Chevrolet Spark Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Chevrolet Spark across 8 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (39). The words owners use most often: “air conditioning” (5% of reports).
- 100electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Air conditioning: mentioned in 5 of 100 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 66 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 100 complaints, 3 a fire.
Chevrolet Spark electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Spark | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2020 Spark | 6 | 32% | 65,719 |
| 2019 Spark | 1 | 7% | 35,000 |
| 2017 Spark | 5 | 17% | 27,214 |
| 2016 Spark | 5 | 18% | 25,500 |
| 2015 Spark | 9 | 12% | 78,652 |
| 2014 Spark | 39 | 23% | 48,000 |
| 2013 Spark | 34 | 23% | 10,492 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system:software; equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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; equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: 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 cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: 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. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
INCIDENT SUMMARY In February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A Stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate…
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…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact exited the vehicle, unlatched the hood, and wiggled the battery cable, and the vehicle worked as intended. No warning light was…
transmission issues
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical Systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Sparks have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints about electrical system for the Chevrolet Spark. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Spark electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Chevrolet Spark?
The most frequent phrase is “air conditioning”, in 5 of 100 complaints.
Other Chevrolet Spark problems
- Power Train problems (124)
- Engine problems (112)
See all Chevrolet Spark problems.