GM has identified a problem in some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic cars equipped with 6 speed automatic transmission and a 1.8L four cylinder engine. The vehicles in question, may have a condition in which the transmission turbine shaft could fracture due to a production non-conformance.

If a fracture occurs while in first or second gear, there will be no effect on performance except for no up-shift to third through sixth gears. If the fracture occurs while in third through sixth gears, the vehicle will coast until it is slows enough for a downshift to first or second gear to occur. In both circumstances, drivers will experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination. If the vehicle continues to be driven, all forward gears may become inoperative.

GM is asking owners to return their vehicles to their dealership to have the transmission turbine shaft replaced. For more information about the problem, contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 14234 and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-3150.