2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Spark problems
The 2020 Chevrolet Spark has been reported to have issues with airbags, steering wheel wobble, and a loose trunk divider. Five of the nine complaints about the 2020 Spark are related to airbags, with some drivers reporting that the airbags fail to deploy, while one reported that it deployed too forcefully. Steering wheel wobble has been reported, but this could be due to new tires settling in. The car's trunk divider may pop open at random, which can block the driver's view out the back window.
In terms of mechanical issues, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has the most overall complaints, and it is rated as the worst model year due to factors such as repair cost and average mileage when problems occur.
It is worth noting that the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, while more reliable than earlier years, still has a decent number of complaints, including a software glitch that can cause the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate, preventing the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying during accidents.
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark struggles with several issues, including transmission problems that can cause the vehicle to slip or fail, leading to sudden, uncontrolled shifting, especially at highway speeds.
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark also has some concerning issues, including a busted A/C system and transmission problems that can cause the vehicle to vibrate or buckle during acceleration, leading to a loss of power or acceleration speed.
In summary, while the Chevrolet Spark has been praised for its affordability and fuel efficiency, various model years have been reported to have issues with airbags, steering wheel wobble, loose trunk dividers, excessive oil consumption, and transmission problems. It is essential for potential buyers to research and consider these issues before making a purchase decision.
Is a 2020 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
The 2020 Chevy Spark has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
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.
Are there any recalls on the 2020 Chevy Spark?
There are currently no recorded recalls for this car. If you believe your car has a safety defect, but hasn't been recalled, please check up with your local dealer or service center.
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.
How reliable is a 2020 Chevy Spark?
The 2020 Chevy Spark has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
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 there a recall on the 2020 Spark?
There are currently no recorded recalls for this car. If you believe your car has a safety defect, but hasn't been recalled, please check up with your local dealer or service center.
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.
2020 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Chevrolet Spark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Chevrolet Spark complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Chevrolet Spark.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CD6SA0LC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My 2020 Chevy Spark was hit from behind at a rate of 40-50 mph. The airbags did not employ. However, the vehicle that struck the car, all of its airbags deployed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SAXLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SAXLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that the police department informed them that the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire may have started under the instrument panel and air bags had deployed. The vehicle was severely burned and only the contact’s vehicle was burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. No one was injured. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 19,000. The contact stated the vehicle has been totaled out.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-23
- VIN: KL8CB6SA1LC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The fuel line or a component which is part of the fuel system was chewed through by a rodent and the gas was pouring out of the rear of the car. My safety was at risk because if I didn't first smell the gas and then see the dripping gas, something may have sparked and caused the car to catch on fire or explode. The problem was confirmed by the dealer who sold me the car and who repaired the problem. The problem was not inspected by the manufacturer, etc. There were no warning lights that could have warned about the problem until the tank ran dry. I did see online that there is a class action against Toyota and Honda because the wires in their cars are coated with a soy material which is attracting rodents. My 2020 Chevy Spark was purchased new. The car I had previously sat out in the same parking area for 9 years and I have never had rodents attracted to the wires or fuel system.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Solus TA31, Tire Size: 185/55/R15, DOT Number: Y0MBYAY1. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front tires and the passenger's side rear tire had chunks of rubber separating from the tread. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's and passenger's side front tires and the passenger's side rear tire needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the tires were not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 22,817.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- VIN: KL8CD6SA1LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle at a red light, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer who stated that the battery might have failed. The battery and battery cables were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,719.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-20
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SA5LC
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: All of the airbags were too strong. The doctor thought my leg was broken from the leg airbag. I was even wearing ugg boots to my knees, so I would have had a worse injury without them. I got a concussion from the airbag that hit my face and my nose was broken. My left hand was severely bruised almost covering the whole hand, my legs were bruised with cuts all over. There were bruises as if pieces were flying at my legs from within the airbags. One circular bruise on my leg lasted almost a year. Also, the seatbelt was too harsh. It pulled at my shoulder and the injury has lasted until now. My passenger had cuts on her legs and severe bruises on her stomach from the seatbelt. We were in a head-on accident with the other car going about 45 at us and going faster and faster.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-03
- VIN: KL8CB6SA7LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Our car broke down on 07/08/2021 and went into the shop on 07/12/2021. It was eventually determined the engine had to be replaced. The car was in the shop until 09/02/2021. The following day during a test drive I noticed some minor, unusual response, almost unnoticeable, from the brakes, but there were no warning lights or messages. I connected a code reader and received the following codes: U0422, U0151, and C0800. I think all of them are sent by the ECU and involve communication problems with the ABS and the restraint systems, but yet, no warnings. I took it back to the shop. They found a shorted or bad Body Control Module, probably caused during the engine swap. If I hadn’t found those codes, perhaps the brakes or restraint systems may not have performed correctly in an accident. Obviously, the BCM can be defective and no warning lights are displayed, yet the car seems to perform almost normal. My wife did not detect the unusual braking response. We have parked the car. It seems to me, if the BCM goes defective, there should be a red light, stop immediately warning. I think every system in the car has to communicate with it. Could it be a problem created in the factory?
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SA0LC
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE #1 HEADING SOUTHBOUND THEN CROSS LANES AND TURE ABRUPTLY EASTWARD INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC OF VEHICLE #2 NORTHBOUND LANE. BOTH VEHICLE'S COLLIDED AND VEHICLE #2 AIR BAG'S DID NOT DEPLOY DURING IMPACT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CB6SA0LC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE INTERSECTED HIS LANE AND HE T-BONED THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HIS RIGHT KNEE, LOW AND UPPER BACK AND NECK. THE CONTACT'S WIFE(FRONT PASSENGER) SUSTAINED FRACTURE RIBS ON HER RIGHT SIDE AND A WHIPLASH. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A EMERGENCY ROOM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VAN CHEVROLET (100 NW VIVION RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64118: (816) 527-8564) AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,718.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-06
- VIN: KL8CF6SA0LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TRUNK DIVIDER OPENS RANDOMLY BLOCKING REAR WINDOW RANDOMLY WILL HAVE TO PARK AND GET OUT OPEN HATCH AND PUT IT BACK DOWN DEFINITELY A HAZARD IF ONE USES THERE REAR VIEW MIRROR AS IT BLOCKS THE WINDOW COMPLETELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT STAY DOWN OR SIMPLY REMOVE THE PIECE ALL TOGETHER! IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES CAR NOW HAS 3000 MILES AND ANY SPEED!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL8CD6SA3LC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE HAD A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RELIABLE CHEVROLET (3655 S CAMPBELL AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807: (417) 708-8088) AND WAS MADE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-17
- VIN: KL8CD6SA3LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE SHELF, COVER, TOP OVER THE TRUNK AREA DOES NOT STAY DOWN. IT IS NOT ATTACHED BY ANY CORDS TO RAISE IT UP OR LOWER IT WHEN OPENING THE HATCHBACK. IF IT IS UP SEEING OUT THE BACK WINDOW IS EXTREMELY LIMITED, POSING A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT AN OBJECT ON THE TOP OF IT TO STAY DOWN, AND HOPE IT DOESN'T FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-19
- VIN: KL8CB6SA2LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I SENT THIS UNIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A KEY PROGRAMMED BUT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM THE KEY. THEY SAID THEY NEED FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROGRAM A KEY. PLEASE ADVISE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-05
- VIN: KL8CD6SA0LC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DRIVING 3-5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, WHILE IN THE APEX OF THE LEFT TURN TO PARK IN THE SPOT, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHUTTER LEFT AND RIGHT, NOT SO VIOLENTLY THAT I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOW, BUT JUST ENOUGH TO FEEL, AND SEE THE STEERING WHEEL MOVE LEFT AND RIGHT BETWEEN 1/8 - 1/16 INCH IN RAPID PULSES. IT LASTED ABOUT 5 - 7 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 26 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE NEW VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED BY FLATBED TRUCK ON 03/31/2020 WITH ONLY 5 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE DATE OF THE EVENT WAS 04/05/2020. WEATHER DRY, TIRES FULL. IT CONCERNS ME, AS MY WIFE DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
Negative 2020 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
Positive 2020 Chevrolet Spark car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you love your 2019 Spark! It's great to know that you're getting such good gas mileage, even when driving mostly in town. And it's even better to hear that it's comfortable and drives well on road trips. I can definitely understand how it might be a bit tricky to find your car in a crowded parking lot, but it sounds like a small price to pay for such a great vehicle!
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Reliable, fuel efficient, and with a low cost of ownership.
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I purchased a 2019 Chevy Spark 1LT with an automatic CVT about a month ago. I am getting an impressive 38 MPG City (I don't usually drive on highways) - and I'm really impressed with this little car! The built-in backup camera and infotainment system with Android Auto are more than I could ask for in an entry-level vehicle. It doesn't feel like an entry-level vehicle at all. There is plenty of room (I am 5'5 and my significant other is 6'2) and there is no need to own a vehicle with greater cargo capacity or a higher price, unless your household is much larger. I looked at Nissan, Honda, and Kia before settling on this Chevy Spark, and nothing in the same class matched the value and price point.
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Chevy has a real winner in the Spark! It's easy to park, fun to drive, good on gas, and everybody tells me it's cute. I was going to buy a Honda Fit, but it would have cost me $3,000 more and this car is better.
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This Spark is surprisingly quiet and smooth around town and even on level highways. The driver seat is very comfortable and it comes well-equipped with power windows, timer headlights, a good sound system, cargo area light, map light, and much more. It feels much more expensive than it actually is, especially when buying a used Spark.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Chevrolet Spark problems:
Anything to look out for on a 2020 Spark CVT? : r/chevyspark
Jan 8, 2023 ... I have a 2LT and have a loss of coolant that occurs (car has only 7k miles) and chevy cannot find the problem twice. All things aside, I love ...
2020 Chevrolet Spark Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Chevrolet Spark? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2020 Chevrolet Spark Problems Revolve Around Airbag Issues ...
May 3, 2022 ... The 2020 Chevrolet Spark has few complaints, with the biggest issue being airbags, followed by steering wobble and a loose trunk divider.
2020 Chevy Spark Problems and Top Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
Compact cars don't dominate the street anymore, but there is still a place for them in urban settings. The 2020 Chevrolet Spark is labeled as a “city go-getter, ...
Other years of Chevrolet Spark
Are you having problems with your 2020 Chevrolet Spark?
Norbert Kunze 2024-11-28
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.
Rollin Rippin 2024-08-28
I am extremely dissatisfied with this car. Despite being handicapped and facing difficulties in getting my wheelchair in and out of the car, I decided to purchase it. However, since February 2020, I have been facing issues with the air conditioner. Despite taking it in for repairs multiple times, the issue persists and I am left disappointed. Additionally, the back seat is too small for my needs. I believe that these issues need to be addressed immediately and I expect a prompt resolution.
Izaiah Halvorson 2024-06-18
The Chevrolet Spark is a perfect vehicle for your daily commute. It will get you from point A to B with ease. Although the little 1.4L engine has enough power to cruise around, the CVT transmission can be problematic. However, it's great on gas mileage!