2016 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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Common 2016 Chevrolet Spark problems
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark, while considered one of the more reliable models in the series, still has some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. One significant issue is related to the airbags and seat belts, which can be caused by a software glitch in the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software. This glitch can prevent the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying during accidents, posing a severe safety risk. General Motors had to issue a recall for many of its vehicles, including the 2016 Spark, to address this problem.
Another safety concern with the 2016 Spark is its braking system, which has received numerous complaints ranging from complete brake failure to stuttering. While these issues are relatively rare, they are still worth noting as they can significantly impact the vehicle's safety.
In addition to these safety concerns, the 2016 Spark has also been reported to have issues with excessive oil consumption and acceleration problems. However, these issues are generally less prevalent than the airbag and brake problems.
It is worth noting that these issues are based on complaints from owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Spark and may not affect every vehicle of the same year, make, and model. It is always recommended to check for open recalls using the vehicle's VIN or license plate number before purchasing a used vehicle. Additionally, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the vehicle's safety and longevity.
Is a 2016 Chevy Spark reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark? The 2016 Spark earns a reliability score of three out of five from J.D. Power. While this score is average for the auto industry as a whole, it's slightly below average for the subcompact car class.
What is the common problem with Chevrolet 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.
Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevy Spark?
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.
Is A Chevrolet Spark A Good car?
This diminutive hatchback is definitely not designed for long road trips, but it's effective and quiet in the city. The Spark is easy to thread through slow-moving traffic, with quick lateral movements and stable motions. Its short wheelbase aids maneuverability in tight spaces without compromising ride quality.
What is the common problem with Chevrolet 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.
Are 2016 Chevy Sparks reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark? The 2016 Spark earns a reliability score of three out of five from J.D. Power. While this score is average for the auto industry as a whole, it's slightly below average for the subcompact car class.
Is A Chevrolet Spark A Good car?
This diminutive hatchback is definitely not designed for long road trips, but it's effective and quiet in the city. The Spark is easy to thread through slow-moving traffic, with quick lateral movements and stable motions. Its short wheelbase aids maneuverability in tight spaces without compromising ride quality.
Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevy Spark?
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.
2016 Chevrolet Spark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Spark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Chevrolet Spark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Chevrolet Spark
The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Chevrolet Spark. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Chevrolet Spark vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SA4GC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was T-bone crashed into on the driver's side by a second vehicle. During the crash, the driver-side curtain air bags did not immediately deploy. The contact indicated that the air bag deployed approximately one minute after the crash had occurred. The driver sustained torso bruises and lower back pain which later required medical treatment. A Police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The local dealer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of the incomplete recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V307000(Air Bag). The failure mileage was 44,813.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-02
- VIN: KL8CL6S0XGC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving downhill with the car in L on a highway and brakes failed. I could not engage the brakes at all but somehow the car slowed to a stop and I managed to pull into a parking spot and park. Two lights came on: Service Intellitrak and Service Brake Assist. The car has been inspected by the Chevrolet dealership that sold the car to me as well as an independant shop. One technician at the Chevrolet dealership reported he got zero brake pressure and claims that the car needs a new brake pressure modulator. The independant shop reported that they could not replicate the poor brake performance. Two technicians from this shop reported that the car is working as intended.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-14
- VIN: KL8CD6SA0GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the cruise control was not operating correctly. Additionally, the RPM was elevated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, no failure was determined. The contact stated that the transmission fluid was flushed and replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-30
- VIN: KL8CK6S04GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Both Brake Assist and stabilitrack go out in conjunction with failure lights (no fore-warning). The vehicle was repaired by a Chevrolet dealership with qualified EV tech. Within two weeks that same brake system failures occurred. The issue greatly increases the force needed to press the brake pedal and lengthens braking distance significantly. it also causes a failure in the braking system while at a stop. so after about 16 seconds braking power is reduced to the point of the car rolling forward / backward while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-15
- VIN: KL8CK6S04GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I have had my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV in for repairs to three Chevy dealers for issues regarding random brake stuttering and complete brake failure resulting in running stop lights and stop signs going 30> MPH. Failure and issues are intermittent, but it appears to be an overly sensitive ABS/ regenerative braking system locking up the wheels and causing my brake peddle to become ineffective at stopping the car for brief periods of time. All dealerships have been at a loss for how to resolve this and have put me back on the road only to run more red lights after approaching at safe speeds. The rear right wheel makes odd clicking while this happens, leading the techs to believe it was a faulty sensor issue. However, all parts are out of stock for this car in the US and therefore I cannot get the vehicle repaired.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-26
- VIN: KL8CB6SA5GC
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RANDOMLY WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR AND CRANK THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH,SCREEN WILL APPEAR- OTHER TIMES THEY WILL NOT. RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING SHE WILL JUST BE DRIVING NORMAL AND IMMEDIATELY SHE SHUTS DOWN AND OFF WITH NO WARNING SIGNS AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE PURCHASE OF HER. IT HAS BEEN ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN 5PM TRAFFIC, A VERY SMALL TOWN IN NON ON SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-09
- VIN: KL8CL65046C
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EITHER A 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' OR 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' WARNING LIGHT GOES ON ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND THE BRAKES LOSE THEIR POWER. IT FEELS LIKE THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT ONLY IT'S THE BRAKES. YOU HAVE TO PUSH WITH ALL OF YOUR POWER TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. ONCE YOU STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON THE WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARS AND YOU CAN KEEP DRIVING. AFTER THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES WE BROUGHT THIS INTO PUTNAM CHEVROLET IN BURLINGAME AND SPENT $1583.97 TO HAVE THE BRAKES COMPLETELY REPLACED. THE MORNING AFTER WE PICKED THE CAR UP THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' WENT ON AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO PUTNAM CHEVROLET WHO SAID, 'ONE OF THE MODULES THAT WE REPLACED WENT BAD,' AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REDO THE BRAKES. THEY ALSO TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT WERE NOT FOUND IN THE INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE 'BODY CONTROL MODULE'. WE PICKED THE CAR UP IN OCTOBER. ON DECEMBER 9TH, 2020 THE 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' AND 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE EVENT: [XXX]. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS CHEVY RISKS MY LIFE, MY PASSENGER'S LIFE, AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-13
- VIN: KL8CB6SA7GC
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN. THE CAR WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND PULLED TOO MUCH AMPERAGE THAT IT BURNED INTERNAL FUSE BOX RELAY. WIPER MOTOR AND FUSE BOX HAD TO BE REPLACED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-05
- VIN: KL8CB6SA2GC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FEB 2018 I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING FOR A CODE 95. AFTER REVIEW I DETERMINED IT WAS AN AIR BAG ERROR MESSAGE. I TOOK IT TO MK SMITH IN CHINO, CA AND THEY REPLACED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. JULY 2020 I RECEIVED THE SAME CODE 95 AIR BAG WARNING MESSAGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO MK SMITH IN CHINO, CA AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF THEY REPLACED A FAULTY PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE WITH A FAULTY PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE AND THE RESPONSE WAS 'YES'. BUT BECAUSE I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE WARNING MESSAGE UNTIL AFTER 12 MONTHS IT'S MY PROBLEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A KNOWN RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE INITIAL RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-15
- VIN: KL8CK6S0XGC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I OWN A 2016 CHEVY SPARK BOUGHT ON JANUARY 2020. OVER THE LAST WEEK (JULY 15) AT 36,569 MILES MY BRAKES HAVE BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY WEAKER WHERE I'M PUSHING MY FOOT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS FAIRLY STEEP, MY BRAKES WON'T STOP MY CAR UNLESS PRESSED AS FAR POSSIBLE TO THE FLOOR. I THOUGHT MY PADS NEEDED CHANGING BUT UPON INSPECTION THEY STILL HAD 90 PERCENT OF LIFE LEFT IN MY PADS. MY BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR IS FULL AND I HAVE NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKS ANYWHERE ON MY BRAKE LINES OR HOUSING. I HEAR ALMOST A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TRY TO APPLY MY BRAKES BUT MY ROTORS SHOW NO SIGNS OF GASHING OR SCRAPING. I DID RECEIVE AN ABS MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT THAT WENT AWAY ON ITS OWN WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH I OWNED THIS VEHICLE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THAT DAY WAS HEAVY RAIN, BUT THAT NOTICE HAS YET TO RETURN ON MY DASH. I FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOME SORT OF PROBLEM WITH EITHER THE COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL PART OF THE BRAKING OR POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CALIPERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED URGENTLY AS THIS CAN LEAD TO FUTURE WRECKS AND POSSIBLE DEATHS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-28
- VIN: KL8CD6SA4GC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 50 MPH. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN BY THE CAR'S MONITORING SYSTEMS UNTIL THE EVENT HAPPEN AND THERE WAS NO OTHER PREVIOUS STEERING ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. ERROR CODES DID ILLUMINATE ONLY AFTER STEERING WAS GONE AND SHOWED A P 68 ERROR CODE. THE VEHICLE HAS 32,331 MILES ON IT, HAS NO ACCIDENT HISTORY OR MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL REPAIR HISTORY. *TR
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-02
- VIN: KL8CB6SA0GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TRANSMISSION. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-27
- VIN: KL8CB6SA5GC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I DID MY RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE BY CHEVEROLET DEALERSHIP AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD. WOULD NOT TURN ON AT ALL, WOULD NOT GO OUT OF GEAR AT ALL. HAD TO HAVE TOAD BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. BUT BC GM IS ON STRIKE RECEIVED NO LOANER CAR. I'M DISABLED AND SO IS HUSBAND WHO HAS SEVERE BRAIN INJURY. I LIVE WAY OUT IN COUNTRY.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-08
- VIN: KL8CL6S00GC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 2016 CHEVY SPARK EV - 35,233 MILES. DRIVING STRAIGHT ON DOWNHILL CITY STREET. STABILITRAK FAILURE MESSAGE APPEARED, THEN BRAKES STOPPED RESPONDING. STEERED CAR INTO CURB TO FORCE IT TO STOP. BRAKE ALARM SYMBOL DISPLAYED ON SCREEN. CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP SAID BRAKE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY & NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND REPROGRAMMING. THIS IS 2ND BRAKE RELATED ISSUE. PRIOR ISSUE WAS LESS THAN 1 MONTH AFTER LEASING IN OCT 2016. BRAKES ALSO FAILED COMPLETELY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
- VIN: KL8CB6SA7G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I HAD JUST LEFT THE HOUSE AND THE CAR WAS FINE. I GOT TO A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION WHERE WRECKS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME AND I PRESSED ON MY BREAKS AND MY CAR DID NOT WANT TO STOP SO I KEPT PRESSING HARDER AND HARDER FINALLY I STOPPED. WHEN I DID THE CAR CUT OFF. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS FOR THE 15 MINUTE DRIVE AND IT CUT OFF ON THE BUSH BYPASS IN THE CITY. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT IT AND THE VACUUM PUMP BLEW UP AFFECTING THE CAMSHAFT. WE HAVE REPLACED THOSE PARTS AND THE SENSOR. NOW, I AM LOOKING FOR A CAMSHAFT EXHAUST ROD THAT NO CHEVY DEALER IN THE US HAS AND THEY SAID IT IS IN EXTREME BACKORDER. WHY IS THAT? I DID FIND ONE IN NORTH CAROLINA BUT IT WAS TAGGED FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A MONTH! I'M PAYING 300.00 A MONTH FOR A NEWER CAR AND 200.00 FOR FULL COVERAGE FOR SOMETHING I CAN'T EVEN GET A PART ON. IT MUST BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE!!! IF YOU LOOK UP THE COMPLAINTS ONLINE YOU WILL SEE THIS CAR IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I SAY IT NEEDS MORE THAN A PART RECALL. THE WHOLE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!! THIS IS AN INCONVENIENCE!! I JUST ASK YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-15
- VIN: KL8CB6SA1GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: THERE WERE TWO INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN ON A MAIN ROAD THE BRAKES LOCKED AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETE STOP. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP AFTER BOTH INCIDENTS. THE PUMP WAS BROKEN IN PIECES ON BOTH OCCASIONS LEADING TO METAL PARTS FALLING INTO THE ENGINE DURING REPAIR AND NEEDING TO BE RETRIEVED TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-25
- VIN: KL8CB6SA3GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING MY BRAKES GOT HARD PREVENTING ME FROM STOPPING ,I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO PICK MY SISTER UP AND AS I WENT TO STOP TO TURN INTO HER DRIVEWAY MY BRAKES ARE SUPER HARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET IT INSPECTED THEY SAID MY BRAKE BOOSTER WAS OUT AND WHEN THEY TOOK IT OFF THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED THEY SAID THIS RARELY EVER HAPPENS BUT THERE IS ALSO BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF IT AND THAT THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: KC8CD6SA1GC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FRONT LIGHTS APPEAR TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THEM. WHEN I HAVE A BULB REPLACE IT GOES RIGHT OUT. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 11/19/2018. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED TWICE ALREADY AND THE OIL INDICATOR CONTINUES TO COME ON.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-25
- VIN: KL8CB6SA5GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1101 W STATE HIGHWAY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED AND THE BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,659.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-31
- VIN: KL8CL6S09GC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND HIT A POT HOLE WHICH RESULTED IN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CURTAINS DEPLOYING. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR CAR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT THE FIRE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BAKER'S RECOVERY AND TOWING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. PAUL-RICHARD GMC (769 W MAIN ST, PERU, IN 46970, (765) 323-4317) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TT *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-07
- VIN: KL8CK6S09GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV ON A CITY ROADWAY WHEN I HAD A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AND ALMOST WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AT THE START OF MY COMMUTE, I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON WHICH WAS PARKED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PULSATING. AS I PULLED OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY THE PULSATING AND THE LOUD SOUND CONTINUED AS A SET OF WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE (ABS WARNING, STABILITRAK AND SERVICE BRAKES). I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN TO APPROX. 30 MPH IN A 50 MPH ZONE AS I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION. AS I CAME TO A BUSY INTERSECTION I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. I FORCEFULLY PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MAXIMUM FORCE POSSIBLE AS THE VEHICLE BARELY SLOWED DOWN. I ALSO HAD TO PUT THE SELECTOR TO "L" WHICH HELPED THE VEHICLE SLOW AS I STOPPED APPROX. 3 FEET PAST THE LIMIT LINE. IF I WERE GOING 10MPH FASTER AND IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT THE RED LIGHT I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION DUE TO THE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. AFTER, I DROVE THE VEHICLE (5MPH) INTO A PARKING LOT AS THE LIGHTS AND BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR 5 MINUTES THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. WHEN I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AS THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS AND THE BRAKES WORKED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. CONDITIONS DURING THIS TIME WAS A TYPICAL CALIFORNIA SUNNY DAY AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL CONDITIONS. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME TAKING THE CHEVY SPARK IN FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. ON 10/3/2016 THE BRAKE MODULES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE PULSATING PROBLEMS HOWEVER THE BRAKES DID NOT FAIL THE FIRST TIME. MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-10
- VIN: KL8CK6S06GC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND WAS HIT FROM THE REAR ON A CITY STREET. THE IMPACT SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 15MPH (ESTIMATED). THE DRIVER SEAT SLID BACK UPON IMPACT AND APPEARED TO DERAIL AND WAS STOPPED BY THE REAR SEAT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT WOULD NOT SLIDE FORWARD. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED..
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-01
- VIN: KL8CL6S06GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: SUDDEN AND STRONG BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATIONS OCCASIONALLY RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANTLY MORE PEDAL TRAVEL, SIGNIFICANTLY LESS BRAKING FORCE, AND SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES THAN TYPICALLY EXPERIENCED DURING SIMILAR BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATIONS. EACH EVENT OCCURRED ON WARM, DRY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STREETS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS, TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. ON EACH OCCASION, THE BRAKES -- INCLUDING REGENERATION -- FUNCTIONED AS EXPECTED JUST PRIOR TO AND JUST AFTER THE EVENT, AND THE BATTERY WAS IN A STATE OF PARTIAL DISCHARGE, BUT DURING EACH EVENT THE PEDAL FEEL WAS SIMILAR TO THE FEEL EXPERIENCED JUST AFTER CHARGING TO 100% (WHEN REGENERATIVE BRAKING IS NOT YET AVAILABLE.) I SUSPECT THAT ON EACH OF THESE OCCASIONS, THE CAR'S REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS UNEXPECTEDLY DEACTIVATED FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, AND THE SUBSEQUENT MECHANICAL-ONLY BRAKE APPLICATION (ON COLD PADS) RESULTED IN THE PEDAL FEEL/BRAKING FORCE/STOPPING DISTANCE CHANGES. NOTE THAT I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN TWO YEARS OF DRIVING A FIAT 500E ON THE SAME ROUTE, IN THE SAME WAY, YET THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH MY CHEVROLET SPARK EV ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1ST 2017.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-10
- VIN: KL8CA6SA2GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH WORE OUT ON 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK LS IN LESS THAN 11,000 MILES (JUST OVER 1 YEAR OLD). I AM AN EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVER WHO HAS DRIVEN OTHER CARS TO OVER 125,000 MILES WITHOUT NEEDING A NEW CLUTCH. CLEARLY DEFECTIVE CLUTCH BUT THEY WOULDN'T COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A "WEAR ITEM". NO, IT WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM. DON'T BUY CHEVROLET SINCE THEY DON'T STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES AND YOU WILL PAY HUGE REPAIR COSTS FOR THEIR DEFECTS/PROBLEMS.
2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2016 Chevrolet Spark.
- 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.
Negative 2016 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
Positive 2016 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
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I have been looking at the Spark for a few months and was pleasantly surprised by the roominess of this little car! As a 6 foot tall woman, my previous car just wasn't cutting it, but the Spark feels like you sit up, almost like an SUV. The ride is great, and I drive 40 minutes one way to work every day. This little guy reminds me of my old Omni (back in the day), but with a much better ride! I love the mpg. Overall, I give it 5 stars all the way!
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I've had this car for almost 2 years now, so I feel like I can give a decent review. First of all, it's a small car, so if you have children, it might not be the best choice for you. I'm only 5'4, so my seat is pushed up farther than the average person, and there's not much legroom in the back. If you're regularly carrying passengers, they might be uncomfortable or not fit at all. However, this car works for me because I'm usually the only one in it. It's a no-frills car in some ways, as it doesn't have power locks or windows, but that doesn't bother me. The technology with the Apple CarPlay is wonderful, and I won't have another car without it. I've taken this little car on long trips, and being able to listen to my podcasts and bring them up through my car's navigation screen is awesome. The car seating is comfortable, and I've never felt achy or like I needed to stretch more than usual after long drives. The handling of the car is fine, and it goes great in the snow. I can go quite a while without having my oil changed, which is a bonus, and nothing has needed attention since I bought the car brand new. Overall, I'm really happy with my car and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a small, reliable car.The traction control always kicks in and does its job whenever I hit a slick spot. I'm often surprised when I make it into work, given what I drive, but this car has been very good to me in the snow. Overall, I like the car, but it's not a long-term option for me. It's just too small for when I decide to have children. Also, if I frequently gave other people rides or needed to haul things, it wouldn't work for that either. For now, it does what it needs to do, and I'm happy with that. It's a great car for a single person who doesn't need a lot.
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Just test drive it. That will convince you!
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I love the car because of its economy. I bought the most stripped down model with a manual shift. I love the tiny size, even though I'm 6' tall and weigh 190 pounds, and the great fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the trade-in value was not great. Out of curiosity, I took it to Toyota and they offered me only $5000 to trade it in for a used Toyota Fit. Yikes!
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I used to own the 2013 Spark and found it lacking due to its weak engine and suspension. However, the new 2016 model boasts a reliable 1.4 engine, which is the same as the one in my Cruze. While I do wish it came in a turbo with tighter suspension, I still find it zippy and fun. I opted for the 5-speed model, which has crank-up windows and no auto door locks, but I prefer it that way. Although it's a little slow to get going, it's quite responsive on the freeway. I was able to purchase my model on sale for only 9K, which is an unbelievable deal when you consider the back-up camera, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay (although I have an Android). All I can say is that this car is underpriced compared to others for what you get. It may even be worth double the price!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Chevrolet Spark problems:
2016 Chevrolet Spark Problems | Kelley Blue Book
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Other years of Chevrolet Spark
Are you having problems with your 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
Jean Dooley 2024-05-10
I am sorry to hear about the issues you have been experiencing with your 2015 Spark. It is unacceptable that you have had to take it to the shop 8 times for transmission issues, and that you have had to deal with electrical problems and no AC. Additionally, the incident with the traction control is concerning. It is clear that you have been through a lot of stress and inconvenience due to these issues. As a confident solution, I recommend that you escalate this matter to a higher authority at Chevy to ensure that your concerns are addressed and resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Cecil Schaefer 2024-03-13
The issue began with a broken vacuum pump and a faulty valve cover gasket that caused oil to leak. Although there are multiple problems, they can be fixed with confidence.
Bennie Boyer 2024-03-07
Avoid purchasing a Chevy Spark. The problems you may encounter could potentially exceed the value of the car, and unfortunately, Chevy may not provide adequate support. As a first-time car buyer, I have had a negative experience with Chevy and will not consider purchasing any of their vehicles in the future.