Chevrolet Spark ev 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 ev model years
Common Chevrolet Spark ev problems
The Chevrolet Spark EV has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine, transmission, and brakes.
One of the most significant issues is the engine dying unexpectedly, which has been reported by several owners of the 2014 Spark EV. The engine failure is often irreversible, and the most common fix is to replace the engine entirely, which can be quite expensive.
Another major issue with the 2014 Spark EV is its transmission system, which has been reported to slip or fail entirely. This problem can cause the car to shift uncontrollably, especially at higher speeds, posing a significant safety hazard. The transmission issues in the 2014 Spark EV tend to occur at around 80,000+ miles and can cost up to $2,680 to repair.
The 2015 Spark EV has also been reported to have transmission issues, although less prevalent than in the 2014 model. Some owners have reported that their Spark would vibrate or buckle as they accelerate to highway speeds, and some have experienced a loss of power or acceleration speed due to transmission woes.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the 2015 Spark EV has also been reported to have issues with its air conditioning system. Several owners have reported that their car's A/C system has failed, with refrigerant leaks being the most common culprit. This problem can be particularly frustrating for owners living in areas with severe weather systems, as a faulty A/C system can make driving uncomfortable.
The 2016 Spark EV has been reported to have issues with its airbags and seat belts. A software glitch can cause the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate, preventing the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying during accidents. GM had to issue a recall for many of its vehicles, including the 2016 Spark EV, to fix this issue.
Brake-related problems have also been reported in the 2016 Spark EV. Some owners have reported complete brake failure, while others have experienced stuttering or other issues with the braking system. This problem is particularly concerning, as it can pose a significant safety hazard.
Despite these issues, there are some reliable years of the Chevrolet Spark EV that buyers can consider. The 2017, 2019, and 2021 models have received relatively few complaints and are generally considered to be reliable options for a used subcompact car.
What are the main issues with Chevy Spark?
Apparently, the issue lies with the engine, which causes excessive oil consumption. Some owners claimed that they lost power while driving, and then the engine just stopped working. Several reports also claimed that the Spark's engine died on them. The most common fix is to replace the engine, which is far from cheap.
How much does it cost to replace battery in Chevy Spark EV?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Spark EV Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $15,176 and $15,311. Labor costs are estimated between $519 and $655 while parts are typically priced around $14,657. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
How many miles does a Chevy Spark EV battery last?
82 miles
When fully charged, its combined city/highway EPA-estimated range of 82 miles and EPA-estimated city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent make it the most efficient U.S. retail electric vehicle.
What happened to Chevy Spark EV?
The Chevy Spark is being discontinued after the 2023 model year.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Spark ev years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Spark ev cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Chevrolet Spark ev model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Spark ev model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Spark ev years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Spark ev car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Spark ev , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Spark ev vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Spark ev model years
A total of 20 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 ev model years
There were a total of 2 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 ev model years
There were a total of 18 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 274 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Spark ev . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Spark ev vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Spark ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 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 ev 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-08
- VIN: KL8CB6S9XEC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) and the recall repair was performed; however, the contact stated when the vehicle was taken for an oil change, the independent mechanic was unable to open the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective release cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,576.
Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-09
- VIN: KL8CD6S99FC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: On [XXX], the back seat bottom belt came apart from the base strap while my 9-year-old child was in the back seat and the car was in motion. We were able to pull over to the side of the road for her to switch to the other back seat. On [XXX], the second back seat belt bottom part came apart as well while the car was in motion and my 9-year-old child was buckled in the back seat. At this time, I am unable to use my car to transport my child to and from school and activities as she is not old enough to ride in the front seat. Additionally, it appears as if the adhesive holding the strap together slowly eroded over time and my fear is that if we were in a car accident what would have happened to my child now knowing the back seat belt was not fully secure. Additionally, I have concerns related to the front seat belts and if those are going to fall apart soon. I have included photos with my concern. As you can see, the belts are not ripped, torn, and are otherwise in good condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-14
- VIN: KL8CF6S91FC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably and veered off the road. The contact was able to take control of the vehicle and placed the vehicle in park. The contact stated that there was no audio or visual warning at the time of the failure. The contact alerted OnStar who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was repaired, however, the contact was concerned about an OnStar software update. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V416000 (Equipment) and related the failure to the recall. Additionally, on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter or exit the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not able to duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-06
- VIN: KL8CD6S99FC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission is failing and slipping very bad. Car will jerk when shifting in and out of 2nd gear. Car will jerk back and forth when brakes are applied. When coasting at or around 20-25mph (right around when car shifts into second gear normally,) car will jerk back and forth repeatedly. Chevy/GMC is still refusing to honor an extended coverage to fix their mistakes. This is going to lead to an accident and needs to be recalled.
Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-20
- VIN: KL8CB6S91FC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The transmission has gone bad and the car has low mileage. I took it to a chevy dealership and they couldn't find the problem now it is completely broken and I can't drive it. I was told there is a recall on the 2015 chevy spark transmission.
Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-16
- VIN: KL8CD6S97FC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There are many electrical failures in this vehicle from the door alarm not sounding when the car has been turned off to the radio staying on and burning down the battery and the radio making changes to the stations volume, volume freezes and lowers or is totally unresponsive while the driver is driving, this is a major distracting. Also overhead light is unresponsive and flickers when it wants to. Subsequently these issues have required me to have 5 new batteries replaced since owning this car. A dealer wants to charge $225 to check this I have seen and heard other complaints. I can’t possibly be the only one having these problems. My Vin number is not part of it. Previous recalls for some unknown reason. There has never been a battery failure, or warning light it just dies. I have video of the occurrence on most recently on January 11, 2020 for what has been occurring for years and very frequently.
Chevrolet Spark ev 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-11
- VIN: KL8CD6S94EC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There is a recall on my vehicle, took it to the chevy dealership I purchased, I've been waiting since 2022 for them to notify me if/when they receive such part, here it's two years later and still no recall fixture.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Spark ev
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Spark ev.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark ev 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 ev 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 ev 2014
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark ev 2015
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
- Model: Chevrolet Spark ev 2016
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Latest positive Chevrolet Spark ev car reviews
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Spark ev?
Toni Spencer 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 2015
This car is fully electric and has an 82-mile range before needing a recharge. Even though it is equipped with DC quick charge capability (80% charge in 20 minutes), it is still primarily a city car. If you live in a colder climate, the range may drop, but it will climb back up in the spring and summer. Charging with a standard 120v outlet in your garage at the 12 amp setting takes less than 12 hours. You can cut that time in half or better by buying a 240v charger and getting a 240v outlet installed (or using your clothes dryer outlet if convenient). It is rated at 128 mpge, making it the most efficient production car in the world in 2015! Here in the clean power PNW, it produces the equivalent pollution (from electrical power plant generation) of a 95 mpg gas car (UCS study). Compared to a 25 mpg gas car at $2.80/gallon for gas, and with PNW electric rates, it also saves you over $1000 for every 10,000 miles driven in fuel costs. Maintenance costs are minimal compared to a gas car, with only a few fluids and tire pressure to check. The regenerative brakes do most of the braking, so disc brakes last forever. With 140 hp and 400 ft/lbs torque, it is faster than any of my gas cars. It also comes with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery and electrical components, which have proven to be very long-lasting. Every family should consider having one as a second car for commuting. I have owned this car for 3.5 years now and am still very pleased. I have saved several thousand dollars on fuel and maintenance costs, and the only issue I have had is with the AC, which went out (idiot light on dash).I've never actually used it, but now that I think about it, there's little need for it with an electric motor in front of you that generates no significant heat, unlike an inefficient ICE which puts 75% of the energy into heat production. I still have one ICE car and this morning I had to clean up the oil on the garage floor from my recent oil change, where it leaked out of the trash bag from the used oil filter. ICE cars are just yuck! I really need to replace that with an EV. Over four years and still going strong, I'm spending only 2 cents/mile for electric fuel. Currently, I spend 14 cents/mile for fuel with my 25mpg gas road trip car. Do the math - save $1200 in 10,000 miles of driving. Yep, I'm getting closer to replacing that gas guzzler with an EV. One quirk with these cars that I will eventually have to deal with is that the front wheels and tires are a different size than the rears, thus not interchangeable front to back (inexplicable). Thus, one cannot do the usual tire rotation (front to back) to maximize and equalize the wear on the tires. The front tires wear out much faster than the rear. Probably within the next 10,000 miles, I will replace the front tires only. For maintenance, I have spent a total of only $15 for windshield wiper blades and $100 for the 12V battery replacement in four years. We live in a hilly/mountainous region and there is always trepidation when I take the car to climb a significant grade (500 ft or more). However, in an eight-mile trip up to a trailhead on Moscow Mountain, it may show as much as 30 miles of range use to get up there, but on the way back, I actually generate range with the regenerative braking and end up having used only about 16 miles of range for the whole trip. In other words, it evens out on the return trip. The car now has about 24,000 miles on it, and its lifetime efficiency is 5.3 miles/kWh. If you do the math, this translates to 179 mpgE.It's amazing how far this car can go on the equivalent energy of a gallon of gasoline! The EPA has rated it at an impressive 128 mpgE city, and I've heard others report the same efficiency. I'm not sure why this car is so efficient, but it's definitely something to be happy about!
Axel Huel 2024-11-14
Vehicle year: 2016
I love this car! Although my heavy-footed driving style has caused me to go through four sets of front tires, I can't help but enjoy zipping around in this little city rocket. It's quick, fun, and definitely unique. Of course, being a small car, it can feel a bit cramped when competing for space with larger 4x4s and SUVs. But to me, that just adds to its charm. After all, this is the first year for the Spark EV, and the only year with 400ft lb of torque. Who knows, it might even become a collectible someday! Needless to say, I have no plans of getting rid of mine anytime soon.
Juwan Bogisich 2024-10-21
Vehicle year: 2016
Hi there! It looks like you've had your current device for four years now. It might be time to consider an upgrade!
Leopoldo Trantow 2024-10-17
Vehicle year: 2016
Great choice for city driving!
Freddy Koelpin 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 2016
The Spark is an absolute joy to drive, even after 45,000 miles! It's not just the most economical EV on the road, but the most economical car overall. I have a 2014 LT (DC fast charger is a must for me) and I was able to drive 540 miles in a day with just 4 DC fast charges. It's quick, agile, and surprisingly spacious - even at 6ft 3 I can stretch my legs out with ease. To me, it feels like the VW Bug of the 21st century! It's a real shame that GM stopped making the gas Spark, as this EV is truly a gem. While the range is around 90 miles in fall and spring, it can drop to 30-40% in extreme heat or cold. However, if I can get a replacement battery pack that gives me a 150 mile range, I'll be keeping this Spark EV forever!