Recall 18V342 affects 71 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles for a weak driver's seat-back frame. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 71 2018 Sonic vehicles under recall 18V342 because a joint in the driver's seat-back frame can be improperly welded, reducing the frame's strength. In a rear-impact crash, the seat-back can fail and increase the risk of injury; Chevrolet dealers will replace the seat-back frame free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver's seat-back frame on the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is the metal structure inside the seat back. It supports the driver and connects to a bracket on the seat-cushion frame, so the seat stays upright and holds its shape under load.
On affected Sonic vehicles, the supplier did not properly weld the joint between the seat-back frame and that bracket. The problem started with an improperly adjusted welding fixture during assembly. A weak weld can fracture or lose strength as the seat is used, reducing how much support the driver's seat back provides in a rear-impact crash.
The warning sign is unusual play or movement in the driver's seat back. If the seat back feels loose, shifts, or moves in a way it did not before, that is the sign the weld has fractured and the frame has partly separated.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 71 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a rear-impact crash, a fractured driver seat-back weld can let the seat-back fail and increase injury risk. If the driver seat back feels loose or moves unusually, schedule the recall repair soon and tell the dealer about the seat movement. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free driver seat-back replacement that restores the strength of the seat-back frame.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one, or reference recall number 18V342 and Chevrolet recall 18178 when you call.
- Avoid postponing the appointment; the recalled seat-back frame has reduced strength in a rear-impact crash.
- Call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 with questions about scheduling or recall paperwork.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the driver's seat back using approved service parts and procedures. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
| June 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V342?
Recall 18V342 covers 71 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles with a driver's seat-back frame joint that was not welded correctly. In a rear-impact crash, the seat-back can fail and increase injury risk. Chevrolet dealers will replace the driver's seat-back for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonic is included in recall 18V342. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the driver's seat-back replacement. Reference recall number 18V342 or Chevrolet recall number 18178 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will replace the affected driver's seat-back free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 18V342.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Chevrolet Sonic before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is specific to a rear-impact crash, where the driver's seat-back can fail and increase injury risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free repair with a Chevrolet dealer if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Sonic used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2018 Sonic is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall 18V342.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V342000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V342 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V342000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall 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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →