Recall 15V416 affects 45,785 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sonic and Spark vehicles for radio software that disables warning chimes. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 45,785 2014-2015 Sonic and Spark vehicles because a base-radio software issue can blank the display and stop audio warning chimes. Without those chimes, a driver can leave the key in the ignition or miss the seat belt reminder; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The base radio in these 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sonic and Spark vehicles controls the screen and audio functions in the center of the dash. On cars equipped with OnStar, it also supports voice guidance for Turn by Turn Directions. The same system handles warning chimes, including the seat belt reminder and the key-in-ignition alert when the driver exits.
The defect is in the radio software. When the OnStar Turn by Turn Directions feature is used, the software calls an invalid function address. That error locks up the radio, blanks the display, and stops the audio functions. Once that happens, safety and reminder chimes stop playing, so the vehicle no longer gives those audible alerts required by the recall filing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the lockup itself: a blank radio display, no audio, and no warning chime for the seat belt or key left in the ignition.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sonic and Spark across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the same radio equipment component.
| 2015 Chevrolet Sonic | Radio/tape deck/cd etc. |
|---|---|
| 2014 Chevrolet Spark | Radio/tape deck/cd etc. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Spark | Radio/tape deck/cd etc. |
| Units affected | 45,785 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Without key and seat belt warning chimes, the key can be left in the ignition, raising theft risk. If the driver or front passenger is not buckled, the missing chime removes the reminder to fasten the belt, increasing injury risk in a crash. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark or 2015 Chevrolet Sonic is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free radio software update that fixes the blank display and missing warning chimes.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V416 when you call.
- Call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 with questions about recall number 15V416.
- Confirm the dealer completed the software update before relying on the seat belt and key-in-ignition warning chimes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician updates or re-flashes the radio software so the base radio and OnStar display no longer lock up and blank the screen. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket software work before the recall notice is handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the Chevrolet service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for this radio software issue.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 24, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 11, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V416?
Recall 15V416 covers 45,785 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with base radio and OnStar equipment. A radio software issue can blank the display, stop audio functions, and silence warning chimes for seat belts or a key left in the ignition.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sonic or Spark is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V416. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the radio software update. Reference recall 15V416 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will update the radio software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 15V416.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is missing audible warnings. If the radio locks up, the vehicle loses chimes that remind occupants to buckle seat belts and warn the driver about a key left in the ignition. That increases injury risk in a crash and theft risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for the radio display going blank and audio functions stopping. Those symptoms match the software issue described in recall 15V416. The problem affects warning chimes too, so a missing seat-belt or key-in-ignition chime needs dealer attention.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V416000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V416 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V416000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →