2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Spark problems
The Chevrolet Spark, a compact city car produced by General Motors, has been known for its reliability over the years. However, some model years have had their fair share of problems. One of the most common issues reported by owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Spark is a software glitch in the airbags and seat belts. This 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. This issue led to a recall of many vehicles, including the 2016 Spark.
Another problem reported by 2016 Spark owners is brake-related issues. Complaints range from complete brake failure to stuttering while braking, which is a significant safety concern.
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark, on the other hand, has been reported to have transmission issues. Drivers have experienced transmission hesitation and acceleration problems, especially on hills and highways, which can be quite scary for those relying on their vehicle for daily transportation.
For the 2019 Chevrolet Spark, the main issue reported is a busted A/C system. This problem can be caused by various factors, including refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, or a defective compressor. This issue is particularly concerning for those living in areas with severe weather systems, as a faulty A/C system can make driving uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
In summary, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has been reported to have software glitches in the airbags and seat belts, as well as brake-related issues. The 2018 Spark has been known for transmission problems, while the 2019 Spark has had reports of a faulty A/C system. It is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when deciding which model year to purchase.
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.
Is Chevrolet 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.
Is a Chevy Spark expensive to fix?
Chevrolet Spark Maintenance Costs
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.
How long do Chevy Spark engines last?
High mileage for a Chevy Spark is typically around 130,000 miles, as the lifespan for the car is 150,000-200,000 miles. Once you pass this point, it's much more likely to encounter serious troubles. Cared-for and reliable years might make it past the 150,000 point before it's considered to have high mileage.
Is the 2018 Chevy Spark reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Spark? The 2018 Spark has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
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.
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.
Is Chevrolet Spark expensive to maintain?
Expect Scheduled Maintenance cost at around 40 paise per Km - if you drive 1 Lakh Kms - however - wear & tear items replacement cost - would be additional. I want to buy a spark 4years old and has run 30000 k.m. . The I terior and exterior is in good conditions.
2018 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
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Chevrolet Spark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Chevrolet Spark complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Chevrolet Spark.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
- VIN: KL8CB6SA4JC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact's husband owns a 2018 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that the brake booster failed while driving at various speeds on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer yearly for the brake booster repair since the initial failure; however, the most recent failure occurred within six months. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- VIN: KL8CB6SA4JC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: This is the third time while driving that my brakes have simply just gone out. It’s usually on the freeway while at high speeds and I’m nearly not able to stop. This is the third time in three years. No lights come on on the dashboard and no warnings happened at all the brakes just simply stopped working. It takes extreme pressure to try to stop and I’m usually told that it’s some part of the vacuum.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-26
- VIN: KL8CD6SAXJC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT A COMPLETE STOP.. IT SEEMS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT ACCELERATE
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-12
- VIN: KL8CB6SA0JC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE CAR CAN'T DECIDE IF IT WANTS TO MOVE OR NOT AND IT WILL JUST SIT AND REV AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AS I AM PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-21
- VIN: KL8CB6SA3JC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CHEVROLET SPARK CANNOT DECIDE WHAT GEAR IT WANTS TO BE IN, CAUSING DELAYS THAT ARE DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC OR TURNING ACROSS LINES OF TRAFFIC. FOR INSTANCE, I SLOW DOWN TO GET INTO THE CENTER TURNING LANE OF A 5-LANE STREET AND THEN WHEN CLEAR, I ACCELERATE TO MAKE THE TURN. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT MAKES A SHORT STALL AS IT CAN'T DECIDE IF IT NEEDS TO GET INTO A HIGHER OR LOWER GEAR. IT CLEARLY TAKES A LONG TIME AND GOES UP AND DOWN WHICH PLACES ME UNCOMFORTABLY TOO CLOSE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. OTHER TIMES WHEN I PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC, THE SAME SCENARIO REPEATS. I WONDER IF IT SHIFTS INTO A TOO HIGH A GEAR TOO SOON THEN DOWN SHIFTS ONE GEAR AND THEN UPSHIFTS AS THE CAR STARTS TO ACCELERATE. SEVERAL TIMES A DAY WHEN I SLOW TO ADJUST TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THEN ACCELERATE AFTER SLOWING, THE CAR LAG/STALL HAPPENS AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS UP AND DOWN THROUGH THE GEARS. THE CAR JUST CAN'T DECIDE WHAT IS THE BEST GEAR TO BE IN. I FEEL THAT THIS IS DANGEROUS. IT CERTAINLY MAKES ONE VERY UNEASY WHEN YOU PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC AND THEN THE CAR BARELY MOVES FOR A VERY CRITICAL SECOND OR TWO.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-21
- VIN: KL8CB6SA3JC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN BRAKING, A THUMPING SOUND IS HEARD IN THE REAR DRUM BRAKES OF MY BRAND NEW CHEVY SPARK. I CANNOT DECIDE WHICH ONE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM, OR BOTH. IT WILL GO AWAY AFTER A WHILE. IT OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN I NEED TO BRAKE HARD, BUT NOT ALWAYS. AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY DAY. THE CAR IS NEW. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE VERY FIRST OIL CHANGE, I ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO IT. THEY KEPT THE CAR 3 DAYS. THEY SAID THEY DROVE IT BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY NOISE. TO MY SURPRISE, DURING THOSE THREE DAYS, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PULL THE WHEEL AND LOOK INSIDE THE DRUM FOR A BROKEN SPRING, WARPING, DELAMINATION OR SOME OTHER COMPONENT DEFECT OR SYSTEM FAILURE. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH DRUM BRAKES MAKING THIS SOUND.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
- VIN: KL8CD6SA9JC
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS A PERIODIC OCCURANCE WHEN GOING STARTING AT 0MPH AT ANY POINT DURING A TRIP. NORMALLY THE ENGINE WILL REV SMOOTHLY BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN GOING FROM A COMPLETE STOP TO GETTING TO AT LEAST 30MPH IT FEELS AS IF THE ENGINE IS JUST TAKING IN AIR AND IT JUST REVS UP AND THE CAR STARTS TO ROLL BUT DOESNT ACTUALLY ACCELLERATE PROPERLY AND THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU HAVE TO MOVE SUDDENLY TO AVOID BEING HIT. I HAVE THE LT1 MODEL SPECIFICALLY.
Negative 2018 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
Positive 2018 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
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If you're looking for an affordable car that's perfect for in-town driving, college students, or new drivers, this might be the car for you! While it may not win any races or turn heads, it gets the job done with its 98 hp engine and 9-gallon tank that can go up to 300 miles. The CVT may not be the smoothest, but it has a certain charm to it. I've been driving it to work every day, rain or shine, and it's been performing like a champ, even in heavy snow. The LS model has basic amenities, like hand-crank windows and manually adjusted mirrors, which may appeal to retro fanatics. The back seat is not very spacious and doesn't fold flat, but it can fit a few bags of groceries or even skis and poles diagonally. The car also has great internet connectivity, a decent stereo, and a high-quality backup camera, which are all better than what I had in my 2016 Mazda 3 i Sport. Plus, since the car has been discontinued, it's becoming more affordable. While it may not have much resale value, it's a reliable car that you can drive for years to come. Overall, it might just be the car you need! UPDATE: I've owned it for a year now and it's still going strong!
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The Chevy Spark is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, affordable, and safe subcompact car. Despite its small size, it offers surprisingly roomy head and leg space, even for taller passengers. As someone who researched subcompacts for years before replacing my old car, I can confidently say that the Spark was the best option for me. It comes with all the new features I wanted and boasts a great safety rating. Although I would have preferred to buy a car made by union autoworkers, the Spark was the best compromise since there are no subcompacts made in the US. While there are a few small design issues, such as the passenger headrest blocking the view if the seat isn't in the right place and the small sun visor, they don't detract from my overall enjoyment of driving this car. Plus, the bright and beautiful blue color makes me more visible to my fellow commuters. I highly recommend the Chevy Spark to anyone looking for a friendly and comfortable subcompact car.
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This car is a great choice for those looking for a reliable vehicle. After a year of ownership, I have had no problems with reliability. The front seats are spacious and can comfortably fit two larger individuals, as long as the seatbacks are staggered slightly. The Android Auto feature is fantastic, but the CVT can be a bit of a challenge. If you are able to drive manual or are interested in learning, this car would be a great option, especially with the hill holder feature. The CVT can be unresponsive and may struggle on steep hills, but using the L mode can help. Despite this, the car is easy to park, fuel-efficient, and a breeze to drive in traffic. It's even enjoyable to take on curves. Keep in mind that if you have tall passengers in the front, there may not be enough room for those in the back. Additionally, the stock Kumho tires that come with the car are not ideal for snowy conditions, so it's recommended to invest in snow tires if you live in an area with harsh winters. Overall, this car has been issue-free for me and I highly recommend it. It's worth noting that there was one recall, but it was handled promptly and efficiently.
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I'm retired and my 72 car is perfect for me. I have plenty of visibility, driver and passenger leg and head room. It's great on gas mileage and handles and responds well. Plus, it comes with a 3-year bumper to bumper warranty, 2 free oil changes, and 5 years of roadside assistance.
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The Chevy Spark is a fantastic little car that offers great value for money. Although it may not be as smooth-driving as some other cars, such as my Nissan Cube or PT Cruiser, it is still an excellent choice for those on a budget. While the trunk may have limited storage space, it is still sufficient for a car of this size. I particularly appreciate the recessed back entry handles and the color back-up camera. The driver's seat is also a standout feature, as it can be adjusted to make getting in and out of the car much easier, which is especially important for older drivers like myself. Additionally, the armrest on the driver's seat is a great added bonus.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Chevrolet Spark problems:
2018 Chevrolet Spark Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Chevrolet Spark? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
How much work have you put into a Chevy Spark 5+ years later? : r ...
Jan 5, 2023 ... Found in the Spark sub here that the '14 and '15 have this jatco tranmission that is a known problem and GM extended the warranty on it to 10 ...
2018-2022 Chevy Spark Problems | Get Compensated!
Apr 10, 2023 ... Some of the same brake problems persist with the 2019 Spark. Again, drivers are complaining about noise, with an added issue that leads to a ...
Any 2016-2019 Spark owners out there with NO problems? - Chevy ...
Nov 26, 2019 ... Most posts here deal with problems owners are having with their Spark. It gives one the impression these cheap little Korean imports have ...
2017 Transmission failure : r/chevyspark
Jun 15, 2022 ... Yes the Chevy Spark and the Nissan Versa have had a lot of issues with the JATCO CVT7 over the years, however the Suzuki Swift and Mitsubishi ...
Other years of Chevrolet Spark
Are you having problems with your 2018 Chevrolet Spark?
Deon Goodwin 2024-09-20
I have had my car for 15 months now, bought it brand new, and unfortunately, I have had some issues with it. The vacuum pump, CV joint, and alternator or starter have all needed attention. Additionally, my front automatic windows no longer work, and I have had trouble with the headlights. Despite these challenges, I am determined to find the right parts to fix my car and keep it running smoothly. I appreciate your understanding and support as I work through these issues.
Griffin Prosacco 2024-09-08
I purchased a brand new 2017 Chevy Spark, but unfortunately, I experienced some issues with it. The brain and transmission went out, and there were also some recalls on the airbag and back up screen. Recently, the transmission has been making a strange noise, and there is some hesitation when taking off from a complete stop. Despite taking it to the dealership multiple times, the issue persists. I am disappointed with the situation, as I believe a car should not have these problems. I have read other reviews with similar issues. I am considering my options, such as speaking to the owner of the car lot or seeking legal advice, but I hope to resolve this matter with GM soon. Overall, I am not satisfied with my experience, but I remain hopeful for a positive outcome.
Dejuan Deckow 2024-08-28
I recently purchased a BMW and I'm really enjoying it. I'm not a big fan of front wheel drive, so I'm glad I made the switch.
Dedric Marquardt 2024-08-24
My brother recently bought my mom a new car, a Spark. He wanted to make sure she was safe and secure, but unfortunately, the car has been giving her some trouble. It keeps turning off unexpectedly, even on the highway. She's taken it to the dealer, but they haven't been able to find the problem. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this car.
Judge Pfannerstill 2024-08-13
I completely understand your concerns about the car being too small and not feeling safe in Dallas traffic. It's important to have a car that you can rely on for many years. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.