Chevrolet Spark problems
The Chevrolet Spark (Korean: 쉐보레 스파크) is a city car manufactured by General Motors's subsidiary GM Korea from 1998 to 2022. The vehicle was developed by Daewoo and introduced in 1998 as the Daewoo Matiz (Korean: 대우 마티즈). In 2002, General Motors purchased Daewoo Motors, which was marketing the vehicle with several GM marques and nameplates.
The third generation was predominantly marketed under the Chevrolet brand in North America as the Chevrolet Spark and in Australia and New Zealand as the Holden Barina Spark. The fourth generation was launched in 2015, known as the Holden Spark in Australia and New Zealand. It also serves as the basis for the Opel Karl in Europe, Vauxhall Viva in the UK, and VinFast Fadil in Vietnam, the latter being manufactured under license.
A limited-production all-electric version, the Chevrolet Spark EV, was released in the U.S. in selected markets in California and Oregon in June 2013. The Spark EV was the first all-electric passenger car marketed by General Motors since the EV1 was discontinued in 1999, and also the first offered for retail sale by GM (the EV1 was available only on lease).
In the South Korean market, the Spark complies with South Korean "light car" (Korean: 경차, romanized: Gyeongcha) regulations, which regulate overall vehicle dimensions and engine capacity with tax and parking fee benefits.
Production of the Spark at the Changwon, South Korea assembly plant ended in 2022. The plant would instead produce the second-generation Trax.
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Chevrolet Spark model years
Common Chevrolet Spark problems
The Chevrolet Spark has been a popular choice for those looking for a compact and affordable car. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the most common issues with the Chevrolet Spark is related to its engine. According to CarComplaints, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has the most overall complaints, with excessive oil consumption being the most reported problem.
Another problem that has been reported with the Chevrolet Spark is related to its transmission. According to REREV, drivers have complained about harsh gear shifts and vibrations on cars equipped with Aisin’s 4-speed automatic, particularly in the third-generation Spark.
The airbag system is also a concern for the Chevrolet Spark, particularly in the third-generation model. There were four recalls regarding airbags, with problems such as improperly placed passenger-side airbag welds that prevented the airbag from deploying in case of an accident.
In addition to these issues, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has been reported to have problems with its airbags and seat belts due to a software glitch that causes the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate, preventing the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying during accidents.
While there are several problematic model years for the Chevrolet Spark, there are also some reliable options. The 2017, 2019, and 2021 models have received fewer complaints and are generally considered to be more reliable than earlier models.
In conclusion, while the Chevrolet Spark has its share of problems, there are also reliable options available. It is essential to research the specific model year and potential issues before making a purchase to ensure a satisfying ownership experience.
Is the Chevy Spark a reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 12% for the Chevrolet Spark, compared to an average of 11% for subcompact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
How many miles does a Chevrolet Spark last?
What is Chevrolet Spark lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Chevrolet Spark is 183,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Why is Chevy discontinuing the Spark?
The Spark has the lowest price point for a new car in the United States. GM spokesperson Jordan Lee said that the decision to discontinue the Spark was based on declining demand for the model. The Spark has been an excellent car for the automaker, but the market is shifting away from small cars.
Is a Chevy Spark cheap to maintain?
A Chevrolet Spark will cost about $5,893 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular hatchback models by $871. There is also a 18.17% chance that a Spark will require a major repair during that time.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Spark years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Spark cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Spark model years:
- Chevrolet Spark 2014
- Chevrolet Spark 2013
- Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Chevrolet Spark 2016
- Chevrolet Spark 2017
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Spark model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Spark years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Spark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Spark , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Spark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Spark model years
A total of 44 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Spark model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Spark model years
There were a total of 40 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 480 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Spark . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Spark vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: KL8CD6S93FC
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Chevrolet Spark 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: KL8CD6S90DC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
Chevrolet Spark 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: KL8CD6SA6KC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I have a 2019 Chevy Spark after doing research it appears that the Spark has a high transmission failure
Chevrolet Spark 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-29
- VIN: KL8CB6SA7LC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. An unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the O2 sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The mechanic performed an oil change however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,848.
Chevrolet Spark 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: KL8CD6SAXHC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I feel that there are issues with the transmissions on the 2017 Chevy spark. I noticed that there have been complaints in years such as 2014 and 2019. I find that my 2017 exhibits exact same transmission issues as years that came before or after. Lots of indecision with the car about whether to upshift or downshift. Sometimes violent jerking back and forth. Normally. Especially bad between 4th and 5th and 5th and 6th in the upper gears. But in the lower gears more recently it has become more pronounced. This has been going on for quite some time and is getting worse. The car is not that old. First. Noticed it when the car was at 40,000, mi. It is now recently went past 100 and the problem at sometimes is horrible. It does feel unsafe to a high degree. It is a sealed system so there is no way to do routine maintenance, which is unfortunate. I am a person who is usually up on routine maintenance and with a sealed system such as this transmission made by Daewoo in Korea, there's no way to ensure fluid levels are correct and changed in intervals. I feel like reporting just because it should be checked out. I do not know if this is an issue with other people who have spark 2019, but I wanted to send this out because the car's transmission has aged horribly over a short period of time. If I knew then what I know now I would have never owned the spark. Otherwise a great car. This is my only complaint but a big one.
Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: KL8CD6S99FC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Hello, I submitted a complaint to a local GM dealership requesting an investigation be placed into the seat belt bucks failing. I am being informed that the car is out of warranty, which is understandable. However, this is a huge safety concern as the seatbelts were not sewn into the car but rather glued or clamped. This could have resulted in serious injury and/or death to my young child who routinely rides in the back seat.
Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KL8CD6S97FC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Car fire in the engine compartment. Columbus fire inspector called it an electrical fire. On July 10 around 1:30 am, owner heard car alarm honking, saw big orange flames rising from the right front wheel well, called 911. Fire extinguished by F.D. upon arrival. The entire engine compartment burned out, everything not metal burnt away or remains as melted plastic slag on the driveway. Car was last driven 2 days before the fire, so the engine and exhaust were cold. There were no fluid leaks under the hood. Battery was 10 months old. No crash damage. No prior electrical issues. It was a good, reliable, heroic car. Had the car not been honking, owner may have been delayed becoming aware of the fire, leaving it time to spread to the dwelling where it was parked.
Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: KL8CF6S93FC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: In the past I had a 2013 Chevy Spark LS. But in 2017 an idiot who was TEXTING and DRIVING RAN A STOP SIGN, crossed through FOUR LANES and T-BONED MY car injuring me and totaling my car. I am blessed to have survived. Until that day the only issue with my Spark was a failure of the "ignition / safety security chime". Prior to the accident it was addressed and fixed. Now I have a 2015 Chevy Spark LS and have had a TRANSMISSION FAILURE reported, and fixed DUE TO A NATIONAL RECALL FOR 2013-2015's. However following the TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT(Matt Bowers Chevy-Slidell,LA )now I'm dealing with a TOTAL FAILURE OF THE RADIO (black screen, no audio, no power) and no audio for the OnStar buttons. As part of the TRANSMISSION RECALL a list of ALL items "fixed" where given to me. A TOTAL SOFTWARE UPDATE was performed for RADIO, which now doesn't work. I reported this to the dealership who promptly blamed my RADIO/OnStar failure on " the summer heat in Louisiana ". I checked NHTSA for failures of the radio/OnStar and found several documented cases of ELECTRICAL FAILURES of Chevy Sparks, Chevy Sonics and other Chevys. My radio (audio/screen) my OnStar (audio) was working fine and did not signal any problems in the PREDIAGNOSTIC CHECK PRIOR TO MY TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION RECALL. It seems as though you CAN NOT TRUST that anyone will stand behind their products and work. I hope this information is helpful and I want to remind everyone to CONSTANTLY CHECK THE NHTSA website for NATIONAL RECALLS regularly. Several diagnostics were performed to find my TRANSMISSION FAILURE yet the site did not return a hit on my VIN number so at first the CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO PERFORM SERVICES - DUE TO MY CARS VIN not ( at first) being listed on the NHTSA site. Keep searching, print out information and bring in your mechanics automobiles diagnosis. REPORT THE NON-COMPLIANT DEALERSHIPS if necessary. I hope that this is helpful to someone.
Chevrolet Spark 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: KL8CB6SA3MC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Purchased car new, Dec 2021. Drive infrequently because my work under 5 miles away and I go into the office x2/week. Car has approx 14500 on it. Last week the car would not start. Smelled like gasoline. Called Chevy and they towed it under the bumper to bumper warranty to nearest Chevy dealership, 7 miles away. Dealership called and said fuel line is corroded. We have had no snow in DC and the military base (where I live) does not use salt on road so this makes NO sense. Then I learned the car was actually manufactured in Dec 2020 because they do not want to honor the warranty....so they are selling cars with defective fuel lines to the public. This car must have sat somewhere in snow or near water until they brought it to DC to sell to me. If they did this to me, I am sure they are doing it as a matter of practice and should be stopped. When my car was towed, there was a big wet spot under it where all the fuel leaked. I tried to reach out to corporate and now they are ignoring me. Please help me.
Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-19
- VIN: KL8CC6S95FC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: Without warning, vehicle loses power and ability to accelerate is greatly reduced. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (aka "check engine light"), the Reduced Engine Power light, and the Traction Control System/Stabilitrak light all illuminate at the same time and are not flashing. Using a diagnostic tool from a local auto parts store, code P2138 is reported as follows: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch 'D/E' Voltage Correlation, and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensors 1-2 Not Plausible. Incident has occured multiple times since owning the vehicle (approx. 13 months). This creates a safety issue because the poor acceleration limits the vehicles ability to maintain speed, especially on highways at higher speeds and ascending hills.
Chevrolet Spark 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-13
- VIN: KL8CD6S97DC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Spark 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on the control panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,833.
Chevrolet Spark 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6S98EC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Car braked in front of me to avoid a crash; I did the same. I managed to leave enough space and I did not make contact with the car in front of me. As I was stopped behind the car in front of me, another car rear-ended me going ≈ 35 mph. Consequently, my car was compressed between both cars. There was severe damage to the hood/front end of my car from the force of the car behind me pushing against the car in front of me; moderate damage to the rear. No airbags deployed. I was left with a sprained back and a concussion. I do believe I have complications with my spine and nervous system to this day because of this accident.
Chevrolet Spark 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-20
- VIN: KL8CD6S93EC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Transmission needs to be replaced per mechanic, costing around $3,5000-$5,000 Jerking or shuddering during the normal course of driving Hesitations while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position Engine stalls out or intermittently shutting off Rough start or hard shift and sudden acceleration Hesitations while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position
Chevrolet Spark 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-17
- VIN: KL8CF6S94DC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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)
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Spark
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 19 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Spark.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark 2014
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-25
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark 2013
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-25
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark 2015
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-25
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark 2019
- Report Received Date: 2018-11-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-05-09
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
Latest negative Chevrolet Spark car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Spark car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
Chevrolet has done an excellent job with this car, achieving its mission with flying colours. The Spark's design is both functional and attractive, with plenty of surprising features and room inside. While it may not be a sports car, its impressive MPG ratings more than make up for its lack of speed. People who buy this car are looking for good fuel efficiency, and the Spark delivers on that promise. Overall, it's a great choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I live in Los Angeles and was looking for a car that could easily navigate through traffic and fit into tight parking spaces. This car definitely delivers! It's the first car I've owned that I actually enjoy driving and look forward to getting behind the wheel. Plus, it's great on gas - I average about 33 mpg in LA and 43 mpg on the highway. The Chevy MyLink touchscreen system is incredibly advanced and user-friendly. The handling is swift and agile, making it a pleasure to drive. And to top it off, I got an amazing deal on the car!
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Vehicle year: 2020
I purchased this car as a second vehicle to reduce the mileage on my F-150 and save on gas. Recently, we took a three-hour round trip on the highway in pouring rain, and the car handled it like a champ. The acceleration was impressive for a car of this size and type, and it passed slower vehicles with ease. It's an absolute joy to drive. The only downside is that the two front cup holders are too close together. Update as of 1/8/2019: We took an 850-mile trip, and the car handled well on parkways. It can be a bit noisy on older asphalt roads, but it's not a luxury car, so that's to be expected. I averaged 40.5 MPG, and we're still very happy with the car. I have no complaints, but I would advise against driving in heavy snow or rain for extended periods as the car can be a bit squirrelly due to its lightweight.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I bought my 2014 Spark from a Chevrolet dealership that was about an hour and a half away from my home. It had been driven a little over 76,000 miles, which I thought was appropriate for a car that is 7 model years old. I got it for less than half the original sticker price. So far, I have driven over 1,600 miles and I am happy to say that I have no complaints. I live in a rural area and commute 20 miles, one way, most trips. Most of those miles are on a major state highway, and the Spark is not at all uncomfortable, rough or overly bouncy. It is not a sports car or an SUV, so I don't treat it like one. I don't take off like I'm in a race, nor do I zoom up and down the dirt road that leads to my house. But, I have no problems driving between 50 and 60 miles per hour when appropriate. The night I purchased the car I drove 70 miles per hour on an interstate with no issues. It is no more unstable on windy days or when passing large vehicles than anything else I have driven. I have had to drive in the rain multiple times, and the Spark has done great. The Traction Control does its job, the tires are good, and the paint, windshield and windshield wipers repel water nicely. This is the first car I've owned with a CVT, and it is smoother than any Automatic I have driven regularly. I have filled up with Regular Gas 5 times and have gotten 37.9, 39.5, 39.7, 40.0 and 40.3 miles per gallon. I'm a big guy and around 5'9 but had no trouble adjusting the seat until I found the driving position I want. Leg room and shoulder room are no issue, and head room is excellent. I can fit a 39 gallon bag full of trash behind the rear seat or a week's worth of groceries with no problems: I haven't tried to fold down the rear seats yet. To sum up, my Spark has been, up to now, exactly what I was looking for; an outstanding used car. As of this update, I have now owned the car for a little over 9 months and have driven it over 20,000 miles. I am happy to report that my experience has been great. I take care of it, and it takes care of me.I always make an appointment with my local dealer when my car codes for an oil change. I've had two oil changes so far, one at around 7,500 miles and the other at around 7,700 miles. Since then, I've driven less than 5,000 miles, so I don't expect to need another oil change for over 2,000 miles. Living in a dusty area and driving a lot of miles in a short amount of time, I will probably opt for the recommended engine air filter change at that time. On a cold morning, my Spark performs better after a good warm-up of 7 or 8 minutes if the frost is thick. Some owners and potential buyers might find this a turn-off, but it doesn't bother me at all. I usually fill up with Regular Gas when I am down to about a quarter of a tank. Despite being a small car that is not new anymore, I personally think the range is great, especially considering it only holds a little over 9 gallons. As far as MPG, I have yet to get less than about 37.4, and that was in the winter months. Back then, it needed the longer warm-ups, and I was using the defroster and heater. I have gotten as good as about 49.8, and this summer, I've rarely gotten under 47. My air conditioner works, but I don't use it, and I try to drive about 50 miles per hour as much as possible. As of now, I would absolutely buy my Spark again.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I bought my Spark back in March 2014 and unfortunately, it was just totaled last night. A Kia Forte hit me on the driver's side while traveling at 45MPH. Although the airbags deployed and are expensive to replace, the left front wheel will need major repair, which costs more than the residual value of the car, so it's considered totaled. Luckily, I walked away with only a minor scratch on the left side of my forehead from the airbag deployment (which smells like gunpowder). Throughout the years of owning this car, I've been rear-ended twice, once by a guy on a Harley who folded his front fork under the bike, and another time when I ran across a high concrete road divider, which flattened the tire but caused no other damage. I've pushed the car pretty hard at times, and it has had no major problems. There was a recall for the AC, and the coolant overflow tank cracked for no apparent reason a couple of years ago, costing nearly $200 to replace, but I take those in stride as part of owning a car, provided they are not a perceived major oversight or design flaw on the part of the manufacturer. This car did not have those, and I'll be replacing it with another Spark.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Spark?
Nicklaus Bogan 2025-10-11
Vehicle year: 2014
I bought a 2013 Chevy Spark LS when they first came out and I absolutely loved it! Although there were some issues with the ignition switch and fuel pump recalls, I still have a soft spot for my car. Unfortunately, this year the air conditioner went out and caused some damage to my motor. While I haven't heard of a recall for this issue, I've read some reviews that suggest it should have been addressed. Despite these setbacks, I'm still hopeful that all the recalls I've had will ultimately lead to a better car. However, I have noticed that my car seems noisier on the road and sometimes feels like I'm driving a tin can. Additionally, hitting a speed bump can cause some shaking in the front end tires, but the car always manages to recover. By the way, I have the Techno Pink model. Thank you for listening to my experience!
Devyn Gleason 2025-09-24
Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased this car because of its advertised ease of maintenance, fuel economy, and suitability for long commutes. Although the manual recommends changing the oil every 7k miles, I am very thorough about changing it every 3k miles. For the first 50k miles, this car was great, despite a minor transmission issue. However, at around 35k miles, it started burning a lot of oil, about 1 quart per 2000 miles. Chevy informed me that 'normal' consumption is up to 1 quart per 1000 miles. I checked the oil once a week and added what was needed. Unfortunately, while on a long road trip to Texas from Missouri, at just under 50k miles, I lost the 4th cylinder. It took the dealership over a month to replace the rings and pistons in the 4th cylinder. Currently, at about 65k miles, the car is burning a quart of oil every 1k miles. This cannot be good for carbon buildup in the engine, and I am concerned that the engine will fail before long. I have been a longtime fan of Chevy, but after this and another problematic purchase before this, I will no longer be buying from a company that refuses to be accountable for their problems creating dependable cars as well as needing government assistance in staying in business...
Jasmin Fisher 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2017
I recently purchased a BMW and I'm really enjoying it. I'm not a big fan of front wheel drive, so I'm glad I made the switch.
Efren Ondricka 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2014
I recently purchased a car with 65000 miles on it. Unfortunately, I have found it to be quite uncomfortable and loud to drive. Now, with 95000 miles on the clock, it seems to be at the end of its life. Recently, I noticed that the car was losing power when I pressed the gas and the RPMs were fluctuating. I tried changing the air filter, spark plugs, recharging the battery, and topping off all the fluids, but nothing seemed to help. I eventually took it to a mechanic and they discovered that the transmission was failing. It was disappointing to learn that this is a common issue with the 2014 Spark, as I have read similar complaints from other owners. I would advise against purchasing this car if you don't want to waste your money.
Casper Wolff 2025-09-03
Vehicle year: 2020
Although I have tried to love this car, I have had numerous issues with it since driving off the lot. On my way home from the dealership, the airbag and seatbelt lights kept going on and off while driving down the highway. However, the dealership was able to fix the issue by replacing the seatbelt buckle and airbag control module for the driver's seat. Despite this, I encountered another issue with the radio staying on with the car turned off and the driver's door opened. The dealership was able to resolve this issue by updating OnStar. Although there are still some minor issues with the car, I am confident that the dealership will be able to resolve them in a timely manner. Overall, I am satisfied with the service provided by the dealership and their commitment to resolving any issues that arise.GM's offer of a component warranty extension for 60 months/75k miles on the front suspension is not acceptable. I will be pursuing legal action to apply for the lemon law. The car has been in the service department for approximately 6 weeks since its purchase in March 2019, and it is only October 2019.