Recall 14V543 covers 304 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles for an electrical fault that limits driver air bag deployment. Free repair at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 304 2014 Sonic vehicles because an electrical connection in the steering column can limit the driver's frontal air bag to first-stage deployment in a severe crash. That loss of second-stage deployment increases the driver's risk of injury, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The driver's frontal air bag in the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is built to deploy from the steering wheel area during a severe frontal crash. In the recalled Sonic, that system is intended to use first-stage and second-stage deployment when crash conditions call for the full driver air bag response. The electrical connection in the steering column is part of the path that lets the air bag system complete that deployment command.
On affected Sonic vehicles, that steering column connection can lose electrical contact. If that happens during a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag is limited to first-stage deployment instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployment. The air bag still deploys, but it does not deliver the full deployment pattern the system was designed to provide.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a noise, dashboard message, or change in steering feel that proves the connection has failed before a crash.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Chevrolet Sonic | air bag system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 304 |
Not every 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the driver's frontal air bag can deploy only its first stage instead of adding the second stage. This increases the driver's risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection and terminal replacement soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer to ask about the free terminal test and replacement that restores the steering-column air bag connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V543 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete, since the driver's frontal air bag can deploy with limited protection in a severe crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician tests the terminals in the instrument panel harness clock spring coil connector. If any terminal is loose, the technician replaces the loose terminal so the steering column electrical connection works as intended. Chevrolet says the repair is free of charge. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| September 9, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 21, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V543?
Recall 14V543 covers 304 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with a steering-column electrical connection problem tied to the driver's frontal air bag. In a severe crash, the air bag can deploy only in the first stage instead of both stages, increasing injury risk. Chevrolet dealers test the connector terminals and replace loose terminals for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonic is included in recall 14V543. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the terminal test and any needed terminal replacement. Reference recall 14V543 or GM recall number 14537 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and GM's remedy says dealers will test the IP harness clock spring coil connector terminals and replace any loose terminals free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced driver air bag protection in a severe crash. If the electrical connection in the steering column is lost, the driver's frontal air bag can deploy only in the first stage instead of the intended first and second stages, increasing the driver's injury risk.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Sonic used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014 Sonic is included, then call a Chevrolet dealer with recall 14V543 or GM recall number 14537.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V543000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V543 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V543000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →