Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | −64% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2020 | 19 | −22% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2019 | 14 | −57% | 1 | Airbag | Good |
| 2018 | 9 | −82% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2017 | 29 | −70% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2016 | 28 | −71% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 2015 | 77 | −23% | 5 | Transmission | Average |
| 2014 | 172 | 3.2× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 146 | 2.9× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Spark year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Spark problems
Latest Chevrolet Spark 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 › Air bag/restraint control module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
Electrical system › Software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Electrical system › Software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Spark should you avoid?
2014 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Spark years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2014.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Spark?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other Spark years at the same age, followed by 2016 and 2017. 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 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (125), engine & cooling (124) and electrical system (100). Transmission complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Spark had?
9 recalls across 2013–2021. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Chevrolet Spark 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.