2013 Chevrolet Spark

Routine

Owners filed 146 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
28,500 milesMedian miles at failure

112 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train26
000
Electrical System24
000
Engine22
000
Unknown or Other13
100
Air Bags12
411
Service Brakes9
303
Vehicle Speed Control7
200
Latches/Locks/Linkages6
000
Structure › Body4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch22V640000
Filed Aug 25, 2022120,688 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Electrical System › Software16V422000
Filed Jun 10, 201618,780 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 › Software16V257000
Filed Apr 28, 2016317,572 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch14V593000
Filed Sep 24, 201489,294 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

Air Bags14V298000
Filed Jun 6, 201461 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 16, 2025GA

I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 2025FL

Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.

Power Train
Filed Nov 12, 2024178,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 7, 2024MO

My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and lights left on. They reprogrammed the car to the new module, and the radio was working, and chimes were present. Next day, my battery is dead, because of the radio drained it. I am taking it to the dealer again, after I get a jump.THE ONLY OPTION IS, TO DISCONNECT THE RADIO they said. After researching, According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: These (2) FAILED. * 208 (occupant crash protection) * 114 (Theft protection) NHTSA ID # : 16V422000 #: 16V257000 GM RECALL(s) : #45340 # 17130 I thank you for your Review! It's Important to me, and I'm sure Chevrolet, that these Safety Features CANNOT BE IGNORED! I am praying that after your Reviewing, You are able to Provide a Recall for the Radio Software on my 2013 Chevy Spark! I bought the car last year, and it's getting very expensive to keep it running Safely. Thank you

Equipment
Filed Jun 13, 2024HI

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2024TX

The locks will lock and unlock very quickly. I got out of the vehicle but the vehicle quickly locked back locking my son([XXX] who was strapped in his carseat) in there. i pressed unlock but it immediately kept locking back as soon as i pressed unlock. i was finally able to quickly open it and get him out. my concern would be what if the day was hotter? time is of the essence and my son could have been stuck in there and likely killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 17, 2024MI

Passenger front spring broken.

Structure › Body › Hood
Filed Oct 20, 2023GA

See attached document from complainant

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jun 5, 2023OH

2013 CHEVEROLET SPARK- Consumer doesn't feel safe driving vehicle. Consumer received safety recall letter- GM Recall # A222359300- Hood Striker & Hood Latch Assembly. Consumer contacted Chevrolet and was told the part is not available and they do not know when it will available. Recall notice attached.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 7, 2023PA

The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I called again in late February 2023 and the parts were still not available. The recall was issued because the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage. If the striker becomes stuck out of position and both the primary and secondary hood latch fail to engage, the vehicle’s hood may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. The last sentence is an understatement to say the least. My daughter drives the Chevy Spark from our home in Beaver Falls, Pa to college in Edinboro, Pa. Approximately a 2 hour drive on Route 79, a major highway for semi trucks from Pa to NY. If the hood opens unexpectedly, there Will be a crash not the risk will be increased. When I asked Chevy about a loaner, I was advised that I could not get 1. I asked if I’m supposed to keep driving since I have no other options, I was advised that I could not get a loaner. I asked for a supervisor to call me back. I was advised that a supervisor would call me back within 24-48 hours. She gave me Case # 9-9494938162. 2 days later, the same women called me back and advised me that I could not get a loaner. I asked why supervisor did not call me back. Said he was not available. I am filing a complaint because it has been 5 months (October 2022) since I received

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 6, 2023130,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed on the vehicle, the mechanic was unable to properly close the hood. The contact was previously mailed a NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the recall notification and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The independent mechanic advised the contact to refrain from opening the hood due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 15, 2023OH

I have not experienced an incident YET but the recall of the hood latch was first brought to my attention in August 2022 and it is now January 2023 with NO remedy being proposed. It still says "recall incomplete, remedy not available" -- meanwhile it's been more than 6 months, which should be plenty of time to make these arrangements! I don't drive on the freeway very often but every time I do I worry about my hood opening while I'm driving 60+ mph. WHEN is this going to be fixed??

Electrical System
Filed Jan 12, 2023AZ

I'm coming to a stop or slowing down the car shuts off. Even when making a turn in front of another car across traffic my car has turned off in the middle of crossing the street and I almost got hit twice now. This affects the cruise control coming on as well the speedometer fluctuates back and forth the whole time I'm driving. This happens every day and at most times when I'm coming to a stop or coming out of a stop. I just have to test the gas before I make a turn in front of oncoming traffic to cross the road to make sure that I have power and then I go as fast as I can across so that hopefully I'll gain enough speed so that the car doesn't shut off again. So usually it's every time I come to a red light which is at least at the very least from my work to home is four lights and at every light it will do it. Oftentimes I cross traffic and it will do it. I just had to be very careful

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Nov 29, 2022FL

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 31, 2021AZ

I do not know what system affects the problem my car is having it stalls in front of oncoming traffic on left turns it's done this to me 3 to 4 times and it scares me. It will start right back up and go but it'll still continuously throughout the day when I slow down or come to a red light. The speed control sensor went out and I replaced it and there seem to be middle or something on that. I've read different reports or seen on YouTube that people have reported the same problem with their cars it is definitely a safety issue had it not started up or had I panicked like I did the first time and almost not get it started but a car could crash into me because my car stalled in front of traffic the problem has not been reproduced for anybody and there has been no report to dealership insurance police anything like that. I have checked periodically to see if there is a recall on it and there hasn't been this is the first time I'm seeing where you can report something like this so I thought I would

Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 2021CA

The key is a problem. Personally mine has broken 4 times. The fob & base of the key is too big for the key itself. I know other Chevrolet models have had key recalls for the same reason, so I am not sure why they have not recalled the Chevy Spark keys because they are the same format as other models. It would be convenient if they separated the fob and the key. Currently my key is super glued because the dealership has this key on back order. I just replaced this key two years ago and it just keeps breaking.

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 2021165,000 milesCA

VEHICLE GETS CODE P0700 TRANNY GOES TO LIMP MODE WONT MOVE OR SHIFT UNTIL CAR IS RESTARTED DOES THIS A FEW TIMES A WEEK

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 6, 202050,000 milesNY

THE HOOD LATCH IS CORRODED AND DOESN'T ALLOW THE HOOD TO STAY FULLY CLOSED AND TRUNK LATCH STICKS AND DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY WHILE BEING STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. I'M SCARED THAT THE HOOD WILL FLY UP WHILE MY SON OR I ARE DRIVING.

Power Train
Filed Sep 22, 202077,870 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2010 CHEVROLET SPARK, THE CLUTCH PEDAL SNAPPED OFF, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.

Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2020PA

WHEN COMING OUT OF A STOP (RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.,) THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO SIDE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, WAIT A MINUTE, AND START IT AGAIN. ONLY THEN WILL IT DRIVE. IT DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME. HOWEVER, WHEN IT DOES, IT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN A SHORT TIME FRAME. IT HAS DONE THIS OCCASIONALLY SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN 2017. MY SISTER ALSO OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK AND HERS DOES THIS AS WELL. *TR

20 of 146 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20223000Routine
20216000Routine
202019020Routine
201914100Routine
20189000Routine
201729100Routine
201628110Routine
201576510Routine
2014172600Do not drive
2013 — this page146510Routine

Compare every Spark year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 25, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.