Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 14 | 2.1× | 2 | Brake | Caution |
| 2015 | 7 | −18% | 3 | Brake | Average |
| 2014 | 4 | −52% | 3 | Brake | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Spark EV year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Spark EV problems
Latest Chevrolet Spark EV recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Seat belts › Pretensioner
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Spark EV should you avoid?
2016 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Spark EV years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Spark EV?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other Spark EV years at the same age, followed by 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Spark EV problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (18), stability & traction control (4) and air bags (4). Brake complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Spark EV had?
3 recalls across 2014–2016. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Chevrolet Spark EV recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.