Spark (3rd)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LL0
1.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LV7 - VVT: Variable Valve Timing, ALUM, GEN 1, VAR 1
1.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet Spark Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
EN0
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 9 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Sample complaint excerpts
Regenerative Braking
- [2014] WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, REGEN STOPPED WORKING AND BRAKING STOPPED FUNCTIONING TO A POINT OF ALMOST CRASHING. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REGEN ISSUES, THE SERVICE STABILITRACK WARNING DISPLAYED ON THE DASH ALONG WITH THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS GOING ON. EVEN AT LESS THAN 5MPH IN A PARKING LOT TO REACH THE TOW TRUCK, TRYING TO STOP WAS A LESSON IN FEAR AND FRUSTRATION. THIS IS NOW THE
- [2015] WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY, THE "SERVICE STABILITRAC" WARNING APPEARS FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRES EXTREME EFFORT TO SLOW OR STOP THE CAR. THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING IS ALSO DISABLED. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR, THE CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON WHEREUPON THE BRAKES WILL BE WORKING NORMALLY. THE WARNINGS AND LOSS OF BRAKING ASSIST MAY STAY
- [2016] 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 sto
Electric Propulsion
- [2014] AFTER FULLY CHARGING UP THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE, GOING DOWN HILL AT APPROX 40MPH, LOST ALL POWER IN BRAKES, STEERING CONTROL AND THE FORWARD PROPULSION SYSTEM. DUE TO LOSS OF POWER VEERED OUT OF CONTROL ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND BRAKING SYSTEM WAS NOT RESPONDING TO PUMPS. AFTER PULLING ON STEERING WHEEL HARD FINALLY GOT VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND PULLED TO THE SIDE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD T
- [2015] 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 to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could ha
- [2016] 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,
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2014] WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE I PLACE IT IN PARK WITHOUT ISSUE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON. ONCE I THEN ATTEMPT TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AN ERROR APPEARS STATING "SHIFT TO PARK. THIS IS DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN IN PARK WITHOUT ANY ISSUE PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE REFUSES TO FULLY SHUT DOWN, DRAINING THE ACCESSORY 12V BATTERY AS IT REMAINS CONNECTED TO BLUETO
- [2016] 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,
High-Voltage Battery
- [2015] 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 to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could ha
- [2016] 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,
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Spark, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark
On a used 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (127), the engine (124) and the electrical system (111). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 127 owner complaints on the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 65 owner complaints on the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (11)
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.
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Show 6 older recalls
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."
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."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Spark vehicles manufactured from May 7, 2014, to May 26, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Subcompact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark complaints?
Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark have?
NHTSA has 527 owner complaints on file for the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls covering some 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Spark?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Spark?
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 527 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.