Chevrolet Spark years to avoid (and the best years)
484 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recalls across 7 model years, 2013 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 484complaints
- 9recalls
- 43reported crashes
- 5reported fires
- 40reported injuries
Which Chevrolet Spark years should you avoid?
No Chevrolet Spark model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Chevrolet Spark year has 29 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2014 (172), 2013 (146) and 2015 (76).
What are the best Chevrolet Spark years?
The Chevrolet Spark years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (14), 2020 (19) and 2016 (28). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 19 | 0.7× | 0 | 6 | 10 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2019 | 14 | 0.5× | 1 | 4 | 3 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2017 | 29 | 1.0× | 1 | 5 | 6 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 28 | 1.0× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2015 | 76 | 2.6× | 5 | 4 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 172 | 5.9× | 6 | 13 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2013 | 146 | 5.0× | 5 | 10 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 24 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Other systems6 (25%)
- Airbags & seat belts6 (25%)
- Electrical & infotainment5 (21%)
- Engine & powertrain3 (12%)
- Steering, suspension & tires2 (8%)
Recalls (9)
Safety · 22V640000 · Aug 2022 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 18V774000 · Nov 2018 · model year 2019
If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Airbags · 17V307000 · May 2017 · model years 2016, 2017
In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.
Electrical system · 16V422000 · Jun 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Safety · 16V257000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Safety · 15V416000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Safety · 14V593000 · Sep 2014 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Suspension · 14V440000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If the lower control arm bolts are not tightened properly, the lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle while driving, causing a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 14V298000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2013
If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.