Most common 2016 Chevrolet Spark problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Spark complaints by model year
Best Spark years: 2018, 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2014, 2013. Compare all years →
2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Chevrolet Spark:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2016 Chevrolet Spark owners say
Brakes
I have had my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV in for repairs to three Chevy dealers for issues regarding random brake stuttering and complete brake failure resulting in running stop lights and stop signs going 30> MPH. Failure and issues are intermittent, but it appears to be an overly sensitive ABS/ regenerative braking system locking up the wheels and causing my brake peddle to become ineffective at stopping the car for brief periods of time. All dealerships have been at a loss for how to resolve this and have put me back on the road only to run more red lights after approaching at safe speeds. The rear right wheel makes odd clicking while this happens, leading the techs to believe it was a faulty sensor issue. However, all parts are out of stock for this car in the US and therefore I cannot get the vehicle repaired.
I was driving downhill with the car in L on a highway and brakes failed. I could not engage the brakes at all but somehow the car slowed to a stop and I managed to pull into a parking spot and park. Two lights came on: Service Intellitrak and Service Brake Assist. The car has been inspected by the Chevrolet dealership that sold the car to me as well as an independant shop. One technician at the Chevrolet dealership reported he got zero brake pressure and claims that the car needs a new brake pressure modulator. The independant shop reported that they could not replicate the poor brake performance. Two technicians from this shop reported that the car is working as intended.
Electrical system
While driving in early 2025, my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV suddenly lost all ability to accelerate. The vehicle remained powered on but would not respond to the accelerator, and I was unable to fully shut it off. This created a safety hazard because I could not properly control or secure the vehicle, and it required towing. I replaced the 12V battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12V battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12V system. I brought the vehicle to Harbor Chevrolet. Their technicians confirmed the problem was caused by a failure of the high-voltage battery system. They also informed me that the required EV battery is unavailable from the manufacturer with no estimated availability. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. While driving approximately 45-50 MPH, there was an abnormal smoke odor in the cabin of the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact stated that the fire started from inside the vehicle and spread throughout the vehicle. A fire report was filed. The contact was informed by the fire department that the fire might have been caused by an electrical issue, but was unable to substantiate the claim. The vehicle was towed to baker's recovery and towing. There were no injuries sustained. Paul-richard GMC (769 w main st, peru, in 46970, [phone]) was notified. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the cruise control was not operating correctly. Additionally, the RPM was elevated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, no failure was determined. The contact stated that the transmission fluid was flushed and replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Clutch wore out on 2016 Chevrolet Spark ls in less than 11,000 miles (just over 1 year old). I am an experienced manual transmission driver who has driven other cars to over 125,000 miles without needing a new clutch. Clearly defective clutch but they wouldn't cover it under warranty because it was a "wear item". No, it was a defective item. Don't buy Chevrolet since they don't stand by their vehicles and you will pay huge repair costs for their defects/problems.
2016 Chevrolet Spark engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | FWD | 128 / 109 / 119 MPGe | 82 mi |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 31 / 40 / 34 | — |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 30 / 39 / 33 | — |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Spark rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Spark at the same age. It is one of the best Spark years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
The brakes — 10 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have?
There is 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, the most recent from May 9, 2017 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Spark?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014 and 2013. See the full Chevrolet Spark years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Spark problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.