Most common 2017 Chevrolet Spark problems
Share of the 29 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 →
2017 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.
What 2017 Chevrolet Spark owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that on various occasions, and while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving above 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for the transmission pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I feel that there are issues with the transmissions on the 2017 Chevy spark. I noticed that there have been complaints in years such as 2014 and 2019. I find that my 2017 exhibits exact same transmission issues as years that came before or after. Lots of indecision with the car about whether to upshift or downshift. Sometimes violent jerking back and forth. Normally. Especially bad between 4th and 5th and 5th and 6th in the upper gears. But in the lower gears more recently it has become more pronounced. This has been going on for quite some time and is getting worse. The car is not that old. First. Noticed it when the car was at 40,000, mi. It is now recently went past 100 and the problem at sometimes is horrible. It does feel unsafe to a high degree. It is a sealed system so there is no way to do routine maintenance, which is unfortunate. …
Brakes
vehicle brakes went out suddenly after hearing a loud POP sound...brakes wouldn't respond and pedal hard, ran off road and could only glide to a roll stop and not really then...fortunately a repair shop adjacent so drove their and rolled stop. initial look shop advised vacuum pump needs to be diagnosed...they came back with a 'caution on file #pip5598a which advised of known issue but no recall... they came back with a 479$ fee to diagnose exactly what's wrong (those pics enclosed) they are now staring they will not guarantee week or warranty and say engine must be replaced...they are still working up quote to repair vacuum pump, camshaft and timing chain but now are saying will be well over 2k to just SEE if will work and wont guarantee
105000 miles: Lost Brakes extremely hard to push brake pedal. Lost vacuum, enabling to stop car safely. Took brake vacuum line off vacuum pump and plug pump so oil don't leak out pump. Then join the line to an existing vacuum line. Problem solved no issues since. 205000 miles: Repeatedly theft mode, flickering dashboard, and dead battery issues. Battery was good charged, alternator charging right. To lead with fusebox circuit board needed to be re-soldered. Have no idea how it happened but no problem since. I still have all factory parts on car. This is a stick shift 5 speed. Get 40ish bit more miles a gallon. Keep oil changed as normal. I float gears when putting around. Leaving less stress for clutch issues. As I'm 208000 so miles still have few miles before replacing factory clutch brake pads belts plugs etc... …
Air bags
During morning rush hour on the highway, (I was driving in the left lane), traveling around 50mph. I was about 3 car lengths behind, when the vehicle in front of me stopped abruptly, and promptly drove away. I slammed my brakes to the floor and simultaneously swerved to the emergency lane to avoid an impact. With both of my feet on the brake pedal, my car kept sliding like it was on ice for around 80 feet, because the ABS system failed. The only thing that stopped me were the 2 vehicles that were illegally parked in the emergency lane. While skidding, I hit the cement highway divider (on the driver's side). I then slammed into the 1st parked car, which was pushed into the 2nd vehicle. I was subsequentially rear-ended by another vehicle, which followed my same path. Only the steering wheel and knee airbags deployed. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. The driver side air bag did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the torso, head and neck. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The vehicle was destroyed the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,240. Updated 05/09/17
2017 Chevrolet Spark engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 30 / 38 / 33 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 38 / 33 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Spark rates better than average: 70% 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark?
The transmission & drivetrain — 9 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (8) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 13,000 miles; 79% 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.