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: 2018
This has been an amazing car! It gets over 40 mpg and drives like a dream. While it may not be the flashiest car out there, it is definitely a great car.
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Vehicle year: 2020
This car is really great! It's amazing what you can get for the price. Did you know that you can do 75mph in third gear? But that's not all, let me tell you more. It handles like a go-kart, the brakes are really good, and the steering is very direct and sensitive. Even my buddy who is 6”5 320lbs fits in the passenger seat perfectly. And I'm 6”0 even, so the car is plenty big for me. I absolutely love the Chevy Spark. The engine loves to be revved and once it hits 4,000 rpm, the party starts. It's truly an amazing little vehicle. Plus, it has a 9-gallon tank and only costs $35 to fill up! This car can really move too! Even though it only has 98hp, you can easily get some speeding tickets without even trying. More Americans should definitely consider the 5-speed Spark. It's seriously an awesome vehicle!
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Vehicle year: 2018
Hey there! I'm a simple kind of guy, and my goal with getting another vehicle was very straightforward - get a new vehicle at a reasonably low price. Luckily, the 2017 Spark is simple in all the ways I like - I got the base LS model because I'm not a fan of power anything (power stuff breaks first). The only “power” options I wanted and got on the Spark were power steering and an automatic transmission. My friends describe the Spark as “cute” and I couldn't agree more. It’s quite a small vehicle, but I have no problem fitting my 5’ 11”, 230-pound frame into it. The seats, while not easy-chair material, are sufficiently comfortable. The Spark is great with mirrors and window space - blind spots on either side of the car have been kept to a minimum. The rear-view mirror inside the cabin could be a little wider, but it’s adequate. And the rear window is wide enough to monitor tailgaters. Internal storage space, as has been widely written about, isn’t very much, but you can fold the rear seats down for additional space. It also has two rear doors which might be suitable for loading large items as well as associates. Much has also been written about the Spark’s 98-horsepower engine and that it takes 10 seconds to get to 60 mph. However, I have not found it to be a problem at all. I would not call it underpowered. If you’re an angry, pushy driver who loves to tailgate others, the Spark might not be for you. But if you’re a judicious, considerate driver, the Spark’s acceleration won’t be an issue for you. I was a little surprised to find out the Spark has a 9.2-gallon tank - the smallest in any vehicle I’ve ever owned, but that’s offset by its high-rated fuel mileage of 38mpg (highway) and up. If you do the math, that’s a cruising range of at least 340 miles. This is not a “touring” car, but for 180- to 250-mile trips that I take on occasion, I’m confident the Spark can handle the pull. The deal clincher for me was under the hood - the EcoTec engine, this one a 1.The Spark's 4-liter engine is the centerpiece of this friendly little car. As someone who became a huge fan of EcoTec with my last car, I was thrilled to learn that the Spark's engine can run on 87 octane fuel. The instrument panel and dash are welcomingly simple and nicely designed, unlike some other subcompacts. Plus, if you have an Android or iPhone smartphone, you can easily access music and certain mobile apps from those devices on the touch-screen display. The Spark also includes several modern conveniences and safety features, such as a rear backup camera and the MyChevy touch-screen control system with Bluetooth. You even get a 3-month trial of OnStar remote monitoring and assistance for free, as well as built-in 4G wi-fi service you can add on for as little as $10 a month (1 GB). The Spark is a good, simple little car that has been compared favorably in specific ways to pricier models like the Honda Fit, the Fiat 500, the Nissan Versa, and the Toyota Yaris. It stands out, though, for its integrated OnStar service and onboard technology. If you're looking for basic transportation, the Spark is a great choice. However, if you're a road hog or a gearhead, you may want to look elsewhere. The Spark is most certainly not a ride for hipsters (unless they're driving it ironically).For its high fuel mileage, maneuverability in tight parking spaces, safety features, and integrated smartphone technology, not to mention its low price relative to other vehicles in its class, the 2017 Spark earns its 5 stars overall. Why not take a test drive? You'll love it!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I've been driving my 2017 Chevy Daewoo Spark since October 2016, and it's been a great experience. With 56K on the clock, my LS manual base model in bright RED is very agile on the street and has good acceleration with the 5 spd. If you keep the revs up, it will reward you with very decent acceleration and it's a lot of fun! I've been using it for commuting and it has great gas mileage (4.5L/100 km) even at highway speeds. I haven't had any problems with it, and have only needed oil changes from the dealership. It's not a true 4 seater, but what subcompact is? It does have decent style, a wonderful infotainment system, and can park anywhere. With the back-up camera, it's easy peasy to get into tight spaces. The TPMS and Bluetooth are great features, especially considering the sticker price of 9999. If you get the manual, you also have a theft device built in LOL...and more fun! I'd definitely buy one again, and have even thought about getting a new one with AC and Power Windows...but I want a manual LT which is hard to find :( If you get one, you won't regret it!
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Vehicle year: 2020
Just wanted to share an update on my car - it's been over a year since my last review and I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single problem with it! In fact, I've been getting even better gas mileage than expected - consistently between 38.7-40.0 mpg, which is amazing. The car is super comfortable to drive and I've had no issues with squeaks or rattles. I recently hit the 2 year mark and have put 28,000 miles on it, but it still feels like new. I've only had to replace the tires and do scheduled maintenance, which is great. As a taller guy, I was worried about the comfort level, but it's been perfect for me. I love using the apple car play to listen to podcasts during my commute, and the car handles really well on the highway. I have the manual transmission and still get better than expected fuel consumption - between 39-41 MPG. Overall, I think this car is an amazing value for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable commuter car.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Spark?
Brennon Grimes 2025-04-02
Vehicle year: 2014
My 2014 Spark was bought brand new and has been a source of trouble for the past 5 years. Despite Chevy's denial and lack of accountability, I have experienced electrical problems with the car. The radio had to be replaced twice within 4 years, with the first replacement being within months of purchasing the car. The second replacement was at 60k miles. There seems to be an issue with the wiring behind the radio. Additionally, there have been multiple recalls, door latch bolts that failed within the first year of owning the car, and issues with the coolant reservoir and sensors. The car has 13 computers, which can lead to more problems. The lights, including the windshield wipers, flicker on and off, and the car sometimes fails to start randomly. The transmission starts feeling shaky and not running right around 45k miles, and it gets worse. It is important to avoid this cheap lemon, as it is not made to last.
Broderick Gusikowski 2025-03-09
Vehicle year: 2015
The 1.2 liter engine with CVT Transmission may not be the most powerful, but this car has some great features that made me buy it, such as OnStar, Sirius XM radio, and MY Link stereo. Despite having 36,900 miles, there have been 5 recalls and a failed port injector assembly that needed to be replaced, which was pricey. The BringGo app for maps and navigation was also slow and not very good, so I switched to Google Maps. However, the traction control works well and the car is safe with 10 airbags. Although it may be a bit small for me at 6'1 and 280 pounds, my wife and I fit comfortably. While some of my friends and colleagues have made jokes about the car's size, it's a great option for a first car for your kids. I did have an issue with the heater not working, but it turned out to be a simple fix - I just needed to add more coolant. Overall, while it may not be the fastest or most fuel-efficient car out there, it's a solid choice with some great features.
Ethel Feil 2025-02-11
Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased a GM product 7 months ago, but unfortunately, it experienced a number of issues. The car had a massive oil leak from the valve covers, 3 recalls, rear latch breakage, and bad tire pressure sensors that no one could figure out how to clear the code. The road noise was also quite noticeable and the fit and finish left something to be desired. Additionally, the door chime was quite loud. I decided to trade it in for a more reliable method of transportation. Although my experience was not ideal, I am confident that GM will continue to improve their products in the future.
Stanford Hirthe 2025-01-28
Vehicle year: 2014
UPDATE: Unfortunately, changing the gasoline did not resolve the transmission problem and it actually got worse. It was quite scary when it hesitated to pull into moving traffic and almost caused a rear-end collision. Despite reaching out to dealerships, they either denied the issue or admitted it with no solution. After the near collision, I decided to trade it in, although it resulted in a significant financial loss. I ended up purchasing a new Ford C-Max, which runs smoothly with no hesitation, better MPG, more room, and higher build quality. Although it's a shame about the transmission issue on the Spark, I still appreciate it as a commuter vehicle due to its affordable price. I'm not sure if this problem has been resolved on later models as I haven't been following it since getting the C-Max.
Norbert Kunze 2024-11-28
Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased the Spark LS after my old car stopped working. The Spark was a great deal for a new car. Although I regret not getting the electric door locks, I have found that the small gas tank and high gas mileage have been a nice surprise. I only need to fill up once a week for around $15, which is a significant improvement from my old car that cost over $30 a week to fill up. While there are some issues with the CVT engine, such as stalling for a few seconds if you don't come to a complete stop, I have found that adjusting my driving habits has helped me avoid this problem. Additionally, the road noise on some old paved roads can be a bit bothersome, but it's not a major issue for me. Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase and plan to keep the car for a few years until it's paid off. After that, I may consider switching to a non-CVT engine car.