Chevrolet Spark Problems by Year
NHTSA has 502 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the Chevrolet Spark, across 10 model years (2013–2022). The 2014 model year has the most complaints (172). The most reported problem area overall is power train.
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Chevrolet Spark years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Spark year: 2013, 2014, 2015. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2014 Spark: 172 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2013 Spark: 146 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2015 Spark: 76 complaints, 5 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2022 Spark: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2021 Spark: 6 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2018 Spark: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Chevrolet Spark problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train problems | 124 | 8 | 3 |
| Engine problems | 112 | 9 | 3 |
| Electrical System problems | 100 | 8 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 56 | 10 | 30 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 | 6 | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 45 | 7 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 41 | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 26 | 6 | 5 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 22 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 17 | 7 | 6 |
| Seat Belts | 14 | 7 | 3 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Equipment | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Chevrolet Spark problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All Chevrolet Spark model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Spark | 3 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2021 Spark | 6 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2020 Spark | 19 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2019 Spark | 14 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2018 Spark | 9 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2017 Spark | 29 | 1 | — | Power Train | More complaints than other years |
| 2016 Spark | 28 | 1 | — | Service Brakes | More complaints than other years |
| 2015 Spark | 76 | 5 | 4★ | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 Spark | 172 | 6 | 4★ | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 Spark | 146 | 5 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Chevrolet: all Chevrolet models · Chevrolet VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Spark years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (146), 2014 (172), 2015 (76) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Spark year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Chevrolet Spark?
Power Train, with 124 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Spark have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.