turn signal without giving the driver the required failure alert.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the lamp stops working, the usual in-car clue does not appear, so the driver has to rely on an outside check, a service inspection, or another person noticing that a turn signal is not operating.
Who's affected?
Chevrolet lists the same recall under turn signal and electrical-system categories, so the component label alone does not tell you whether your car is included.
| 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | Turn signal |
|---|---|
| 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | electrical system |
| Units affected | 4,716 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
A failed turn signal can leave nearby drivers unaware that the Sonic is turning, increasing the risk of a crash. If the signal stops working, use extra care before turns and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer after your VIN is confirmed and ask whether the free BCM and key-fob reprogramming is open for your vehicle.
- Ask the dealer to reprogram the BCM and key fobs so the car can warn you when a turn signal lamp fails.
- Reference recall number 12V454 when you call, and bring the Chevrolet owner notice if you have it.
- Use extra care when signaling and check that the turn signal lamps are working until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The listed dealer repair is a software reprogramming job. At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the Body Control Module and the vehicle's key fobs so the vehicle can detect a failed turn signal lamp and alert the driver. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The final dealer repair will be free once Chevrolet has it open for your VIN.
Timeline
| September 17, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V454?
Recall 12V454 covers 4,716 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with a Body Control Module problem tied to turn signal lamp failures. If a turn signal stops working, the vehicle does not alert the driver, which can leave other drivers unaware of a turn and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonic is included in recall 12V454. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and schedule the Body Control Module and key fob reprogramming. Reference recall number 12V454 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. Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module and the vehicle's key fobs free of charge for vehicles included in recall 12V454.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no vehicle warning when this specific turn signal failure happens. The Body Control Module does not detect the failed turn signal lamp, so the driver does not get an alert. Use your VIN to confirm coverage, then have the dealer complete the free reprogramming.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Sonic used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law covers the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the original owner letter from Chevrolet, check your VIN and reference recall number 12V454 when you call a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V454000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-866-694-6546 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V454 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V454000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →